Hi, 

Just like to add some things, I too endorse the use of TDK or Verbatim blank media as stable and consistent I have used both for many years with excellent results.

If you are looking to further ensure the integrity of the written data then I suggest you use a CD burning package that includes a "verify disk" option (this basically compares the original files on hard disk with what can be read off the CD ensuring consistency) to my knowledge, the latest versions of Ahead Nero Burning Rom for PC and Adaptec Toast for Mac include this option although there may be others.

Best of luck,

Regards
 
>>> Alan Lock <[log in to unmask]> 03/26/02 01:15am >>>
Hi Peter (et al),

On 18 Mar 2002, at 18:06, James, Peter wrote:

> Can anyone recommend a brand/type of CD-R which is better suited for
> archival purposes? Kodak are pushing their Gold Ultima disks, as
> offering "12 times longer life"  but at over £11.00 for a pack of ten
> are not the cheapest around.

Hung back on replying as I had thought this would draw a fair number
of responses but...

First off: I'll point you to the CDR FAQ at:
        http://www.cdrfaq.org/ 

this has *lots* of info' and links on all apsects of CDR including
some archival issues - it's long been my first port-of-call when
checking CDR stuff (manufacturers sites tend to be a bit skimpy on
technical data).  The FAQ is downloadable as a zipped HTML file
(<250kB).  Caveat: watch the dates on some of the material.

Over the past 8 years I've used range of CDR's on a variety of CD
writers - I've found Kodak, TDK and Verbatim to be fairly consistent
and they all do 'archive' blanks ('though it's not always easy to get
hold of the higher quality (=more expensive) versions of the media.
Most of the 'archive' quality CDRs have a coating (e.g. Kodaks'
Infoguard) to improve scratch resistance and more stable dyes.

Recently I've 'standardised' on TDK CD-R74 - mainly because:
  - they appear to be reasonably durable
  - they're available in bulk locally at a reasonable price
  - I've had *no* bad burns (that weren't my fault) in my current CD
writers
  - no compatibilty problems so far (how to tempt providence!)

These are not the 'archive' quality versions (CD-R74 Pro) as they're
not readily available and I don't _really_ need them (important data
also backed up to other media).

Haven't used Verbatim for some time so can't comment on current
quality but their 'archive' CDRs (DataLife Plus?) are available from
Digiverse at ~52GBP for 100.
        http://www.digiverse.co.uk/ 

Other thoughts/observations:
I avoid spindle 'bargains' like the plague - when you cost out the
time of writing, testing, throwing away, rewriting they become
somewhat less of a bargain...  Have seen some recently with readily
visible holes (~0.5-1mm!) in them.

Find a make that suits your burner (at the speeds you can reliably
use) - have had situations where one brand would be fine in one
writer but be 'iffy' in another.

Try writing some test CDRs at/near to full capacity and reading them
on as wide a variety of CD drives as feasible to check how
compatible/readable they are - after all this is also a part of
archivability (and one of the reasons I stick to 74min media and
don't overburn).  This is also where some of the 'bargains' fail...

Of course you'll not just rely on a 'Successful burn' message but
check the *full* readability of (at least) some of your CDRs every so
often - won't you?

Hope this is of use

Alan


_____________________________
Alan Lock
Digital Imaging and Computer Consultant
Tel: +44 (0)117 951 4678
[log in to unmask]

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