Lifespan expectancy of DVD’s/CD’s?

[Temujin]

Does anyone know the lifespan expectancy of writable DVD’s/CD’s and software DVD’s/CD’s?

 

[cr2sh]

How long will data recorded on CD-R and CD-RW discs remain readable?
The life span of a written disc depends upon a number of factors including such things as the intrinsic properties of the materials used in the disc’s construction, its manufactured quality, how well it is recorded and its physical handing and storage. As a result, the life span of a recorded disc is extremely difficult to estimate reliably. However, to calculate disc life spans within some practical timeframe blank media manufacturers do conduct accelerated age testing by subjecting samples of their discs to environments much beyond those experienced under normal storage conditions. Generally speaking, only the effects of varying temperature and humidity are considered. These test results are then used to predict how long a disc will remain readable under more normal storage conditions. Since questionable testing and measurement procedures can seriously impact upon and compromise these estimates several international standards have been developed which specify procedures to be used conducting accelerated testing and analyzing the resulting data from prerecorded (pressed) and recordable CDs:

ISO 18921:2002, Imaging materials — Compact discs (CD-ROM) — method for estimating the life expectancy based on the effects of temperature and relative humidity

ISO 18927:2002, Imaging materials — Recordable compact disc systems — method for estimating the life expectancy based on the effects of temperature and relative humidity

For years now many media manufacturers have performed their own lifetime evaluations using these or a variety of other homegrown tests and mathematical modeling techniques. Historically, manufacturers have claimed life-spans ranging from 50 to 200 years for CD-R discs and 20 to 100 years for CD-RW. Be aware, however, that disc producers, manufacturing methods and materials change over time as do applications and cost imperatives. Consequently, those concerned with disc longevity should consult the appropriate international standards and their media manufacturer for more particular information.

It is important to remember, however, that nothing lasts forever and that technologies inevitably change. Well-designed products, such as CD-R and CD-RW, allow for seamless transition to the next generation and ultimately, since they embody digital information, contents can be transferred to future storage systems as becomes necessary to preserve whatever has been stored on the discs.

Somewhere I read that the shelf-life of an unrecorded disc is 5 to 10 years.

 

[Artful Dodger]

Some have said that on older cds, let's say in the last 7-10 years that one may need to watch for "cd rot" since the cds back then didn't use what they now do today.
Nice post cr2sh. I know that some of my comerical cds that I got many moons ago suffer an uneven change (flat color or change of color) on the read side and this maybe the "rot" that some describe. That's the only thing that I've seen with cds thus far but maybe in 20 years I'll find out more...well I hope not

 

[jer446]

if its that big of a deal to you, in ten years, why not just transfer it onto new media?

 

[Temujin]

if its that big of a deal to you, in ten years, why not just transfer it onto new media?

I was especially thinking of my original old computer games. Would be a shame to lose them.

My data can always be restored on stuff like Blue Ray, no prop there.

 

[DVDowner]

DVD Industry

Does anyone have a idea on the lifespan expectancy of DVD’s/CD’s industry?
Or what is next in line.

 

[Tallest Skil]

Does anyone have a idea on the lifespan expectancy of DVD’s/CD’s industry?
Or what is next in line.

CD, DVD, Blu-ray, HVD, and then probably PCD, provided that we don't kill optical media after Blu-ray.

Because there will be little incentive for a spinning disk by 2016.

 

[mkrishnan]

My running theory, o thread necromancer, is that file downloads (iTunes, etc) will continue to eat away at music CD's without the need for a replacement to the CD technology for most users (with a small subset of the advanced CD / DVD-Audio type formats for niche users).

As for video, I will throw out the controversial prediction that download / stream videos will catch up and displace optical media before BD reaches a high rate of market coverage, and that optical media for movies will also decline.

For software distribution, I'm not sure, but DVD-DL already offers a lot of space and BD data discs should be fine for taking the industry quite a ways forward, and then ultimately I think more and more software will also be distributed via the internet and software media will also go into decline.

After that, man will create the Cylons. They will rebel and evolve, coming to look and feel human and act like your annoying younger sister. There will be many copies, and they will have a plan, which won't work very well but will involve a gratuitous budget for designer wardrobe.

 

[DVDowner]

CD, DVD, Blu-ray, HVD, and then probably PCD, provided that we don't kill optical media after Blu-ray.

Because there will be little incentive for a spinning disk by 2016.

Where can I find out more about PCD?

 

[Tallest Skil]

Where can I find out more about PCD?

There's not a lot to be said about protein-coated disks right now, really.

Experimental tech that will theoretically allow for 240TB on one standard-size disk.

But, again, there's really no point to it. By the time it is developed to market, NAND flash media (and solid state hard drives) will have been developed to a point that people will use only that.