Dvd Degragation?

[LARRYB]

Anyone expierencing read issues on Verbatium or Memorex dvd's?
My problem is as follows:
After making a good dvd movie it will play fine for about the first 3 or 4 times. After the dvd has set in a case in a dvd holder, 2 or 3 months may go by and when tryng to watch the dvd again the movie starts freezing up. Checking the DVD for finger prints scratches etc show no damage. When I try to back up the copy in the DVD burner used for the original copy it will still freeze up in the same frames as the DVD player.
Now here is the wierd part, if I take some WD-40 and spray the disk (media side) wipe off the excess and run the DVD through the player or the DVD disk burner, no freezing up occurs in the same frames.
I have been able to take a DVD that was freezinfg up spray with WD-40 and make the backup and now the back up will operate flawlessly.

I have been noticing this with more and more of the older DVD's that are 3 to 6 months old.

I had read somewhere that the silver coating can deterioate and give errors. Anyone know of a DVD disk that will last longer?

I am using DVD+R, 16X Verbatium and Memroex DVD+R
Larry

[CWR03]

From what I've read, it's the dye that degrades over time. It's interesting that WD-40 will help them read.

[setarip_old]

@LARRYB

Spunds like your DVDs have taken on some moisture. Chances are, if you simply (and carefully) just wiped them with a soft dry cloth without applying WD40, you'd get the same positive results...

[r0lZ]

What is WD-40?

[squid_80]

Water Deterrent, formula no. 40.

[r0lZ]

Thanks!

[blutach]

Frees up anything r0lZ. :)

Regards

[CWR03]

Water Deterrent, formula no. 40.
Actually it's Water Displacement formula #40, a product that was developed specifically for spraying into marine engine ignitions to dry them out. I actually helped a guy at a car wash this evening who had washed his engine and gotten the distributor so wet that it died right after he pulled out. A couple of squirts in the cap and it started right up.

[squid_80]

My mistake, water displacement it is. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40

I do see "lubricates vinyl records to prevent skipping" on the 2000 uses page, but nothing about cleaning cd/dvds (unless you count removal of album stickers).

I would have missed a lot more uni lectures if it weren't for this stuff. Never attempt to drive an X series falcon without it.

[r0lZ]

Thanks again.
I guess this product is available here in Belgium, but probably under a different name, because I've never seen it in a shop. Maybe it is called "Caramba" like in germany?

Anyway, I don't think a product like that can really restore a damaged disc. However, it can probably fill the micro-scratches, and facilitate the penetration of the ray through the surface. Good to know...

BTW, Wikipedia is incredible! It has an article on such an improbable subject! Nice one!

[henryho_hk]

Doesn't WD-40 weaken plastic's strength?

[CWR03]

Doesn't WD-40 weaken plastic's strength?
There are a few plastics that are temporarily softened by the solvent-based carrier, and some that will dry and become brittle, but in either instance the damage is immediately noticeable. If a DVD disk isn't turned an opaque white from WD-40, it's likely safe.

[LARRYB]

At this time I have not had any DVD's attacked by WD-40. However since the DVD was unreadable in the first place and WD-40 ws used to recover the data and reburn onto another DVD it would not be a issue of the damage as the bad DVD would be disgarded anyway.
A few years ago a DJ told me of a secret he discovered on scratched music cd's. He wold take a yellow highlighter marker and draw over the scratch and the skipping of music would go away. That's what got me trying the WD-40 and other silicone based sprays on DVD's.
Hey, when you gotta bad DVD you will try anything to get the data off. WD-40 just might work for you.

Larry

[BigDid]

Thanks again.
I guess this product is available here in Belgium, but probably under a different name, because I've never seen it in a shop. Maybe it is called "Caramba" like in germany?
Hi,

It is nearly world known :)
You have pics on the wikipedia.
So I suppose it could be available in Belgium (it is in France) even if you'll have to search a bit. Or maybe you will be able to find similar product from different brand.
Try car parts or home repair or workshop etc ...

Did