Labeling DVD Movie Backups

[dbreaux]

Is it safe to label dvd movie backups with a felt tip perma marker.....as many of us do with our recorded CD's?

[cfitz]

It is probably safer, actually, since DVDs have relatively thick polycarbonate layers on both the top and bottom of the data layer, while CDs only have a thick polycarbonate layer on the bottom (the side that the laser reads). The top side of CDs where you write or apply labels is only protected by a relatively thin protective coating made of lacquer or the like.

Here is diagram of CD and DVD cross sections from the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Special Publication 500-252 "Care and Handling for the Preservation of CDs and DVDs - A Guide for Librarians and Archivists" :



The document is worth reading in full, because it has some tips about extending the life of your recordable optical media.

cfitz

[dodecahedron]

once again cfitz with his useful links...

[dbreaux]

Thankks, Cfitz....very comprehensive reply.

[cfitz]

You're welcome dbreaux. And thanks for the compliment, dodecahedron.

cfitz

[VEFF]

I have always labeled my DVD discs (data and video) with Lumo Staedtler Lumocolor CD/DVD markers from OD.
The ink is a bit thick for my tastes, but flows much better than the FAR (Free After Rebate) Memorex markers from BestBuy, of which only one of four markers even worked; the other three were so faint it wasn't funny.

[burninfool]

The safest way is to mark on the inner-ring or use ring labels.

BTW...nice graphic cfitz.

[VEFF]

The safest way is to mark on the inner-ring or use ring labels.

BTW...nice graphic cfitz.

The problem with using the inner ring is that it doesn't allow much to be written on it:
In addition to a description of the disc's contents, I like to write the date, burn speed, burner used, software used, firmware used, in the event I want to run tests 6 months or a year from now to compare burns.

[cfitz]

The safest way is to mark on the inner-ring or use ring labels.

It is true that for absolute maximum safety one should write on the inner ring only, where there is no data to be concerned about at all. However, as VEFF points out, that is often very inconvenient. And research has been done to ensure that the CD labeling inks are safe. So, unless you have a hyper-cautious personality, writing with a CD labeling pen should satisfy your needs. I personally label my discs with a CD labeling pen.

Another alternative for those who are extremely concerned about maximizing longevity is not to label the discs at all, but rather use the pre-printed serial numbers on the inner rings of the discs to cross-reference the discs to an external database.

And, of course, anyone who is looking forward to using their discs for years and years to come would be well advised to inspect their discs for degradation, both visually and via a testing program such as KProbe, on a regular basis. That will give you enough advance warning to copy any disc that might happen to be going bad before it reaches the point where data is lost.

BTW...nice graphic cfitz.

Thanks, but I didn't make it. I just posted it. Actual credit goes to Chris Keithley of NIST.

cfitz

[aviationwiz]

I use Sharpy!

[Infinity]

Here is what I use

[tig2002]

I don't understand why no one on this thread labels the DVD disks with standard adhesive CD/DVD paper labels (i.e. Neato, Memorex, CD Stomper, etc.). I thought it is safe to apply CD labels on DVD media. I use Neato CD/DVD labels, but may be I am doing something that I am not supposed to do...

Can anyone explain why I should use permanent marker on inner ring of DVD media, or create an external database with reference to serial number of the disk if there is much easier and painless way - to print a label and apply it to the burned DVD?

[Infinity]

I no longer use the adhesive paper labels because:

1. I had issues with a small amount of them peeling off over time.
2. I also had some of them not go on perfectly flat during the application (creating wrinkles).

I've also heard of some people having problems with the disc being unbalanced, because the paper label wasn't centered perfectly, then causing problems when being read by the cd drive (I never experienced this myself).

[cfitz]

I don't understand why no one on this thread labels the DVD disks with standard adhesive CD/DVD paper labels

Infinity summed it up pretty well.

There are also those who remember, and still have a bad taste, from some early labels whose adhesive had solvents in it that eventually ate through the protective lacquer on top of the disc and ruined the discs, making them unreadable.

Also, if you are using paper labels they will absorb moisture and hold it against the disc, leading to premature degradation. The moisture will also cause the label to expand and, when it dries out again, contract, creating stresses that might warp the disc or, in the case of CDs, contribute to delamination of the top layers.

Finally, many adhesives tend to dry out over time and lose their stickiness. If you get a batch/brand of labels that does that, the release of the label will likely occur in stages, starting in an isolated area. At this point you won't be able to use the disc because the label is loose, but at the same time you won't be able to remove the label entirely to replace it because other areas will still be sticking, and pulling on the label to remove it could rip the data layer off the CD where the label is still sticky or tear the label and leave pieces behind that would unbalance the disc.

Of course, no one is making you write on the center ring or keep track of your discs by serial number. You are free to do as you wish. And balancing potential gains in longevity against immediate gains in convenience is a decision you need to make for yourself.

cfitz

[VEFF]

The part about labeling that worried me the most was one of the points
cfitz brought up:
The solvents in the adhesive that could have a chemical reaction with the CDs protective lacquer and "eat" into the disc, potentially rendering it unplayable.
I know recordable DVDs have a much thicker protective layer than
recordable CDs, but I still prefer to use CD/DVD markers.