It's A Digital Disease!

The original post: /r/datahoarder by /u/Interman90 on 2024-09-19 20:36:46.

These days i mainly use optical discs (cd-r, dvd-r, bd-r) for backups.

I have been using cd-r and dvd-r discs for decades and never had one fail due to age.

Yesterday i burned a bd-r and was curious what lasts longer cd-r, dvd-r or bd-r.

The answer shocked me a little bit:

https://www.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/102jwds/comment/kdy9ura/

I was under the impression (especially since i never had a disc fail) that cd's and dvd's basically last forever if you do not mechanically damage them.

Now i find out depending on the exact disc they might only last 20 years or less.

But i also found that some CD-R and DVD-R discs (that have a gold layer) are designed to last up to 100 years.

I did a little research and found these:

https://www.verbatim.com/prod/professional-optical/archival-grade-gold-dvd-r/ultralife/

https://www.verbatim.com/prod/optical-media/professional-optical/cd-r-archival-grade-gold/ultra-life/

I know the Verbatim brand for years and they claim a lifespan of up to 100 years.

Are these a good buy if longevity and compatibility are the main concern?

Is there an even better option?

Is there also an option like this for Blu Ray discs?

I know M-Disc but never used them because of compatibility.