In what environment should I store my Imation RW dvds so as to make them last as long as possible.?

Question

like, should i store them in low temperature or high temperature, whether exposing them to sunlight is ok, and how about humidity? etc

Answer 1

Good question. This is important to know. See the link below for a highly detailed description, but the summary is that high humidity and high temperature will cause faster degradation of a stored disc. Also UV light speeds up degradation (as in that coming within sunlight).

So, store your optical discs in a moderately low humid, dark area which does not get too hot (over 77 deg F). This will maximize life. I recall that the optimal is 20 deg C at 40% Relative Humidity.

Also, won't help much if you use poor quality discs and bad file burns. There is much debate on the best discs, and they can have quite a price premium.

Here's another list:

Suggested Preservation Action

> Maintain consistent temperature ~ 20 deg C (68 deg F) .

> Maintain relative humidity around 40%.

> Avoid large and rapid fluctuations in temperature/humidity.

> Control dust (maintain a slight positive pressure environment).

> Avoid exposure to fumes.

> Establish a no food, drink, or smoking policy in media storage areas.

> Shelve media vertically (not stacked).

> Store media in their original cases.

> Minimize exposure to sunlight and UV from light fixtures.

> Allow media to acclimate to new temperature and humidity before using.

> Return to controlled storage immediately after use.