DVD-R media problems

[lmemsm]

I've been having a lot of problems with DVD-R disks I've authored going bad. I've been reading up on it and I've checked the recommended media suggestions at http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm and some of the info at this site under DVD media. Does anyone have any further suggestions? Does it help to make two copies of a disk instead of one? Was reading online somewhere that CD-Rs may be lasting longer than DVD-Rs. Maybe I should copy MPEG files and the authoring set up files to some CD-Rs so I can recreate the DVD-Rs if they go bad? I never felt VHS was a lasting media, but at this point I feel like copies of family weddings and other home videos that cannot be duplicated once they're lost are probably safer on VHS than they seem to be on DVD-R. Any recommendations on this subject and keeping important copies of home movies safe? Unfortunately, I just don't have room to keep it all on my hard drive. Thanks.

[Skith]

Recording multiple copies is a good idea, better yet, make sure the copies are on different makes of media (not the same manufacturer). Store them in a dark, cool dry place. Don't store all copies in the same location (protection against fire, flood, or other enviromental factors).

UV light could be one primary killer (it effects the dyes), and heat is another (can cause warping).

I have heard some people store additional copies of edited, but unauthored/encoded video on DV tape (need a capable DV camcorder).

These are just some ideas and recommendations I have read and use myself, Good luck!

[lordsmurf]

I backup pre-authored files to data discs. My reasoning is in case I want to later go back and re-edit or replace the material, but it does serve as a good secondary backup.

You can also make multiple copies of the final, of its important. Store them at another location.

Optical media is far safer than tape media. Optical lasts longer, and tape media is put in danger every single time it gets played (danger of being "eaten").