Este é um post auxiliar sobre o tempo de vida de um DVD:
Citando as Perguntas frequentes sobre arquivos de mídia ótica do Arquivo Nacional :
5) Qual é o prazo de validade de discos CD-R / DVD-R não gravados?
It is best to purchase new CDs/DVDs as they are needed. According to the Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA), the unrecorded shelf life of a CD-R/DVD-R disc is conservatively estimated to be between 5 and 10 years. Source: http://www.osta.org/technology/cdqa13.htm
6) Por quanto tempo posso esperar que meus CDs / DVDs gravados durem?
CD/DVD experiential life expectancy is 2 to 5 years even though published life expectancies are often cited as 10 years, 25 years, or longer. However, a variety of factors discussed in the sources cited in FAQ 15, below, may result in a much shorter life span for CDs/DVDs. Life expectancies are statistically based; any specific medium may experience a critical failure before its life expectancy is reached. Additionally, the quality of your storage environment may increase or decrease the life expectancy of the media. We recommend testing your media at least every two years to assure your records are still readable.
11) Como devo lidar com CDs e DVDs?
Handle discs only by the outer edge or the center hole, never by touching the surface. Fingerprints can disrupt the tracking of the laser on the disc. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove any dirt, fingerprints, or smudges.
13) Como faço para armazenar os discos para prolongar sua vida útil?
Discs are best stored upright (like a book) in "jewel" cases that are designed specifically for CDs/DVDs. Ideally, store the cases in plastic or steel containers manufactured specifically for the type of medium in cool, dry storage that is free of large temperature fluctuations. Generally, useful life will be increased by storing discs at a
low temperature and low relative humidity, since chemical degradation is reduced in these conditions. Store at 62-70 degrees F. and 35-50% relative humidity. Fluctuations in the storage area should not exceed +/- 2 degrees F. in temperature; relative humidity should not fluctuate more than +/- 5%.
Dados adicionais estão aqui em um excelente relatório experimental de J. Iraci: "Estabilidade Relativa dos Formatos de Disco Óptico", Joe Iraci, no Restaurador - Revista Internacional para a Preservação da Biblioteca e Material de Arquivamento (2005) ( link ).