Cactus Data Shield: CDS200
This one works by placing a fake
TOC (
Table of Contents) in the outer edge of the disc, so that audio CD players can read the correct TOC in the inner edge, while
CD-ROM's can't.
As you may already know, standard audio players, like your regular
DiscMan, reads the disc from the inner edge and outwards. CD-ROM players, often found in computers and car stereos, reads the disc from the outer edge and inwards. By placing a fake TOC at the outer edge, the CD player isn't given the correct
layout of the disc. This complicates playback and disables the user from playing it correctly.
This writeup describes on how to copy the tracks to your
hard drive, so that you can play it on your computer or burn a copy of it so that you can play it in your car stereo.
For this type of Cactus Data Shield protection, there is a way to extract the audio
digitally. You will need:
- A CD-ROM drive capable of reading CDS protected discs (see below)
- CloneCD (http://www.elby.de)
- Daemon Tools (http://www.daemon-tools.com)
- CDex (http://cdexos.sourceforge.net), or another audio ripping utility
NOTE! These are Microsoft Windows utilities. Search for alternates when using another OS!
The process
First of all, you'll need a
CD-ROM drive capable of reading Cactus Data Shield protected
discs.
Plextor are known to be capable of this, I have tried and succeeded (model#: PX-W4824A), but if you were successfully able to copy a disc with another model or manufacturer, /msg me and I will add the model to the list.
Now, having said that, insert the disc in the CD-ROM.
1. Copying the data to the hard drive
You will need
CloneCD for this. Use these read options:
Data Read Settings
Read Speed Data: Max
Read SubChannel Data from Data Tracks: (unchecked)
Regenerate Data Sectors: (unchecked)
Audio Read Settings
Read Speed Audio: Max
Audio Extraction Quality: Best (Slowest)
Read SubChannel Data from Audio Tracks: (checked)
Only read the first Session: (checked)
Error Handling
Fast Error Skip Settings: Automatic
Abort on Read Error: (unchecked)
Don't report read errors: (unchecked)
Intelligent Bad Sector Scanner: (unchecked)
Now, onwards. Select a place for your
CD image and leave '
Create "Cue-Sheet"'
unchecked. Click OK to read the CD into an image.
2. Mounting the image to a virtual drive
Now, we use
Daemon Tools to
mount the image on a virtual CD-ROM drive. This enables us to extract the audio without burning the image on a
CD-R.
This is fairly simple, just create a new virtual drive from within Daemon Tools and mount your image into it. Success!
3. Extracting the audio
Fire up
CDex or your favorite audio ripper, and rip the music from the virtual CD-ROM drive. Voila, you're done.
You may burn the image on a CD-R, it will not be Cactus-protected. :)
The list below is a little incomplete, but just /msg me and I'll have your model added.
CD-ROM drives capable of reading CDS200-protected discs
Plextor
PX-W4824A
iCoach says Not sure where you are located, but is there any cause for concern of a DMCA infraction for your WU on CDS200?
...I don't think so? Let me know if I should be concerned. My location is Norway.