Inside every DVD and CD is a reflective layer of material, usually made of some type of metal composite, that helps the DVD (or CD) player to read the information contained on the disc.
A Gold DVD is a DVD that uses 24k gold as the reflective layer within the disc. Gold is one of the most inert, reflective elements on earth, which makes it perfect to resist the effects of temperature and humidity. These characteristics prevent oxidation, a common cause of failure for most DVDs.
Gold does not rust, corrode or breakdown like other metals which is what makes it so valuable. When used inside a DVD, it can boost the lifespan of the disc tremendously.
In conjunction with the other materials used and the way the disc is made enables Gold DVDs to last at least 100 years, significantly longer than regular DVDs. This makes them an ideal media option for long term archival of video, film, photos, slides and data.
The innovative materials and manufacturing methods used to produce Archival Gold DVDs make them among the most reliable storage media available. Other DVD-R’s may deteriorate quickly due to common environmental factors: ultraviolet light, heat, and humidity.
Using N.I.S.T.’s (National Institute of Standards and Technology) accelerated aging process to test the longevity of DVD-R media, the Archival Gold DVD has been shown to safely store your images for more than 100 years.
Sunray Video is one of the few companies that offer Archival Gold DVDs including gold dvd-r discs.
Be careful about using any discs claiming to be “archival quality” that do not use real gold. They may not last as long as the Gold DVDs since the reflective material will not be a durable.
How long do DVDs last? Do DVDs go bad?
The Archival Gold DVDs are rated to last over 100 years, but as for other DVDs that do not use gold and are not archival quality the answer is not readily available. Depending on the materials used and how the disc is made it could last anywhere from 3 to 15 years or more, nobody knows for sure.
There have been reports of some very cheaply produced discs that began to disintegrate after just 3 years as the layers making up the disc started to physically separate from each other causing the disc to fall apart.
Another factor that can shorten the life of a DVD or CD are scratches or damage to the readable surface. Damage to the surface of the disc can make it harder for the disc player to be able to read the information on the disc; often resulting in skipping or freezing up during playback.
Magic Markers ruin DVDs and CDs
The used of permanent markers for writing labels on DVDs and CDs have been known to make the discs unreadable for a disc player. Over time the chemicals in the marker seep into and through the layers of the disc resulting in damage on the opposite side where the information has been recorded.
Once the damage has been done there is no way to retrieve the information from the disc and all is lost. Labeling a disc with a permanent marker can significantly reduce the life of the disc.
Stick on labels ruin DVDs and CDs
Printer labels that can be peeled off and attached to the disc can also cause permanent damage. Something in the glue can penetrate the layers of the disc causing damage to the other side where the information has been recorded. Labeling a disc with a stick on label can also significantly reduce the life of the disc.
How long will DVDs be around?
As of 2019, blu ray players are still available and have the ability to play DVDs. Even the newer 4K blu ray players can play DVDs as well. Blu ray players should be around for awhile as there does not appear to be any replacement technology on the horizon.