Good/Best media for backups?

[Simmerheli]

Hi all:

I'm at the point where I need to (absolutely) backup some of my data/pictures/movies/etc.

Questions:
1) What do folks out there usually backup to. It needs to be a medium that can last (if properly stored) for years (perhaps 20 - 30 + )?
(I understand that non-dual-layer optical media could only hold ~4.7Gig so I'd need to split movies).

2) I currently have a 120Gig external HD that I'm using as backup. However, this disk is now reaching capacity. I'd prefer to use some sort of medium that I can trust more then magnetic and optical seems to be OK if I store it propberly (am I correct?).
I have a DVD-RAM writer. Is DVD-RAM good for this and if so, what do folks recomend for software that would allow me to write data to DVD-RAM (I havn't seen anything on Nero about DVD-RAM yet)?
Thanks all

-Mike

[steve2713]

Where've you been the last couple of years? Any reason why you wouldn't just use DVD-R/+R blanks? You can buy GOOD blanks for about $.30 each. DVD-RAM discs will cost you, what, about $5 each? And DVD-R will probably prove much more stable in the long term.

P.S. - if you have to split very large files over multiple discs, that's still very easily done. I do it all the time splitting large ISO images over two discs using WinRAR, although there are obviously other options as well, but for archiving I find it quick and easy. If the files are DVD Video compliant, you wouldn't even need to split any files, just burn some files to one disc and some to the other.

[Skith]

Since DVD recordable media has not been around very long, no one can say exactly how they will stand the test of time. That said, using quality media is your best bet. Many people feel that Taiyo Yuden, Maxell (Made in Japan), and other "Made in Japan" media are the best choice.

www.rima.com has excellent prices on Taiyo Yuden media.

DVD-RAM is probably not a good choice (Phase Change technology is not stable).

Store the discs vertically in DVD jewel cases/DVD boxes, in a dark, cool place with low humidity.

Always keep multiple copies (burned on different media, kept in different locations).

I have heard of people storing discs in refridgeration units (not the kind you buy at the local electronics retailer). These units are often used to store film, photo paper. They are specially designed to keep humidity low and maintain stable temperatures. I can not imagine such units would be cheap (professional equipment). I have no idea if this is a good idea, I have only heard of people doing it. :P

edit: noticed your other post in the media forum. Double posting is generaly not a good idea, and goes against the forum rules. This is a common mistake by first time posters. Mabey one of the Mod's can close the other thread: https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=256419.

edit: edit: Keep in mind 4.7GB in marketing terms is really 4.38GB in computer terms.