The Ultimate Guide to Data Storage: Are DVDs Still a Relevant Option?

Key Takeaways

DVDs are not ideal for short-term storage as they have a slow write speed and limited capacity. Opting for a faster and more spacious storage alternative such as an HDD, SSD, or thumb drive proves to be more efficient.

Archival-grade DVDs are the optimal choice for long-term storage, thanks to their potential lifespan of up to 60 years. In contrast, HDDs and SSDs typically experience failure after just 5-6 years, making archival DVDs a dependable, hassle-free storage solution. Adhering to the 3-2-1 rule of data redundancy is essential for safeguarding your valuable information. Create three copies of your archive and maintain one in a distinct location, such as a secure deposit box. Employing a combination of archival DVDs, hard drives, and cloud storage guarantees the safety of your data.

DVDs Aren't Convenient for Short-Term Storage

Burning data to DVDs is a time-consuming and tiresome task, as DVDs have a maximum write speed of 33.36 MBps (x24 speed) and an average speed of 21.12 MBps (x16 speed). Additionally, due to the limited capacity of DVDs (4.7 GB or 8.5 GB), even a small amount of data requires multiple discs and meticulous labeling for easy retrieval. Considering the availability of faster options like HDD, SDD, or thumb drives, spending time on DVDs seems unnecessary.

Furthermore, there is no cost advantage in using DVDs. A 50-pack of 4.7GB DVDs, which contains a total of 235GB of data, ranges in price from $15 to $30 (with read-only DVD-Rs being cheaper and re-writable DVD-RWs being pricier). On the other hand, you can purchase a 1TB HDD for approximately $50.

DVDs aren't a good option for short-term "hot" storage. But DVDs are often the best option for long-term "cold" storage, provided that you buy archival-grade discs.

For Long-Term Storage, Archival DVDs Are King

DVDs remain the superior choice for long-term data storage as they are designed to last for 60 years without the need for specialized hardware or software. On the other hand, typical HDDs and SSDs tend to deteriorate after five or six years, with some even failing after just a year or two due to manufacturing defects. Consequently, relying solely on a single HDD or SSD to store your family photos, creative work, or important documents greatly increases the risk of losing your digital archive within a decade. In fact, it is highly unlikely that these storage devices will endure for 20 or 30 years. This is why data redundancy, involving the duplication of data across multiple storage locations, is widely practiced.

Data redundancy is crucial and should always be considered when creating backups for important files. However, data storage solutions require regular maintenance, including the replacement of drives in systems like RAID arrays every few years.

Though cloud storage is convenient, it typically involves a monthly fee and cannot be relied upon for long-term preservation by family or friends. To ensure that your most critical data survives beyond your lifetime without any ongoing expenses or technical knowledge, it should be copied onto archival-grade DVDs, which offer durability and require no maintenance.

Consumer-grade DVDs are typically designed to last only around ten years and are not suitable for long-term storage. While some DVDs from the 90s may still be functional, many are not. To address this issue, there are archival-grade DVDs available. These DVDs are specifically engineered to have a lifespan of 60 years or more and can be used with regular optical drives. Although they are more expensive than consumer-grade DVDs, usually priced at around $90 for a pack of 50, it is still a more cost-effective option compared to purchasing new hard drives periodically.

The lifespan of a DVD ends when the chemical composition of its dye, reflective layer, or adhesive binding begins to deteriorate. In contrast, archival-grade DVDs are manufactured using durable materials and specialized techniques to prolong their shelf life. They often employ a dual-layer design with a silver and gold reflective layer. While the gold layer may appear extravagant, it serves a practical purpose. According to Verbatim, a disc manufacturer, the gold layer helps minimize exposure to oxygen. Both sunlight and oxygen can hasten the chemical degradation of optical discs.

Some people express concerns about the future usability of archival DVDs. However, until a superior data storage solution emerges, optical drives and archival DVDs will continue to be produced. Furthermore, the already existing hundreds of millions of optical drives will remain functional for a considerable period of time.

It should be noted that there are alternative long-term data storage options available. Archival-grade DVDs, however, are the most accessible and cost-effective choice. Blu-ray discs, for instance, offer greater durability and storage capacity than DVDs, albeit at a higher cost and requiring a Blu-ray drive. Additionally, there are M-Discs, utilized by the U.S. Department of Defense, which have a projected lifespan of 1,000 years. Writing data on an M-Disc necessitates a compatible Blu-ray or M-Disc drive, although standard DVD drives can read M-Disc contents. Nonetheless, M-Discs come at a price of approximately $8 per disc and have a limited storage capacity of only a few gigabytes.

Looking for a reliable long-term storage solution? Look no further than Verbatim DVD-R 4.7GB 8X UltraLife Gold Archival Grade. With a lifespan of up to 100 years, these discs are built to last. Say goodbye to worries about data loss and protect your important files with this affordable option. Combine it with other storage solutions for added security. Save $10 today and get peace of mind for years to come.

$9 at Amazon

How to Build a Data Archive with DVDs

Archival-grade DVDs do not require any special hardware, software, or accessories. Both Windows and macOS operating systems still support optical discs, and any DVD drive with writing capabilities can be used to burn data onto an archival DVD. When you insert an archival DVD into a disc drive, it will appear in your file system just like a hard disk drive or a flash drive. However, it is important to note that archival-grade DVDs are not rewriteable, so any errors made during the burning process will be permanent.

Storing archival DVDs is a straightforward process. Each disc should be placed in a protective case, and it is recommended to find a dark and room-temperature location that is fireproof to store the discs. A fireproof safe is an excellent option for this purpose, although a safe deposit box can also fulfill the task. It is crucial to acknowledge that these storage locations could potentially be destroyed by unexpected natural disasters. To ensure data redundancy, it is advised to follow the 3-2-1 rule.

The challenging part, as expected, lies in the process of organizing and categorizing data. Ideally, one should be able to determine the contents of a random DVD without inserting it into a disc drive. With only a few discs in use, this is not a significant concern. However, for archives comprising multiple DVDs, it is crucial to have such a well-organized system that even a stranger can comprehend it.

Begin by identifying the data that needs to be archived. Divide this data into various categories, ensuring that family photos are not stored on the same discs as creative writing pieces. For extensive photo collections or other files, it may be necessary to separate them based on subject or year. While burning this data onto discs, make sure to write brief labels or notes describing the content. These labels should be placed on or inside each DVD's jewel case. Refrain from using markers or adhesives directly on the discs, as their long-term effects are unknown.

To organize your extensive amount of data, consider creating a comprehensive archive catalog. This is a relatively simple task that can be accomplished by assigning a unique number to the spine of each jewel case. Subsequently, input these numbers, along with brief descriptions of the contents of each disc, into a spreadsheet or word document. In the event that someone needs to access the archive, your catalog will facilitate the process. Utilizing software such as WinCatalog can assist you in generating detailed descriptions for each disc in your archive.

It is important to note that not all data warrants archiving. Direct your attention towards preserving items with long-term significance, such as family photos, important documents, or personal work. The objective is not merely to create a backup of your computer, but rather to establish a durable and dependable archive that may prove valuable to yourself or others in the future.

Presenting the LG GP65NB60 8X USB Optical Drive (+/-RW)

Save $5 on this exceptional deal! Now only $25 instead of $30.

With this versatile LG USB optical drive, you can effortlessly write your media onto CDs, DVDs, or M-Discs at a remarkable speed of 8X.

Featuring a convenient form factor, this optical drive is compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems.

$25 at Amazon

Follow the 3-2-1 Redundancy Rule to Protect Your Data

To ensure protection from various disasters, it is advisable to store your archival DVDs in a fireproof safe or safe deposit box. However, if your home gets hit by a tornado or the bank collapses due to a massive fissure, your DVD archive may be lost or damaged. This highlights the significance of data redundancy. Having multiple copies of your data lessens the impact of losing one copy.

In line with the 3-2-1 data redundancy rule, we recommend creating three copies of your archive. It is crucial to keep one copy separate from your home, such as in a safe deposit box. These copies don't necessarily have to be on archival CDs. Inexpensive options like hard drives and cloud storage enable quick data retrieval. Just remember that hard drives have a limited lifespan and should be replaced every few years.