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Old May 29th 10, 03:54 PM posted to rec.photo.digital.slr-systems
Alan Browne
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Posts: 12,640
Default Archival CDs and DVDs

On 10-05-28 9:50 , Peter wrote:
"John A." wrote in message
...
On 26 May 2010 02:04:46 GMT, "Michael D. Berger"
wrote:

On Tue, 25 May 2010 20:59:50 -0400, Peter wrote:

"Michael D. Berger" wrote in message
...
Any advice on which archival CDs and DVDs are good; that is, really
archival?

Thanks,
Mike.


None. All have limited life and must be re-archived after a period of
years, which varies with the quality of the media and storage
conditions.

Ah yes, we are, after all, finite beings -- but I would
guess that some are substantially better than others. It
is the names of those better ones I seek.


Cranberry claims their DiamonDisc system makes DVDs that will last
1000 years. Instead of storing the data on a dye layer, they use
synthetic stone and etch deeper pits with a higher powered laser.
Write-once, I would imagine. I haven't tried them.

I've also read of one long-term data storage currently in the
theoretical stage. They described a system of carbon nanotubes each
holding an iron particle which would have a theoretical life of a
billion years. I'm sure it would be great for thumb drives, and since
it's the position of the iron in the tube that stores the data it
would probably be easier to securely erase than magnetic systems. But
a 1000-year system would probably be sufficient for most people.



Even twenty years from now the equipment to read the DVD might not be
readily available. Think 8 track.



Bad analogy. Unlike tape systems each new optical disk system is
backward compatible. eg: bluray disk readers read DVD and CD disks (and
many data formats on each).

Secondly, the drive mechanisms and lasers in such readers are pretty
much "age proof". Brushless DC motors last pretty much forever and the
lasers almost never fail in normal use. As long as the power supplies
avoid tantalum capacitors (which is becoming an industry practice), the
drives can be re-activated in 10's - 100's of years, IMO.

Oh, maybe the rubber drive band for the door will degrade. No biggie.

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