NAME
mmc_format – format optical media
SYNOPSIS
mmc_format [-BDFGHhIMOpRrSsw] [-b blockingnr] [-c cert-num] special
DESCRIPTION
The mmc_format utility formats optical media conforming to the MMC standard. This includes CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray (BD) media.
The options are as follows:
- -B
-
Blank media when possible before formatting it.
- -b blockingnr
-
Explicitly select packet size in sectors (for CD-RW only). It is not recommended to change this from its default of 32.
- -c cert-num
-
Certify media for DVD-RAM / DV-RE. The argument cert-num specifies:
- 0
-
no certification
- 1
-
full certification
- 2
-
quick certification
- -D
-
Debug mode. Print all SCSI/ATAPI command errors.
- -F
-
Format media.
- -G
-
Grow last CD-RW/DVD-RW session.
- -H
-
Show help and print formatting choices for the inserted media.
- -h
-
Show help and print formatting choices for the inserted media.
- -I
-
Show help and print formatting choices for the inserted media.
- -M
-
Select MRW (Mount Rainier) error correcting background format.
- -O
-
Old style CD-RW formatting; recommended for CD-RW.
- -p
-
Explicitly set packet format.
- -R
-
Restart previously stopped MCD-MRW or DVD+RW background format.
- -r
-
Recompile defect list for DVD-RAM.
- -S
-
Grow spare space DVD-RAM / BD-RE.
- -s
-
Format DVD+MRW / BD-RE with extra spare space.
- -w
-
Wait until completion of background format.
NOTES
Due to the enormous varieties in optical media, mmc_format is made as generic as possible. This can result in confusion.
EXAMPLES
mmc_format -B -O /dev/rcd0d
Blanks and then formats a CD-RW disc using the “old style” format command. It is recommended to use this “old style” command unless your drive reports that it's not supported; in that case, resort to the default -F. Note that a CD-RW disc can be reformatted without being blanked. Blanking switches between sequential and fixed packet writing by erasing the disc. This can also help to revive old discs.
mmc_format -F -M /dev/rcd0d
Format a CD-RW or a DVD+RW to use MRW (Mount Rainier). This format tries to hide media flaws as much as possible by relocation.
SEE ALSO
scsictl(8)
HISTORY
The mmc_format command first appeared in NetBSD 5.0.
AUTHORS
Reinoud Zandijk ⟨[email protected]⟩
BUGS
mmc_format could be merged with scsictl(8) but that tool is very hard disk oriented.