What's the lifespan of a DVD-R disc?

Steveaustin316 · 10-06-2012, 20:34

Just wondering how long these discs will last?

The oldest one I've got is from 2004 and it still plays, but how many years do these discs last before they become unplayable?

grahamlthompson · 10-06-2012, 20:58

Because the dyes are light sensitive it will depend on the storage conditions and the quality of the original blank discs.

Best to copy every few years to be safe.

the sandman · 10-06-2012, 21:18

Without physical damage, the data on a dvd-ram disc is stored for a minimum of 30 years.

grahamlthompson · 10-06-2012, 22:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by the sandman

Without physical damage, the data on a dvd-ram disc is stored for a minimum of 30 years.

The DVD-RAM spec was formulated in 1996. Until 2026 how can you possibly know if this is fact or mere speculation ?. Based on the same estimated life of other optical storage media and practical experiience I wouldn't put any money on it. In any case how many have DVD-ram storage anyway ?

alan1302 · 11-06-2012, 07:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by grahamlthompson

The DVD-RAM spec was formulated in 1996. Until 2026 how can you possibly know if this is fact or mere speculation ?. Based on the same estimated life of other optical storage media and practical experiience I wouldn't put any money on it. In any case how many have DVD-ram storage anyway ?

There are tests that be done on the media to age it raipdly and then it's worked out from there - although obviosuly it can't be guaranteed 100% it probbaly won't be far from the mark.

IIMHO the best way to store backups is on a hard drive rather than DVD/CD and make sure you keep two copies as well.

Kodaz · 11-06-2012, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by the sandman

Without physical damage, the data on a dvd-ram disc is stored for a minimum of 30 years.

Bear in mind that the OP asked about the common DVD-R discs, not DVD-RAM. They're two different formats with different characteristics, and if the OP doesn't realise this then your answer might be misleading.

DVD-RAM is (AFAIK) generally considered better for archiving, but it's much rarer and not supported by all players or recorders.

flagpole · 11-06-2012, 14:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steveaustin316

Just wondering how long these discs will last?

The oldest one I've got is from 2004 and it still plays, but how many years do these discs last before they become unplayable?

nobody knows.

if the disks for 2004 are important you should probably be making a duplicate.

10-06-2012, 20:34	#1
Steveaustin316 Inactive Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 15,746	What's the lifespan of a DVD-R disc? Just wondering how long these discs will last? The oldest one I've got is from 2004 and it still plays, but how many years do these discs last before they become unplayable?

10-06-2012, 20:58	#2
grahamlthompson Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redditch Worcs Posts: 17,293	Because the dyes are light sensitive it will depend on the storage conditions and the quality of the original blank discs. Best to copy every few years to be safe.

10-06-2012, 21:18	#3
the sandman Forum Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 602	Without physical damage, the data on a dvd-ram disc is stored for a minimum of 30 years.

10-06-2012, 22:11	#4
grahamlthompson Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redditch Worcs Posts: 17,293	Quote: Originally Posted by the sandman Without physical damage, the data on a dvd-ram disc is stored for a minimum of 30 years. The DVD-RAM spec was formulated in 1996. Until 2026 how can you possibly know if this is fact or mere speculation ?. Based on the same estimated life of other optical storage media and practical experiience I wouldn't put any money on it. In any case how many have DVD-ram storage anyway ?

11-06-2012, 07:52	#5
alan1302 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: West Yorks Posts: 6,180	Quote: Originally Posted by grahamlthompson The DVD-RAM spec was formulated in 1996. Until 2026 how can you possibly know if this is fact or mere speculation ?. Based on the same estimated life of other optical storage media and practical experiience I wouldn't put any money on it. In any case how many have DVD-ram storage anyway ? There are tests that be done on the media to age it raipdly and then it's worked out from there - although obviosuly it can't be guaranteed 100% it probbaly won't be far from the mark. IIMHO the best way to store backups is on a hard drive rather than DVD/CD and make sure you keep two copies as well.

11-06-2012, 13:38	#6
Kodaz Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 1,006	Quote: Originally Posted by the sandman Without physical damage, the data on a dvd-ram disc is stored for a minimum of 30 years. Bear in mind that the OP asked about the common DVD-R discs, not DVD-RAM. They're two different formats with different characteristics, and if the OP doesn't realise this then your answer might be misleading. DVD-RAM is (AFAIK) generally considered better for archiving, but it's much rarer and not supported by all players or recorders.

11-06-2012, 14:52	#7
flagpole Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 43,524	Quote: Originally Posted by Steveaustin316 Just wondering how long these discs will last? The oldest one I've got is from 2004 and it still plays, but how many years do these discs last before they become unplayable? nobody knows. if the disks for 2004 are important you should probably be making a duplicate.

DS Forums

What's the lifespan of a DVD-R disc?