The CD Clarity Process
In 1988 I did extensive research with the help of five physicists to define
the effects of a color marking pen around the perimeter of a CD. When I gave
Craig Dory of Dorian Recordings a special color pen he tried it and "heard a
difference," but wanted more details. As the "Audiophile industry" tried the
edge treatment, many reviewers thought the idea to be "witchcraft." However,
after a few months of debate, this special color marking pen was considered
an important contribution to the audio enjoyment of CD musical reproduction.
Now, some nine years later, this amazing marking pen is the standard, used by
millions of Audiophiles to improve the sonic reproduction of CD's.
As time passed, I remembered that the research told me that not only was the
clear polybarbonate surface microscopically not smooth, but was also not totally
clear. Since the laser puts a light beam through the polycarbonate surface,
a percentage of the laser beam was lost in the reflection of its light on the
surface of the polycarbonate, but also a loss of the beam occurred as it penetrated
the interior of the polycarbonate surface. The special marking pen simply absorbed
the "Scattered light" internally in the polycarbonate thickness or membrane.
The special marking pen keeps the polycarbonate membrane more transparent and
less opaque, due to the light beam of the laser. Another problem is that as
time passes the surface of the disc gets small scratches, which diminish the
optical transparency. A similar situation occurs when the eyeglasses get scratched,
they not only don't keep the image quality sharp, but also reduce the incoming
brightness to the eye.
CD Clarity was specifically developed to address the specific problems of CD's,
LD's, CD ROM's and DVD's. Since all of these digital software mediums share
the same polycarbonate coating, they could all be improved with the same product.
First our "fluid" had to be a good cleaner. When discs are manufactured there
is a slight amount of a chemical or substance on the surface to make it release
at the manufacturing process. Not only did we want to clean this chemical off
the surface, but also we wanted to allow the discs to be cleaned more frequently,
because CD ROM's and DVD's have more information to be read, and they must be
kept cleaner. We also wanted to add a chemical to fill small "holes" or scratches
on the surface to improve the optical characteristics of the polycarbonate.
So we added a "dry film Protectant" to smooth the surface and allow a more intense
laser light to "spot light" the area to be read. As we went through chemical
analysis we also noted that a wetting agent helped spread the fluid more easily
and produced a more evenly distributed coating.
Then we noted that there were static "hot spots on the discs." These were produced
when the discs were in their jewel cases and slid in and out of storage, or
when they were allowed to slide against other jewel cases on either side. We
then added an anti-static chemical to remove the "hot spots" So that the static
charge of the disc became evenly distributed. This doesn't seem important, but
after careful experiments it was noted that the laser lens is plastic as well
as most of the laser housing, and it was possible to make the laser move according
to the "hot spots" on the disc. The anti-static chemical simply ensures the
laser of such solid stability, that when the laser focuses it does not change.
All the characteristics of "CD Clarity" promote improved frequency response,
more detail, a better staging of instrumentals, less noise, better transients,
and better dynamic range. The digital harness associated with some CD's and
DVD's is softened, and produces a smoother more analog musical experience. Along
with all the sonic benefits, is the dry film protectant's ability to fill in
the "holes" and small scratches. When you use "CD Clarity" it coats the disc
and helps to protect the disc against future scratches. As you use "CD Clarity"
it will also improve the tracking on discs previously scratched that either
skipped or didn't play at all.
The recommended usage and application is to spray "CD Clarity" on the shiny
playing surface of the disc (not the side with the writing) and remove with
a soft cotton cloth. Sometimes it is better to use one area of the cloth to
spread the fluid around for three or four rotations, then use a new area of
the cloth to completely remove the left over fluid. You only need to use "CD
Clarity" once to clean, fill, and protect your investment in your audio and
video digital library. However, if you want optimum results because of the anti-static
chemical then spray each time you sit down to listen critically or watch a movie.
When your discs become fingerprinted and you want to clean them again use "CD
Clarity;" it will not build op or smudge upon repeated applications.
We also recommend you use our new "special marking pen" named simply the "CD
Clarity Pen," which I believe to be the perfect absorber of scattered light
remaining on the disc. Application of the "CD Clarity Pen" is also unique when
compared to all other edge type treatments. Simply remove the cab and you will
notice a "notch" in the edge of the face. This "notch" goes over the outside
edge of the disc, and by simply holding the pen and rotating the disc you will
easily coat the outer edge. Now put the "notch" inside the hole of the disc
and coat the inside edge. We also want to coat approximately a 1/8-inch line
on each side of the disc around the center of the hole. One application is all
that is needed for a lifetime. This completes your "CD Clarity Process" and
offers the maximum digital retrieval of your musical and video library.
You may use "CD Clarity" on discs with any edge treatment products; however,
we recommend that on new discs use the "CD Clarity Pen" first, then the "CD
Clarity" surface treatment to remove any fingerprints acquired during the application
of the edge treatment. Be careful to not let the "CD Clarity Pen" touch the
digital discs playing surface, or you will need to polish or buff the surface
with a very fine polishing compound, such as those used for plastic windshields
for motorcycles or boats. Incidentally, if you have scratched discs that will
still not track or play perfectly after applying "CD Clarity" and the "CD Clarity
Pen" then use the plastic polish to remove the scratch by a small application
with a soft cloth. But only use strokes when buffing from the inside hole towards
the outside edge, never buff in a circular motion around the disc because the
information is circular and you will make narrow buffing marks when you move
inside to out. These marks from inside to out are narrow and will not affect
tracking, but long circular buffing marks can cause loss of digital information.
The "CD Clarity Process" will astound and delight you as you experience the
improvement in our audio or video system, remembering that you have also protected
your audio and video library for years of enjoyment.
As you now understand the operation of digital retrieval from a laser read
disc is not an easy process. The more information that can be read and processed,
the better the reproduced musical and video experience will be recreated. The
"CD Clarity Process" will enhance your laser discs reading ability to allow
more digital data to be processed.
Sincerely,
Dave Herren, Owner
Innovative Audio Products
Portland, Oregon
