Daemon Tools, CDemu, MagicISO, PowerDVD, and WinCDEmu can also read the MDF format.
Unlike an ISO image[citation needed], a Media Descriptor File can contain multiple layers (as used in dual-layer recording) and multiple optical disc tracks.
The word raw implies that the copy is precise, bit-for-bit, including (where appropriate) file-system metadata.
The MDS file also stores the location and value of the layer breach bit, a CD/DVD copy protection mechanism.
However, their capabilities are not identical; also the cue sheet is a text file format.