Playback is bad

[AMark]

I have recorded 150 old movies from the TV. I have played many of them in the past with no problems. Now all of a sudden almost everyone starts OK but within a minute they start hanging up or getting all chopy or fuzzy like someone spilled something on them. I tried playing them on a friends DVD and it's the same. I've used all kinds of DVD's. Sony, HP, Memorex etc. What caused this?
I love old classic movies and it makes me sick that I've lost them. Please help!

[samijubal]

Do they have labels on them? Labels often cause problems down the road.

[guns1inger]

A few of those brands (memorex, HP) I wouldn't trust for longevity and reliability. However, the way discs are stored can have an impact. They should be stored in a dark, dry space. They should be in cases, although you can use the soft covers if stored properly. One of the issue with some of the folders with pockets is that they don't keep the discs flat, and over time they develop a bow and don't play correctly.

And yes, labels are a no-no.

[MOVIEGEEK]

If you have labels on them use warm water and soap to remove them,then use DVDFab Decrypter or IsoBuster to rip them to your PC.

[victoriabears]

The effort to remove labels might be balanced against paying 30 cents for taiyo yudens and copying them.

[AMark]

Thanks for all replies. No labels. They are in hard cases and upright. If they have become bowed, is there a fix?

[MOVIEGEEK]

Thanks for all replies. No labels. They are in hard cases and upright. If they have become bowed, is there a fix?

You could soak them in hot water(120F) for ten minutes then set a heavy book on them,I did this once and it worked.
Here's an article by the US gov. that states you should store discs vertically but says optical media will only last 2-5 years:
http://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/initiatives/temp-opmedia-faq.html

[AMark]

Thanks MOVIEGEEK. I'll give it a try!