The Philips CDR950BK offers CD-R (write-once) and CD-RW (rewritable) compatibility and streamlined recording for single-track or whole-disc recordings. This CD recorder also offers 99-track programming, CD Text (for reading text-encoded artist and track information) and text-entry ability, so you can enter titles and artist names for discs as well as individual tracks. Multiple inputs (analog as well as coaxial and optical digital) and internal sample-rate conversion (to allow recording from DSS or DAT) expand your recording-source options, while a balance control lets you adjust the left/right input levels independently--even when making a digital recording (though you can't adjust the overall recording level when making a digital copy).

As with all CD recorders, discs must be finalized before you can play them on standard nonrecording CD players. CD-RWs can be unfinalized and rerecorded (either by erasing the last track on the disc or the whole disc), while CD-Rs are permanent once they're finalized--you can't add any more material. More importantly, perhaps, you can never erase anything from a CD-R; once it's been recorded, it's permanent, whether you finalize the disc or not.

Like most component CD recorders, the Philips CDR950BK uses the Serial Copy Management System, which prevents you from making a digital copy of a digital copy. It also means you must use DA-type (Digital Audio) CD-Rs and CD-RWs with this deck. Computer-grade or professional CD-Rs and CD-RWs will not work with this recorder (except for playback, and only if they've been finalized).