DVD Media Longevity

[Mark Powell]

I have been burning DVDs for some time now and use many different reputable brands of DVD media. I am finding that the video quality from some of the DVDs are deteriating causing pixilation and freeze frames. Do DVDs have a shelf life or could it be the quality of the original burn etc. I was hoping to transfer all my home video to DVD as a way of preserving them, but I am finding in some instances that the original tapes are standing the test of time better than the DVDs. Any comments would be most appreciated.

[TubaDad]

I have seen significant differences of opinion about this and will be interesting to see what we see here. To me the scariest part is the DVD Rot that is being seen on the production discs. I have seen some articles from 2003 about the production DVDs "rotting".

In my house I have been doing double backups on two different brand and media types. I burn a backup to a -R and the same data to a +R. Since the cost of discs is not too bad I am fine with doing this, but I would rather know that what I burn is going to last.

[sjj1805]

I think it is time to resurrect this thread in view of a PM message received

Steve,
I very much enjoy reading and applying your knowledge to ULEAD projects. Do you have any thoughts on the type of DVD (gold disc, Taiyo Yuden...) one should use when making DVD's for clients. I want them to last many years but have read many conflicting reports on how long a disk (under normal use) will retain its intergrity. Thanks for your reply and keep up the good work on the web board.
Jerome P
jparker003@centurytel.net

Please could I remind all of our members of the following:
Private Messages and Emails to Forum Moderators
The main point being made in that link is

If we choose to reply on an individual basis then
a) We are replying to ONE user and only that ONE user will gain the benefit of our knowledge and experience whilst their may be other members of this forum who also have this same issue and would have benefited from the response.

Though I have also strssed other important reasons why questions should be posted in the open.

A few links relating to the expected lifetime of a DVD Disc:
http://www.osta.org/technology/dvdqa/dvdqa11.htm
http://www.clir.org/PUBS/reports/pub121/sec4.html
http://www.itl.nist.gov/div895/gipwog/S ... yStudy.pdf

Can DVD's have Laser Rot?

comparison of Blank DVD Media:
http://www.reviewcentre.com/products3104.html
http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm
http://thedvshow.com/faq-pro/?action=ar ... =283&lang=

The majority of my DVD's are for riends and family and so I am quite happy to use the bulk stuff found at a computer fair.
There are however several forum members who are professional or semi-professional and may wish to join in this discussion with their recommendations.