Your DVDs and CDs are at Risk!

DVDs and CDs are commonly used to store modern digital videos and converted movies from old formats. Most people think that newer formats are better than older formats, so DVDs must be better than old video tapes.

Would you believe we have a better success rate converting 40-year-old Betamax tapes than 10 year old DVDs? It’s normal for 10-20% of a client’s discs to be unreadable even after just a few years.

Unfortunately, optical discs are one of the worst ways to store family memories. In fact, we refuse to deliver client project on optical discs. And if you find a video conversion company that delivers on disc, we suggest you head for the door!

The three greatest risks to optical discs are:

Delamination
The reflective top layer is essential for the laser to read a disc, and if the reflective aluminum layer is scratched or delaminated the disc will fail. The top layer is easily scratched and can even be damaged by stickers and post-it notes.

Scratches
Deep scratches on the underside of a CD or DVD make it impossible for a laser to read the videos.

Dye Decay
The blue, purple, or green layer on a disc is an organic dye that can decay, even when sandwiched between layers of polycarbonate plastic.

These are just a few of the reasons why converting your DVDs and CDs to digital files should be an urgent priority. When your discs are gathered, converted, and stored on a USB thumb drive they’re easier to view, edit, share, and backup for the future.

Interested in working with Chaos to Memories?

If you’re near Chicago and ready to get started, come visit our Wheaton Studio Monday – Friday, 10-5. Please bring your memories with you.

If you live outside the Chicagoland area, we’re happy to send you a Project Form and Contract, along with shipping instructions, so you can get started on your project.

Contact us for more information.