Overview
ISO/IEC 13490-1:1995 - Information technology - Volume and file structure of read-only and write-once compact disk media for information interchange - Part 1: General - defines the general framework, terminology and basic structures used to record and interchange files and volumes on CD-ROM, CD-WO (write-once) and hybrid CD-WO media. Part 1 specifies references, definitions, notation and basic types that apply to the companion specification ISO/IEC 13490-2 (Volume and File Structure). ISO/IEC 13490 is an enhancement of ISO 9660 and aligns with ISO/IEC 13346 for boot block recognition and record structure.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Format and system requirements for volume and boot block recognition, volume structure, file structure and record structure for CD-ROM, CD-WO and hybrid discs.
- Definitions and notation: Standardized terminology (e.g., byte, sector, record, volume, volume set) and numeric/character notation used throughout the standard.
- Basic types and character sets: Definitions of numerical values, timestamp formats and character set handling consistent with referenced standards.
- Conformance rules: Criteria for medium conformance and for information processing systems (originating and receiving systems) to claim compliance with ISO/IEC 13490.
- Interoperability considerations: Guidance that enables a volume set to be readable by systems conforming to ISO 9660 and by systems conforming to ISO/IEC 13490 under specified conditions.
- Relationships to record and boot specifications: References to ISO/IEC 13346 parts for boot block recognition and record structure.
Practical applications
- Ensures reliable file interchange on CD-ROM and write-once media across different operating systems and environments.
- Supports incremental recording and updating of data on CD-WO while maintaining interoperability with legacy ISO 9660 readers when restrictions are met.
- Provides implementers with the foundational nomenclature and structures required to design file systems, authoring tools and verification tools for compact disc media.
Who uses this standard
- CD-ROM/CD-WO hardware and firmware manufacturers
- File-system and operating system developers implementing disc-reading features
- Software vendors producing disc authoring and imaging tools
- Archivists and data preservation professionals specifying media interchange formats
- Test labs and certification bodies assessing conformance
Related standards
- ISO 9660 - CD-ROM volume and file structure (legacy compatibility)
- ISO/IEC 13490-2:1995 - Part 2: Volume and file structure
- ISO/IEC 13346 (and parts 2, 5) - Volume/boot recognition and record structure for write-once/rewritable media
- ISO/IEC 13800, ISO/IEC 10646, IEC 908 - referenced for identifiers, character sets and optical disc systems
Keywords: ISO/IEC 13490-1:1995, CD-WO, CD-ROM, volume and file structure, write-once compact disk, hybrid CD-WO, ISO 9660, ISO/IEC 13346, boot block recognition, record structure.