| So you've got a massive collection of CDs and DVDs | | | | prevent the laser from focusing on information bits on |
| in your home. Now, instead of letting them clutter your | | | | the disc, so it becomes unreadable. |
| room, your tables, and your drawers and shelves, it's | | | | Extreme changes in heat and humidity are a no-no. |
| time to archive them. Archiving your CDs and DVDs is | | | | Although discs are somewhat resilient in different |
| very important, so they will stay in top shape. | | | | temperature and humidity conditions, do not store them |
| Even so, archiving is not just stacking them in one side | | | | in places that have the extremes. Preferably, a cooler, |
| according to their color or size or age. There are | | | | less-humid place will be ideal to have your archive, so |
| important aspects to keep in mind. Remember that | | | | the dye layer is aptly protected. |
| CD-Rs and DVD-Rs are made by placing pits in the | | | | Don't allow your CDs and DVDs from bending or |
| dye layer of the discs' surface. Anything that harms | | | | warping. When you archive your discs, make sure |
| this layer or reflective layer, the data can disappear. | | | | they are placed vertically, similar to how you shelve |
| Here are some tips to help you archive your CDs and | | | | books. Placing the CDs and DVDs horizontally can |
| DVDs. | | | | warp the disc. It can affect the way the laser follows |
| Protect your discs from light. Blank CDs, DVDs, and | | | | the tracks and how it spins properly in the drive. Here's |
| blu-rays discs are very photosensitive. Although regular | | | | a wonderful idea: pick an opaque disc jewel case, one |
| ambient light or office light won't affect your discs, | | | | made from polypropylene. This is chemically |
| sunlight can. The same goes for very hot and very | | | | non-aggressive and will not react with the label, disc or |
| bright lights. The sunlight creates additional heat to | | | | literature. Another reason is, it's recyclable and plastic. |
| accelerate the dye layer's breakdown. Ultraviolet rays, | | | | It's a responsible option. |
| which can be found in sun also affects the recording | | | | Be careful when choosing labels. Do not use the |
| dye of your disc, in the way that a laser does. Make | | | | stick-on adhesive labels for long-term archives, since |
| sure your archive is away from this factor. | | | | they peel over time and interferes with the drive. |
| Make sure the CDs and DVDs will be protected from | | | | Removing the label also makes it unbalanced and |
| scratches. Polycarbonate, the material used for discs, | | | | unreadable. |
| is tough, but excessive nicks and scratches will | | | | |