which is the best CD/R for long term storage?
 

Hello

I store a mix of data and MP3's on CD/R, mainly data, in the past I used an off the shelf brand well known in this country (UK) called Imation. Problem was I checked out my collection of CD/R and 18% of them showed data errors and some of them could not be accesed at all, though I tried several CD drives. These CD/R were all under three years old. Some of the material I need to put onto CD is sooooooo important to me. so I have to find the best CD/R to store this material on.

I've done a bit of research on the net, and it seems to come down to a variety of factors, primarily what kind of dye is used in the manufacture.
I've heard very good things said of MAM-E Gold ProStudio CD/R which uses a phthalocyanine dye, and equally good things spoken of TAIYO YUDEN CD/R. But the good things were in the main spoken by the companys about themselves.

So thats why I come to the forum, where I hope to get the opinion of the people that matter, those who buy the CD/R's.

Some have mentioned Verbatim as being a good bet...what type please? And do you know what dye is used in their manufacture?

In passing I wonder what type of CD software manufactures use? I have many of that type of CD which are over 8 years old and still giving no problems...they all seem to be a matt silver colour?

Your input is very much appreciated, thank you.

eden

Verbatim brands is good but cost alot of money. but mostly any media should survive a long time. I got cds that I burned 8 years ago and still work perfect.

Well I get my Verbatims for about $22 a hundred pack. I dont consider that too much.

Also I would like to inform you that converting your MP3's to WMA will shave off half their size and keep the same quality.




Tyler!

Thanks for the info and opinions so far
 

Thanks bushwick 2002 for your input, I wish I knew what it was that made some cdr's last 8 years, and others start giving errors after 6 months, storage plays a part, seems a lot of other factors matter as well.

Thanks to TylerDurden for the news about mp3 to WMA thats a huge saving in size...and no loss of quality? Great thanks for that.

eden

No prob man, but look into it. It does cut them down to about half their size. I have a program from my old computer that I havent installed yet but I used to convert them myself.



Tyler!

Tyler, just curious, what do you use to play your WMA format ?

Good question. I either just use my PC or my dvd player that can read them. Its connected to my stereo so I hear them fine. Otherwise I would have to reencode them to mp3 so I can burn back onto a cd again.


None the less, wma does do a great job on shrinking the size. Maybe someday the wma format will be more recognized in other players.




Tyler!