The original formats laid out in the Red Book created by Sony and Philips were eventually discarded by many in order to produce audio CDs that were in excess of 79.8 minutes and in order to allow for digital rights management (DRM). Over the years compact discs have become available in 74, 80, 90, and 99 minute versions. The 80 minute CD (which is actually 79.8 minutes) is currently the standard size. However, the more music a compact disc can hold, the tighter its spiral must be (which allows for more playback). Not all CD players can handle the tighter spirals, especially the older CD players that existed before the higher capacity discs hit the market. Eventually though, manufacturers updated their products and now you are much less likely to have problems playing 80 minute discs. The 99 minute discs are another story though. Your best bet is to avoid them.