If you own a PS2 or PS3 (fat model), those consoles read PS1 backups much easier than a PS1. Install FreeMcBoot on a PS2, and you can play PS1 ISOs from a USB drive or HDD – no burning, no VCD nonsense, and no laser wear.
: These were popular peripherals (like the Gamars Movie Card ) that plugged into the parallel I/O port of the original PS1.