Media Descriptor File
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2011) |
| Mirror Disk File | |
|---|---|
| Filename extension |
.mdf |
| Type of format | Disc image |
| Media Descriptor | |
|---|---|
| Filename extension |
.mds |
| Magic number | MEDIA DESCRIPTOR |
| Type of format | Sidecar file |
Mirror Data File (MDF) is a proprietary disc image file format developed for Alcohol 120%, an optical disc authoring program.[citation needed] Daemon Tools, MagicISO, PowerISO, and PowerDVD can also read the MDF format.[1] A disc image is a file that replicates the computer files and file system of an optical disc.
Unlike an ISO image, a Mirror Data File can contain multiple layers (as used in dual-layer recording) and multiple optical disc tracks. Like IMG file format, a Mirror Data File is a "raw" image of an optical disc.
A Mirror Data File may be accompanied by a media descriptor sidecar file. This optional binary file (with file extension .mds) contains metadata about an imaged optical disc, including a delineation of the "breaks" between disc layers. The MDS file also stores the location and value of the layer breach bit, a CD/DVD copy protection mechanism. The MDS file is comparable to the CloneCD Control File and cue sheet (.cue) file formats. However, their capabilities are not identical; also the cue sheet is a text file format.
See also
References
- ^ ".MDF File Extension". FileInfo.com. 29 September 2009. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
External links
Media Descriptor FileTemplate:Accessdate