How Long Do CDs Last? It Depends, But Definitely Not Forever

NPR ^ | August 18, 2014 5:21 PM ET | Laura Sydell

[SoFloFreeper]

I store all my vital information on a Cardassian one time Opto-lithic Data Rod imported straight from the Top Secret Obsidian Order supply Depot on Cardassia IV.

It costs me several liters of Bio-mimemtic gel per Exo-byte, but it is worth it.

Have you checked the research into that stuff though? One baryon sweep and all--and I mean ALL--of the data is gone.

You're better off putting it into some kind of harmonic distribution matrix...multiple ones, at that. Then if one is hit by a pleotonic burst, you've got the others for backup.

[GraceG]

[ Have you checked the research into that stuff though? One baryon sweep and all—and I mean ALL—of the data is gone.

You’re better off putting it into some kind of harmonic distribution matrix...multiple ones, at that. Then if one is hit by a pleotonic burst, you’ve got the others for backup. ]

That is why I store my data rods in a Baryon Insulating storage sleeve.

[BuffaloJack]

CDs and DVDs typically go bad by degradation of the aluminum reflecting layer. Single sided disk allow protection of the layer by the label (paper is not a good barrier material). Double sided disks, on the other hand, have a fairly good barrier to corrosion, since anything corrosive to the aluminum reflector has to get through the plastic outer layer.

[SoFloFreeper]

That is why I store my data rods in a Baryon Insulating storage sleeve.

You must have money to burn. But hey, if you can afford it...

[GraceG]

[ That is why I store my data rods in a Baryon Insulating storage sleeve.

You must have money to burn. But hey, if you can afford it... ]

Yeah this nice Ferengi Merchant sold it to me, guaraneteed it would block all bayons..... He seemed so trustworthy...

[KC_Lion]

And you had to deal with this guy as your Middle Man:

[catnipman]

glad to know about TY.

[overdog2]

Allot of good information posted and some not so good. Check out “archival gold” from Delkin for 300 year archival quality CD’s & DVD’s. They use a 24KT gold layer where other manufacturers use aluminum (the cheapest and most prone to oxidation) and silver (more expensive and less susceptible to oxidation). The major brands today are using silver substrate and dyes that inhibit “rot”. With proper care (shield from ultraviolet light, heat & humidity) the data will last decades. My opinion is based on working in the industry since the late 90’s. Delkin is a competitor of mine but then when you’re selling a Chevy is Mercedes really a competitor? Check out the Delkin website for good G2 on the process of optical media manufacturing.

[SoFloFreeper]

Not all Ferengis are crooks. Don’t be such a racist.

[GraceG]

Not all Ferengis are crooks. Don’t be such a racist.

I bought it from Rom, I trust Rom, LOL

Isn’t it funny how they sterotyped all the races in Trek, the Ferengi were greedy, the Klingons were wariors, the Romulans were back stabbing, the Cardassians were Fascists, and the Federation were perfect, LOL

How very tolerant of them.

[GraceG]

And all it took was the self respect of ONE starfleet officer....

[GraceG]

And all it took was the self respect of ONE starfleet officer....

[SevenofNine]

I forgot about Cardiasin original Cardiarian not this Hollyweird fake family

[Fire_on_High]

Umm, no, that’s actually a really BAD idea. If there’s a manufacturing defect, they WILL fail at the same time. Backing up on two hard drives is by itself a splendid idea, but go for two different brands and you avoid the issue of bad batches ruining you.

[catfish1957]

Funny, my LPs are fine.

I can remember as a kid, going into my grandparents barn, and finding quarter inch thick Edison records of my great grandparents, and trying to play them on my record player. The suckers played, and didn't sound that much different than the LP's I had. Even after 50 summers and winters in a barn.

Vinyl is Final not only applies to home siding.

[Drago]

A newer type disk with a possible 1000 year lifespan...”M-Disk”... you need an M-Disk burner (couple dozen models available), but can be played back on standard DVD/Blu-ray payers. http://www.mdisc.com/what-is-mdisc/

[cva66snipe]

Researcher France says many of them can actually last for centuries if they're taken care of. "The fastest way to destroy those collections is to leave them in their car over summer," she says — "which a lot of people do." Sadly, your favorite CDs — the ones you've played a lot — are often the ones that are most likely to be damaged.

Make a copy. As long as you do so for personal use, do not copy for others, and keep the original disc it's legal. Copy music into HD as well and copy from that. I never keep my original licensed CD's in a vehicle

[Smokin' Joe]

With proper care (shield from ultraviolet light, heat & humidity) the data will last decades.

Then, all you will need are backwards compatible software and hardware to get the data.