Store valuable media on DVDs?

[ranchhand]

I have heard a couple of vague references on the forum to the effect that DVDs are not good for archiving the mpeg2's I created of my family videos. Can anyone clue me in with information on why DVDs are bad for storage?? Maybe I misunderstand what the posters were referring to, so correct me if I do.

[jman98]

One of the reports I read was written by a guy who works for a company that sells tape backup solutions, so I'd hardly say he was the most objective of sources. There's been a lot of debate here. I have old CD-Rs that still work after 6+ years. In fact, I've never had one go bad on me. Then again, I keep them in my house where the temperatures are fairly constant and they don't get exposed to sunlight. DVD burners haven't been around as long as CD burners, but many have reported no problems with DVDs burned when the burners first came out.

I do strongly recommend that for achival storage that you should buy only the best media you can. Taiyo Yuden is regarded by most people as the very best. You'll have to mail order them, but newegg.com and others have them for sale. I like Verbatim a lot, but Taiyo Yuden is considered the best. Finally, you might find the website http://www.nomorecoasters.com to be of interest as it discusses who makes the best media.

[rijir2001]

It is probably more the type of file. Mpeg-2 is very lossy and not great for later editing. Something like DV would be better but you will use up many more discs. But for family videos I would think it is worth it.

[CrayonEater]

In addition to this great advice, I'll also add in the importance of multiple backups, preferably on two different kinds of media e.g. one set on Taiyo-Yudens purchased from Rima.com, the second set on Verbatim +Rs. Should one or both sets fail, this still allows the possibility of recovery. Store one if not both in a cool, dry, dark place and make sure the discs aren't stored under any stress, ideally in one of those black DVD boxes, as opposed to storing them in a CD/DVD wallet or a large spindle.

[jagabo]

And check your backups occasionally. If one goes bad replace it.

[kisrum]

keep every original format you have (VHS, DV, Digital 8, 8 mm film, etc) because you never know what capture and edit improvements are coming. When I was converting 8mm film several members suggested archiving it to DV tape because it would allow me to jump on to the next digital bandwagon later on. I wouldn't rely on one copy of a DVD for archiving. Maybe two.

Of course if you've mailed them to family all over the country/world then one of them will probably survive the oncoming nuclear holocaust. Although most of them are drink coasters by now or hanging off someone's rear-view mirror.

[guns1inger]

I am printing all my movies to flip-book format, just in case.

[ranchhand]

Thanks all-hey Gunslinger, what is "flip-book" format??

[jagabo]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flip_book

[guns1inger]

That's the one

[ranchhand]

Okay comedians, you got me I guess I can't complain with the avatar I have, right?

[RRECON]

Okay comedians, you got me I guess I can't complain with the avatar I have, right?

All-In-One Great!!