For Beginners
FAQ: Burning to CD or DVD
By Shelleyrae Cusbert 2005
Aug 1, 2005, 02:44

There are three main purposes for archiving your collection of photographs, elements and layouts to CD or DVD.
• You may find it necessary to archive your collection to CD or DVD as your hard drive storage capacity begins to reach its’ limit and affect the performance of your computer.
• To ensure your collection is not lost if there is a system failure or hard drive crash and protect precious memories. It is recommended that you create at least two copies, and store one in another location for increased safety.
• To increase the portability of your collection, for example, between a desktop computer, and laptop computer.

Which media, CD or DVD, you choose depends on a number of factors.

Essentially both media are capable of storing any file format. DVD’s were however created specifically because they use a disc writing method that holds up to 7 times the amount a CD is capable of. DVD accesses data faster than CD and uses more robust error correction. This means a DVD is less likely to corrupt data. Another big difference between DVD recording and CD recording is the recording format. DVD recording uses UDF — Universal Data Format. UDF makes it possible to store data, video, audio, or a mix of all three within a single physical file structure. This file structure ensures that any file can be accessed by any drive, computer, or consumer video. UDF includes the CD-standard ISO 9660 compatibility, but CDs do not comply with UDF.

The estimated shelf life of CD’s and DVD’s is anywhere between 70 and 200 years. CD RW and DVD R discs are considered to have a reduced span of about 30 to 100 years. The shelf life is based on accelerated aging tests since the media is still too new. If properly cared for according to the manufacturers’ instructions you can expect your media to last well into the upper range. However there are sometimes disc faults, faulty software or other problems that occur during the burn process or at a later date. To give your discs the best chance of lasting, ensure you care for your discs correctly.

DO:
1. Handle discs by the outer edge or the center hole.
2. Use a non-solvent-based felt-tip permanent marker to mark the label side of the disc.
3. Keep dirt or other foreign matter from the disc.
4. Store discs upright (book style) in plastic cases specified for CDs and DVDs.
5. Return discs to storage cases immediately after use.
6. Leave discs in their packaging (or cases) to minimize the effects of environmental changes.
7. Open a recordable disc package only when you are ready to record data on that disc.
8. Store discs in a cool, dry, dark environment in which the air is clean.
9. Remove dirt, foreign material, fingerprints, smudges, and liquids by wiping with a clean cotton fabric in a straight line from the center of the disc toward the outer edge.
10. Use CD/DVD-cleaning detergent, isopropyl alcohol, or methanol to remove stubborn dirt or material.
11. Check the disc surface before recording.

DO NOT:
1. Touch the surface of the disc.
2. Bend the disc.
3. Use adhesive labels. The label can peel and/or the glue may eat through the disc layers over time.
4. Store discs horizontally for a long time (years).
5. Open a recordable optical disc package if you are not ready to record.
6. Expose discs to extreme heat or high humidity.
7. Expose discs to extremely rapid temperature or humidity changes.
8. Expose recordable discs to prolonged sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet light.
9. Write or mark in the data area of the disc (the area the laser “reads”).
10. Clean by wiping in a direction going around the disc.
11. Expose discs t strong electro magnetic or magnetic fields.
For CDs especially do not:
1. Scratch the label side of the disc.
2. Use a pen, pencil, or fine-tip marker to write on the disc.
3. Write on the disc with markers that contain solvents.
4. Try to peel off or reposition a label.

General recommendations for long-term storage conditions:
For archiving recordable (R) discs, it is recommended to use discs that have a gold metal reflective layer.
Archival Storage Facility—Recommendation for storing CDs and DVDs together
Media Temperature Relative Humidity (RH)
CD, DVD Less than 20°C (68°F) 20% to 50% RH
Greater than 4°C (39°F)
A temperature of 18°C and 40% RH would be considered suitable for long-term storage. A lower temperature and RH is recommended for extended-term storage.

{REFERENCE: © Council on Library and Information Resources 1755 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20036 Web site at http://www.clir.org and National Institute of Standards and Technology 100 Bureau Drive Gaithersburg, MD 20899 Web site at http://www.itl.nist.gov}

The biggest advantage of choosing a DVD is it’s ability to hold 4.7 GB or more, compared to the storage capacity of CD’s, which is only 700MB. The average CD will only hold between 5 – 8 full size digital scrapbooking element kits whereas a DVD would be capable of storing up to 4 or 5 times that amount.

Burning files to CD or DVD is achieved with the use of a CD or DVD burner. Many burners, or recorders, are now capable of burning both formats and are referred to as a “combo drive”. If you only have a CD Recorder drive you will need to purchase a DVD Recorder drive separately, or vice versa, or replace the drive with a combo recorder.

Burning CD’s and DVD’s also requires software. The process is different between the two media and requires specific programs for each. Computers that are installed with a recordable device generally are preinstalled with some type of basic software to allow you to record to the applicable media. Alternatively you can purchase software that suits your requirements.

Windows XP allows you to write to CD’s from within Windows. It’s an incredibly easy process and a tutorial can be found HERE at the Microsoft XP website. This Expert Zone article can help you troubleshoot any problems you encounter using XP’s CD Writer Wizard.
As of the XP operating system, Windows does not support DVD burning in the same manner so third party DVD recording software is required. Your computer may be preinstalled with a program so investigate your program file list.
This WEBSITE compares popular DVD burning software. There are a small number of free software programs available. Use any popular search engine and the appropriate search terms to find them and any accompanying tutorials regarding their use.

Of course you also need the media itself. CD’s and DVD’s look almost identical but are created very differently.
DVD’s are slightly more expensive than CD’s because they hold more data. Experts recommend that you choose a well known and trusted brand of DVD manufacturer, the differences between their quality level can be a part of the production process or the type of dye that is used. The intricacies of disc production and quality control aren't the only variables that seem to affect media. More surprising is the number of discs that seem to have a propensity for specific hardware. DVD discs are available in + and – versions. You need to use the correct type for your burner/recorder. Unfortunately, there is no one drive that can play every single type of compatible media, and there is no one media brand that can be played perfectly in every drive. The reasons for this are unknown to even the manufacturers.
CD’s are cheap but still subject to quality variations. Again it is recommended you choose discs from a trusted manufacturer and the suggestion tends to be that CD’s with a gold metal reflective layer have a better life span.

Whichever media you choose, CD or DVD, you will find that the process of burning your files to CD can be simple. With a little care your discs will have a long life span and protect your collections. For more information on any burning discs use any popular search engine and the appropriate key words.
For information on keeping track of the contents of your discs refer to this ARTICLE.


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