CD/DVD lifetime

[Qvark]

Does any of you guys know the lifetime of a CD/DVD.

I just bought a DVD player and startet to collect all the Disney classics (among others).

DVD´s are pretty expensive, so i wondered - how long does these discs live. If i put a disc in a DVD player 40 years from now - then what. Is it still the same quality.

[canit]

They should last as long as CDs(but both formats are susceptible to damage like scratches- more so DVDs because the information on the disk is packed closer together), longer than VHS tape(any analog tape format will degrade over time). http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by canit (edited 01-03-2001).]

[Qvark]

Tnx Canit - but, let´s say i handle the discs like crystal glas for the next 40 years - no scratches etc.. will it wear out. I remember reading something about the discs top layer deteriorating over time.
*^
Is that spelled correctly

[daveleau]

Yes a cd-r is supposed to last anywhere from 10-30 yrs depending on quality and light exposure. If kept out of the light, a DVD should last longer than you do since the manufactured ones have longer shelf lifes than the blank ones. That is if it is not scratched...but scratches can be removed from most optical medium if care is taken and the scratch is not too deep.
Dave

[Qvark]

Thanks, i´ll guard my new Disney Classics with my life.

The reason i´m asking, is - there´s not much point in buying for xxxxxx $ worth of DVD movies, if they´re nothing worth in 10 years.

Thanks again for the answers http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[Warthog]

Magnetic media never lasts that long. That's why I would like to put some old VHS home movies on my comp into digital format. Once those are gone...man, there goes years of memories http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif

Warthog