mmc_format8
Format optical media
Usage
mmc_format [-BDFGHhIMOpRrSsw]
[-b
blockingnr]
[-c
cert-num]
special
Overview
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.
Releases
Unchanged in 5 releases since Debian 9 (Stretch).