readom

Create an ISO image from a CD/DVD

$ sudo readom dev=/dev/sr0 f=[output.iso]

$ sudo readom dev=/dev/sr0 f=[output.iso] retries=8

$ sudo readom dev=[1,0,0] f=[output.iso]

$ sudo readom dev=/dev/sr0 -prcap

readom dev=device f=file [options]

readom (read optical media) creates ISO images from CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs with built-in error checking and recovery capabilities. It is part of the cdrtools/cdrkit package and is preferred over dd for optical media because it understands disc structure and can handle read errors gracefully.
The tool performs sector-by-sector reading with error detection and can retry failed reads automatically. It reports read speed, capacity, and any errors encountered during the process.
For damaged or scratched discs, readom can attempt multiple retries per sector. However, for severely damaged media, specialized recovery tools like ddrescue may provide better results.

dev=device

Specify the optical drive device (e.g., /dev/sr0, /dev/cdrom, or SCSI address)

Output filename for the ISO image

Number of retry attempts for unreadable sectors (default: 128)

Set read speed

Print drive capabilities

Clone mode for creating exact copy including subchannel data

Continue reading despite errors

Disable error correction (for damaged media recovery)

Scan for C2 errors on audio CDs

Root privileges required: Must run as root to access optical devices directly.
Unmount before reading: The disc must be unmounted before running readom. Check with mount and unmount with umount /dev/sr0 if necessary.
High retry counts (default 128) can result in extremely long processing times for damaged discs. Reduce with retries=8 or similar for faster operation with less recovery effort.
The output is a raw ISO image. Audio CDs require different tools (like cdparanoia) for proper extraction.

wodim(1), cdrecord(1), dd(1), ddrescue(1), cdparanoia(1)