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View Full Version : Life of DVD-R disks


Richard Iredale
13th January 2003, 07:58
I came across a thread with a similar name as this one, but since it had morphed in a different direction, I thought I'd do another one.

Many people wonder just how fragile DVD-Rs are when compared to CD-Rs, and also how long they are expected to last. According to "DVD Demystified" by Jim Taylor:

(1) DVDs hold about 7 times the data of CD-Rs, but use a more sophisticated error correction that is about 10 times better, so DVDs are actually LESS sensitive to scratches.

(2) A blank DVD-R has a shelf life of about 10 years. The dye will eventually change in its response to the burning laser.

(3) Once burned, a DVD-R is expected to last from 40-200 years, according to Kodak. UV can affect the dye, so they should be kept in a dark place.

(4) A DVD-RW will last 25-50 years.

Hope this helps.