Could anyone please recommend me some good archival quality DVD media and reputable dealers? I'm currently resorting and backing up my image library so need to get hold of some decent media.
Thanks in advance.
Rich.
P.S. I understand that it's impossible to tell the longevity of DVD media at this stage but there are definitely some duff brands out there who produce coasters!
Posted by Alan Bryant on January 11, 2008 at 7:20 AM
I use Sony 4.7GB/122mins DVD-R's, which come in a pack of 50 from Asda.
They are a top quality disc.
I think they were either £11 or £13.I cant remember.
I HAVE NOT had 1 "coaster" yet
Posted by Sean Bolton on January 11, 2008 at 9:33 AM
Hi Rich
For the best archival ability try the 'gold' type CDs and DVDs which some manufacturers produce, e.g. Delkin from Warehouse express.
So far the Verbatims have been very reliable for me. I think any of the main brands are ok. Also reduce your write speed when burning discs. I have read that a slower write speed produces a more reliable recording (although this could be an internet old wives tail.......).
regards
Sean
Posted by Paul Inglis on January 11, 2008 at 9:42 AM
I have been using the Delkin e-Film Archival Gold DVD 4.7GB which are recommended for Archival use (Apparently good for storage of images for more than 300 years). I get mine from Warehouse Express and Speed Graphic both are good.
They are not cheap though, roughly £10 for ten, £45 for twenty-five or £160 for a hundred.
Posted by Peter Barritt on January 11, 2008 at 2:03 PM
unlikely you'll be using DVD's in 300 years. hopefully you'll never need the hard copy if you back up on 2 external HD's in different sites. certainly keep hard copy but you shouldn't ever need to use it and any reputable DVD should do IMHO.
Peter
Posted by Elliott Neep on January 12, 2008 at 7:14 AM
Agree with Peter. When I first started photography, I backed up my slide scans onto CDs as this was all I could afford. Now some of the CDs have corroded and the data is corrupt. Lucky I still have the slides. If it was my RAW files I would have been apoplectic! DVD is more reliable, but for how long? I back up everything on duplicated external hard drives and leave at least one in another location. For DVD recommendations I have used Verbatim and Sony and both haven't failed... yet.
Thanks for the recommendations folks. I like the idea of using a second external drive (I already backup to one that I keep at home). I just need to find somewhere local where I can safely store one and get easy access to it each time I need to do some backups.
In the meantime I'll go with one of the DVD brands that you have suggested.
Discussion
8 repliesCould anyone please recommend me some good archival quality DVD media and reputable dealers? I'm currently resorting and backing up my image library so need to get hold of some decent media.
Thanks in advance.
Rich.
P.S. I understand that it's impossible to tell the longevity of DVD media at this stage but there are definitely some duff brands out there who produce coasters!
They are a top quality disc.
I think they were either £11 or £13.I cant remember.
I HAVE NOT had 1 "coaster" yet
For the best archival ability try the 'gold' type CDs and DVDs which some manufacturers produce, e.g. Delkin from Warehouse express.
Delkin Warehouse Express
I use Verbatim printable DVDs which I buy from DVD-and-media.
DVD and Media
So far the Verbatims have been very reliable for me. I think any of the main brands are ok. Also reduce your write speed when burning discs. I have read that a slower write speed produces a more reliable recording (although this could be an internet old wives tail.......).
regards
Sean
They are not cheap though, roughly £10 for ten, £45 for twenty-five or £160 for a hundred.
Peter
In the meantime I'll go with one of the DVD brands that you have suggested.
Thanks again
Rich.