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 the 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 where disc layers begin and end ("layer breaks"), and which portions of the MDF belong in which 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