Cd durability

[Triton]

Hi,

How do I make cd's last longest? Do I put the blank side down when the cd is out of the player, or do I put the blank side up?

I don't have coverage for all the cd's!


Triton

[bench warmer]

Well the laser has to shine thru the blank side to see the data but the other side is what has the data on it. Don't scratch either or the result is about the same: Non-readability. you can buy disc holders if you want insurance.

[prometheus]

What do you mean with 'black side'? The side that is not printed or the side that doesn't contains the data?

I mean, one 'looks blank' but the other 'is blank'.

Anyway, the greyish side with the data seems to be less resilliant to scratches. So bottoms up.

[gilad]

seriously. just get yourself some boxes and you wont need to worry about scratching your cds. I have over 500, i have never scratched one. they go from box to player and from player to box.
But if you dont subcscribe to my view, then go with prometheus' advice and put the shiney side up.

[pianolearner]

Well the laser has to shine thru the blank side to see the data but the other side is what has the data on it. Don't scratch either or the result is about the same: Non-readability. you can buy disc holders if you want insurance.

This is absolutely correct. CD's are nowhere near as durable as they were originally touted to be. However, if you had no choice you should put CD's label side up on a surface. The surface on the reading side can be polished to remove scratches but if you damage the aluminium film that has the data (closest to the label side) it cannot be repaired.

[timothy42b]

What do you mean with 'black side'? The side that is not printed or the side that doesn't contains the data?

I mean, one 'looks blank' but the other 'is blank'.

Anyway, the greyish side with the data seems to be less resilliant to scratches. So bottoms up.

The laser shines up through layers of plastic to read the underside of the metal layer.  Scratches on the plastic bottom may degrade play but scratches on top will destroy the data. 

Apparently there is a more serious problem with the CD-R, in that you shouldn't expect the data to survive more than a year.  I was archiving family photo's on them, and now I have to find a new method. 

[quantum]

Get yourself one of those huge CD binders that hold something like 288 discs. 

[Triton]

Thanks for advices:-)

Triton

[ksnmohan]

Hi triton,

Use a CD Jewel Box to keep the CD out of the player. Otherwise - either side up - doesn't ensure absolute safety. I am speaking from experience.