How many years will my DVDs last?

[Macolio]

I got a Pioneer 106 a couple of days ago so I could create a collection of videogames and anime, but I'm also backing up random things like funny pictures I've had since 1998, great videos, etc. Basically, data discs.

How long can I expect my DVDs to last? Say I want to watch an anime series 10 years from now, will the DVD still work if I take good care not to scratch it?

Other than buying brand media, is there something I can do to make my discs last as long as possible? Any tips at all?

Thanks.

[evilwarmaster]

First, DVD Discs are supposed to last anywhere from 70 years to 100 years. This is assuming normal environmental conditions with quality DVD media. There is not much more you can do other than protect it. Data DVDs will most likely last longer then DVD Video because of the more complex error correction built into DVD data discs.

A random bit of advice: Be sure and protect both sides of the DVD disc. The top of the DVD disc (where you label it) is the most vulnerable part of the disc. I learned this the hard way. If any of the top comes off, you can have a totally destroyed disc. The bottom of the disc (the side that the DVD player reads) is more likely to resist damage or scratches.

[FulciLives]

Don't put a sticky label on the top of the disc. If you must label on the disc do so with a water based marker.

Store in a proper case like a jewel case or DVD case.

If making a data disc it might be a good idea not to fill it up past 4.0GB ... date near the edge can be hard to read. Some discs over time have trouble with edge data. Keeping the total size at or under 4.0GB seems to solve this with most brands of DVD discs.

Use good quality discs. Any DVD-R discs that says MADE IN JAPAN is good. TDK, Maxell or Fuji are good brands but beware not all TDK, Maxell and Fuji DVD-R discs say MADE IN JAPAN so be sure to get only the discs that say that.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[vcdforme]

Independant Tests on write-once DVD seem to be hard to find.
Maybe after what TDK went thru for CDR, there's a conspiracy to
keep it quiet. (Remember those TDK ads after the Steven Croix tests??))
I don't trust these companies as far as I can throw them.
I know that Verbatim is using AZO, some tests show to last an afternoon
if exposed to sunlight.
I would really like to know what dye formulations the other manufgacturers
are using.
Mitsui/Kodak proved to be one of the more robust CDR formulations,
I'd imagine they're also good with DVD but don't know.

I can be totally off base, but seeing that most of these discs have a blueish
color (Azo?), might be a concern. Could be the plastic color, maybe not.
Anyone?

[Macolio]

Thanks for the information.

I had heard that burning at 1x is better than high-speed, is that true? I'm not in any hurry so I don't mind doing 40 minute burns if it means better fidelity.

[proxyx99]

No burn quality tests for DVD's to be found. From CD experience I recall a serious study on the same subject but regarding CD. Tested were 1x to 16x burns (16x was the fastest at that time). Best quality track was found on 4x and 8x burns. Surprisigly 1x was considered the lowest quality, lower then 16x. Conclusion then was that slowest burn is definitely not the best in quality. I would pick a middle speed, in case of 4x DVD's: 2x should be the best quality - using CD analogy (if it applies here).
Happy burning!

[FKrueger]

Store in a proper case like a jewel case or DVD case?

Anything wrong with storing in a spindle and in a dark location?

[proxyx99]

Due to the number of CD's I store them on spindles. Never had an issue. Avoid heat and direct sun exposure.

[FulciLives]

Store in a proper case like a jewel case or DVD case?

Anything wrong with storing in a spindle and in a dark location?

Well if you store them on a spindle they could rub each other and the disc on the bottom gets all the weight of the discs above it.

I just can't imagine this is good for long term storage.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[offline]

Well if you store them on a spindle they could rub each other and the disc on the bottom gets all the weight of the discs above it.

Correct, although in the medium term the major problem is that they
may well stick together. You could store in a cake (spindle) providing
you lay it on its side, but there is proof that silvered CD's can warp
if kept upright.

The jury is still out on the best way to store DVD's.

[zenzen1]

I put my DVD-Rs through the laminator (on thin setting) which certainly helps to prevent scratching, and improves longevity. My earliest home-brew DVD-Rs (recorded in 1983) are still in perfect condition, thanks to laminating.

[corrax]

My earliest home-brew DVD-Rs (recorded in 1983) are still in perfect condition, thanks to laminating.

I hope this is a typo... Seems strange that you would be burning DVDs long before they were even invented.

[neuz]

It was mention not to put a sticky label on the DVD's. Why?? I just started burning DVD's and I have been putting these sticky labels on, should I stop????


Thanks
Neuz

[OmegaSupreme]

Check out the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology
guide for the "Care and Handling for the Preservation of CDs and DVDs"

http://www.itl.nist.gov/div895/carefordisc/disc_care/

It warns agaist the use of adhesive labels:

Adhesive labels should not be applied to optical discs destined for long-term storage (more than five years). The label could delaminate over time and interfere with disc drive operation. The adhesive in some earlier labels has also been known to react with the lacquer surface. Any attempts to peel the label off could cause damage to the lacquer and metal layers in CDs. DVDs are different; peeling a label off a DVD would not have the same adverse affect because the metal layer is not near the surface. Still, removing a label, or any portion thereof, from the surface of a disc can cause an imbalance in the spin of the disc in the disc drive, making the disc unreadable. DVDs are more susceptible to reading problems from minor imbalances than are CDs. To ensure the long-term availability of information on a disc that already has an adhesive label, the information on the disc should be copied to, and stored on, a disc without such a label.

[Bronx]

Is it safe to put a dvd in a slim jewel case?

[handyguy]

Thats what the cases are made for.

Some dvds, e.g. Princos might delete data after a year. Some are more stable than others. Big question is, are there going to be dvd players in 70 years? Probably not.

[Capmaster]

Is it safe to put a dvd in a slim jewel case?

Sure, why not? The CD and the DVD have the same form factor so any CD case can be used for a DVD. I currently have about 1400 DVDs in the slim 5.2mm CD cases and another 400 or so in multiple CD cases (2,4,6-disc).

Some dvds, e.g. Princos might delete data after a year.

Is this statement based on test results, or is it just a gut feeling?

[Rhysfire]

Depends if you have kids or pets.

Sorry I had to.

[Schmendrick]

I am using Princos in a Pioneer A03 for about 18 months now and I do not had any problems with them due to material failure or failure to be recordable/readable beyond 4 GB so far!

I guess it depends on the drive and may be burning programme.
Possible that I just had luck having had good batches. I have used about 200 Princo 1x-DVD-R so far.

But never use papersleeves with these adhesives on the flip like they are also used for regular letter envelops. This adhesive degrades with time and the brown decomposition products have destoyed quite a number of simple plain silver top CD-R. The brown colored compounds diffuse into the plastic of the CD-R thereby destoying its readability. This happens after about 1 to 1.5 years.

CU

Schmendrick

[Capmaster]

Depends if you have kids or pets.

Sorry I had to.

A legitimate point ....especially little kids with greasy, probing little fingers
A while back, in the 5-1/4" floppy days, they sold a "kid-proof" floppy that was teflon-coated

[richdvd]

I put my DVD-Rs through the laminator (on thin setting) which certainly helps to prevent scratching, and improves longevity. My earliest home-brew DVD-Rs (recorded in 1983) are still in perfect condition, thanks to laminating.

I can't imagine that this is very good for them

[crashnburn]

don't worry dude, you will probably die before the DVD does

[proxyx99]

Well if you store them on a spindle they could rub each other and the disc on the bottom gets all the weight of the discs above it.

I just can't imagine this is good for long term storage.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

Hehe, that's a good one! Never seen disks rubbing "each other", at least not in my presence and when the lights are on. Billions of disks are stored and shipped this way by companies that can afford any kind of research if needed. John, have you conducted any lately? I suggest you watch your disks and if they start rubbing each other you know what to do... but first let me know OK?

[fritzi93]

Forgive me for pointing out the obvious. There is a ring around the core of DVDs where the material is slightly thicker, presumably to prevent "rubbing" in the readable area. Does it not work as intended?

I'm curious about the potential for warping. It seems to me the strength of the material versus the weight makes it unlikely. Not saying it's impossible, but could someone explain the phenomenon in detail?

Now, the danger of UV light degrading dye should be obvious to all.

EDIT: Having some small experience with composite laminates, I can see temperature changes as having potential for causing warping. Anyone know?

[Capmaster]

Forgive me for pointing out the obvious. There is a ring around the core of DVDs where the material is slightly thicker, presumably to prevent "rubbing" in the readable area. Does it not work as intended?

I'm curious about the potential for warping. It seems to me the strength of the material versus the weight makes it unlikely. Not saying it's impossible, but could someone explain the phenomenon in detail?

Now, the danger of UV light degrading dye should be obvious to all.

EDIT: Having some small experience with composite laminates, I can see temperature changes as having potential for causing warping. Anyone know?

I think the warping issue is not really an issue as long as you don't store things like lamps or books on your discs (who does that? :P ). Heat is the universal enemy for all things and I would think you would have to get it pretty warm before it started warping. The plastic itself isn't going to want to warp unless pressure is applied to it. Gravity becomes enough pressure only when the things are very hot and the plastic starts to lose its mechanical properties. Just a guess. These are pretty tough cookies.