Archiving DVDs and CDs: Doing It The Right Way

Archiving DVDs and CDs: Doing It The Right Way

So you've got a massive collection of CDs and DVDs in your home. Now, instead of letting them clutter your room, your tables, and your drawers and shelves, it's time to archive them. Archiving your CDs and DVDs is very important, so they will stay in top shape.

Even so, archiving is not just stacking them in one side according to their color or size or age. There are important aspects to keep in mind. Remember that CD-Rs and DVD-Rs are made by placing pits in the dye layer of the discs' surface. Anything that harms this layer or reflective layer, the data can disappear.

Here are some tips to help you archive your CDs and DVDs.

Protect your discs from light. Blank CDs, DVDs, and blu-rays discs are very photosensitive. Although regular ambient light or office light won't affect your discs, sunlight can. The same goes for very hot and very bright lights. The sunlight creates additional heat to accelerate the dye layer's breakdown. Ultraviolet rays, which can be found in sun also affects the recording dye of your disc, in the way that a laser does. Make sure your archive is away from this factor.

Make sure the CDs and DVDs will be protected from scratches. Polycarbonate, the material used for discs, is tough, but excessive nicks and scratches will prevent the laser from focusing on information bits on the disc, so it becomes unreadable.

Extreme changes in heat and humidity are a no-no. Although discs are somewhat resilient in different temperature and humidity conditions, do not store them in places that have the extremes. Preferably, a cooler, less-humid place will be ideal to have your archive, so the dye layer is aptly protected.

Don't allow your CDs and DVDs from bending or warping. When you archive your discs, make sure they are placed vertically, similar to how you shelve books. Placing the CDs and DVDs horizontally can warp the disc. It can affect the way the laser follows the tracks and how it spins properly in the drive. Here's a wonderful idea: pick an opaque disc jewel case, one made from polypropylene. This is chemically non-aggressive and will not react with the label, disc or literature. Another reason is, it's recycleable and plastic. It's a responsible option.

Be careful when choosing labels. Do not use the stick-on adhesive labels for long-term archives, since they peel over time and interferes with the drive. Removing the label also makes it unbalanced and unreadable.

Archiving CDs and DVDs shouldn't be very hard. Just follow these easy tips, and your CDs will stay useful for a longer period of time.

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