Initially, Cassette to CD Recorder CD lasers with a wavelength of 780 nm were used, being within infrared range. For DVDs, the wavelength was reduced to 650 nm (red color), and the wavelength for Blu-Ray Disc was reduced to 405 nm (blue color).

Some drives industry in partial CLV (PCLV) scheme, by switching from CLV to CAV only when a rotational check is reached.