DVD Lifespan

[Andrew]

Someone asked how long DVDs last in an earlier thread, but I cannot find it now.  

I have a large number of laserdiscs and some a pretty darn old.  Everyone now and then you lose one to laser rot.  Usually that is then the adhesive binding the platters together fails and it will not read correctly anymore.  DVDs probably are much the same, but going for them is a lighter weight, less surface area, and better adhesive.

A number of my laserdiscs are over 18 years old and work just fine.  The trick is storing and treating them correctly.  Keep them upright to prevent warping and store in low-medium humidity at 67-70 degrees or so.  I'd expect the same should work for DVDs.  Also, avoid any container that is acidic - just like for pictures.

I remember seeing a chart that CDs should stay good for 30 - 40 years.  Cannot remember where though.

Andrew

[StatCat]

It all depends on how you store things. I have several vhs tapes that are close to 20 years old and they still work fine. I'm sure dvds can last a hell of a long time if they are kept well.

[Rev. Darkstar]

Early DVDs do suffer to a  similar problem as lazer rot (mostly the flippers) but due to better mass production only about 1 in a billion will suffer from lazer rot not.

Although DVD-18s,whos mass production is still in its infancy and still could have problems.