Media Storage

[mn072065]

I have at least 300 DVD backups stored in spindles. Is this ok or can anyone recommend something better for them to last longer and not get so scratched up. Thanks

[redwudz]

Spindles with covers are fine as long as you are not handling them all the time. If the manufacturer stored them that way, why worry? Keep them in a dry location and you should have no problems. I store quite a few similarly.

[mn072065]

thanks, but I do handle them alot. I guess thats no good. Any other ways of storing them?

[Epicurus8a]

Check here:
http://genesysdtp.com/
You'll find lots of possibilities.

[redwudz]

You may be better off with individual DVD jewel cases if you handle them a lot. The spindles are better for just archival storage. Every time you remove the cover from the spindle, you are exposing the whole lot to dust, etc. Besides, they are a pain to sort through and that makes even more handling.

You can get 100 jewel cases for $12 -14US from several companies. You can just use spline labels for listing the contents. Or you can use the slimline cases if you need a more compact storage idea. I use open top trays for that type of storage, with index tabs in between the cases for index selections.

The majority of damage to a DVD or CD is when the write surface gets dust or grime on it and rubs against another surface. They have a built in spacing when you stack them on a spindle, but lager dust chunks can close that gap and damage the surface. Finger prints attract and hold dust, or cooking grease or smoke in the air, as does static electricity charges. Less handling, the better.

[bobkart]

I store archived material in 50-disc cake boxes, although I have read some recommendations agains storing them horizontally, no doubt due to possibilities of warping due to gravity. I've yet to heed that warning.

For more frequently-accessed discs, CompUSA makes 2-disc and 4-disc jewel cases, very high density as the 4-disc model fits in the space of a single standard-size CD jewel case, the 2-disc version is half that thickness. For the girlfriend, she gets slim jewel cases, each holding 1 disc, with two of those fitting in the space of a single standard-size CD jewel case (because getting the discs in and out of those 2-disc and 4-disc cases is a bit more tricky and subject to mishandling of the discs.)

[stiltman]

I use these in 3 ring binders. The hold 4 per side and fit almost every 3ring binder. Mine are white but the same. The black part is a felt like material
0-9 in 1 binder
A-Z in other binders

[cyflyer]

I recently discovered the 4 disc dvd cases shown on Epicurus' link, which I thought were quite snazzy as you can store 4 and its the same size as a normal dvd case, and I see from the link there 6 disc cases the same size. Wow, must get some of those, great space saving idea. I couldn't imagine 6 discs fitting into a standard size box, but if thats what they claim.....