Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/08/14
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]The problem with CD and DVD discs is that there is "error fudging" software used when reading them. As the errors pile up it gets to a point where it is no longer possible to compensate for them: bingo the file is unreadable. It is literally working fine one day and the next nothing. The disc reading software should display how critical the errors are getting so you could write the open file (not copy the disc) to another disc or drive in time. John Collier On 14-Aug-06, at 2:00 PM, Lawrence Zeitlin wrote: > > On Aug 14, 2006, at 10:45 AM, Jim wrote: > >> My biggest complaint about digital imaging is that we will likely >> lose the >> "shoebox" to the ages--no tangible receptacle, like an old >> shoebox, for >> prints or negatives. What's the likelihood that ephemeral digital >> images >> will survive? Not bloody likely, unless you're a computer expert >> like Brian >> and copy all your work regularly. > > Despite the gloom and doom about digital media longevity, Kodak > claims that accelerated life span testing shows that properly > handled, high quality CD-R discs will retain images for 50 years or > longer. Kodak's definition of proper handling precludes using the > discs as Frisbees or as hot drink coasters. They prefer that you > keep the discs in individual wrappers in a box at room temperature > or below. Kodak used to make a line of gold flashed discs of > exceptional stability but I haven't seen any for some time. I'm > sure that top of the line discs from other makers will have > comparable quality. However, if you want to look at your images 50 > years from now, you might have difficulty finding a CD player. I > suggest you store one of those in the shoe box with the discs. > > Brian is right. It might be a good idea to refresh the image file > from time to time as new media formats become popular. But it ain't > brain surgery.