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 <reinoud@NetBSD.org>

BUGS

     mmc_format could be merged with scsictl(8) but that tool is very hard disk oriented.