DVD Rot: the horror story that won't die

Computer Technology Review, Nov, 2004 by G.A. "Andy" Marken

Like Frankenstein, Dracula and "The Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" some horror stories get told again and again. Trouble is, they don't get better with age. They get worse. They take on a life of their own.

Take the story of the dreaded CD/DVD Rot. It did happen! In the 1980s, in an instance that really has been documented in Australia. Some of the very first DVD media came from a production company that didn't know how to make DVD media (they tried to switch from making laser discs which did have rot problem to DVD, using the old laser disc production techniques).

The media wasn't made to the, then, new DVD Forum spec; it was made as cheaply as possible. It was pawned off on some unsuspecting replicators in Australia and the Far East. Rot developed on the discs, eating all the data.

The "fact" swept the globe. Then it died down and crept back into its wet, dank cave. But every 3-4 years it reemerges. People swear they have discs that have contracted rot. People get sweaty palms as they check their CDs and DVDs for telltale signs. The government's National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) determines they will do an in-depth and exhaustive evaluation of the technologies to set impartial guidelines on how long the media will really last.

Don't worry that they are still working with 12x CD-R and 1x DVD-R. They're like the IRS ... only they're there to help you!

Set The Record Straight

Fact: CDs and DVDs will not rot!

A trusted and very picky researcher, analyst and writer named Don Labriola recently spent several months researching the subject. He found that documented instance and spoke with media manufacturers and replicators around the globe about that as well as new technologies that are being used and improved.

Firms like Verbatim, Maxell and Mitsubishi Chemical have made so many enhancements in CD and DVD technology that, today, we take for granted that this just won't happen (assuming you treat your discs with a little common sense and TLC). Quality media produced in the past 4-5 years should have a data life up to at least 100 years.

These firms do make changes in the materials and manufacturing methods they use; but it is always an advance based on tested and proven improvements, not steps backward.

We can't say the same for second-tier, no-name products (even though the media might be good) because they "borrow" advances rather than innovate. But, in this case, if you're using 24x CD-R and 1x or 2x DVD-R or R it is probably pretty good because the processes and procedures are established and routine.

The brand name leaders have already implemented quality and performance enhancements that deliver high quality 52x CD-R, 8x DVD /-R, 4x DVD-RW and double layer (8.5GB per side) DVDR media. They are already working to deliver 16x DVD /-R discs.

If a media manufacturer does use cheap adhesives or their stampers (production equipment) don't sandwich the discs thoroughly, there might be some oxidation on the outer edges ... but that isn't Rot!! It's delamination. In some instances, data on the hub or outer edges may be lost with this cheap media but usually it is just aesthetically unattractive and can be arrested by using common sense storage techniques.

Respect Your Content

This isn't to say that, even with the best media, your data can't be lost or destroyed if you don't treat discs properly. By being careful, your kids and grandkids will be able to enjoy your audio and video contents in 2100 (assuming they can find an antiquated CD or DVD player).

Follow these simple guidelines:

* Don't bend and force the discs out of the jewel case. It can crack the protective layer and oxidation will occur.

* Don't worry about minor scratches on the clear underside of the disc. The scratch has to be pretty deep to make your data unreadable.

* The label side is the important protective area to keep in tact. That means using a sharp pen is a no-no. If you are going to write on the disc, use a water- or alcohol-based soft marker.

* Store your discs in their jewel cases and, like books, vertically.

* If you're eating popcorn while watching DVDs and want to change discs, wipe your hands vigorously on your pants or shirt before handling the discs. Then only handle the outer edges or the hub.

* Store discs out of direct sunlight, in a place that is dry with relatively constant temperature. Throwing them on the dash of your car or on the table in front of the big bay window could have serious repercussions.

* Wipe them off periodically with a clean, dry cloth.

There are petabytes of data out there--audio, video and documents--you want to capture, save and enjoy. Just use some common sense and you can--for a long, long time.

andy@markencom.com