This is actually a multi-part question (and if it doesn't prove that I'm totally neurotic, I don't know what will); a sincere thank you to anyone who can actually tackle this issue.
Regarding the disc trays that are found in computer disc drives, DVD recorders and players, and gaming consoles, do the discs that you place on them actually TOUCH the surface of the tray?
Because I recently inspected a disc tray closely, and it seems that there is a thin but noticeable "circular bump" along the outside of the tray (where the unwritten part closest to the edge of the disc would touch) that seems to serve the purpose of "elevating" the disc so that the actual writeable/readable surface of the disc does not touch the tray itself.
However, this is only speculation on my part, as it seems like no one's ever discussed this before. It may just be a design thing, and it may not work like I explained it, but I wanted to see if anyone knew for sure that this is true. It seems like that while the disc spins at high speed inside of the drive or device, it would be beneficial for the disc NOT to actually grind along or hit against the surface of the disc tray.
The second part of this question is (I know, I'm sorry for the lengthiness), if the disc tray DOES come into contact with the bottoms of the discs, then doesn't that become a serious problem in terms of cleanliness? Especially when it comes to used or rented discs, because couldn't any number of substances (such as dirt, dust, grease, chemicals, etc.) be smeared on the bottoms (as they would have been passed around from person to person), and dirty up the surface of the trays and then in turn dirty the bottoms of the clean discs that you own and try to play later on? In other words, would playing dirty, used or rented discs in a certain player run the risk of dirtying the other discs you own when you play them in the same player later on?
And finally, on a very similar note, regarding the effectiveness of slimline disc cases, I have noticed that a similar "circular bump" can be found on the surface of the case where the disc would rest, except in this case it is found towards the center of the case (where the inner, plastic part of the disc would rest). Does this serve a similar purpose of ensuring that the disc is "elevated" so that the actual readable parts of the disc do not come into contact with the surface of the disc tray? Or is it once again just wishful thinking on my part? Thank you sincerely if you can put to rest this issue.
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