MMCFORMAT(8)

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.