Ring Code Guide
From Redump Wiki
When submitting dumps to Redump it is important to submit all Ring Codes that you can see. Ring codes that are too difficult to read are not required, but for the sake of completion, do your best. If you want to get all the ring codes, a magnifying glass can help, also two recommended products on Amazon[1] [2].
To clarify we still want your disc submissions in redump, even if you can't read all the ring codes, just do your best :)
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General Ring Code Guide
Ring codes are the small letters and numbers near the center hole of discs. They can contain important information, such as for identifying software revisions. Always transcribe ring codes verbatim, keeping the same UPPER or lower case in use as printed. Separate any larger-than-single-space (" ") spacing breaks with "<tab>" for your submissions.
Types of Ring Codes
- Mastering Code (laser branded/etched): Mastering Codes are the most pronounced of all ring codes. They often wrap all the way around the disc ring and have spacing breaks in between.
- Mastering SID Code: Mastering SID Codes are nearby the Mastering Codes. They are often smaller and sometimes hidden above the Mastering Code, barely legible due to size. They always start with "IFPI", then followed by four more characters.
- Toolstamp or Mastering Code (engraved/stamped): Usually referred to simply as "Toolstamp". These are impacted into the disc. They are often very short and stamped backwards.
- Mould SID Code: Mould SID Codes are the most difficult to read. They often requiring looking at a certain angle, bouncing light off of them at the right angle, or using with a microscope. They are printed in the center-most area (the transparent area of the disc) and do not have color, simply being impacted onto the disc. They usually start with "IFPI", however additional text make be present.
Example 1
This example makes use of a PlayStation 2 DVD-Rom.
The proper way to transcribe this is:
1. Mastering Code (laser branded/etched): Sony DADC<tab>A0100368905-0101<tab>15
2. Mastering SID Code: IFPI L553
3. Toolstamp or Mastering Code (engraved/stamped): A2
4. Mould SID Code: IFPI 94V1
System-Specific Quirks
PlayStation 1
PlayStation 1 discs are black, making full ring codes difficult to read - except Mould SID Code which is easy to read due to it being impacted.
To get full ring codes, special techniques are required. They can be found here [3].
PlayStation 2
PlayStation 2 DVD-Roms contain Mastering Code (laser branded/etched), Mastering SID Code, Toolstamp or Mastering Code (engraved/stamped), and Mould SID Code on the Data side + Mould SID Code on the label side.
PlayStation 2 CD-Roms do not contain Mould SID Code on the Label side.
