Optical Media Life

[prashanthpai]

I transfer all my movies to cheap local blank DVDs. Rs 9 (i.e you get 5 for 1$).
The write/read speeds of theses discs are a bit low.

I was wondering, how long can optical discs retain it's data ? :rolleyes:
If I write a DVD & keep it safe and if i say access it after 5 years, will there be any data loss ?

[brayden]

It depends on how you will treat the disc in the next 5 years. But if you keep it out of humidity and don't scratch it much it should retain data

[Raymond]

Yeap I believe the humidity is the main reason on how long can the data last in the disc. So coincidentally I have an article about dvd writer coming up real soon. I think you all will love it.

[fox_unleashed]

Humidity is not the only problem Ray, Few years ago I put a CD-R on top of my TV coz I dont use it anymore and it stay there for about a month, and then when I decide to throw away the CD I notice that the Data Layer was broken & I can easily peel off the data part (the broken data layer color was darker) like peeling off a sticker & turn the CD into a transparent acrylic, so I think its because my TV's heat.

But I think DVD maybe more reliable then CD since the data layer is protected on both side with the plastic (acrylic) reflector ( I dont know what to call it :) )