DVDs and CDs used for archiving

I guess its common knowledge that CDs and DVDs burned on a home computer are not expected to have a long term shelf life. The data, photos, music, etc must be burned again to a new disk every 2 to 4 years is what I have come to understand. Is this accurate? What are the options if I wanted to have permanent archive disks? Are there commercial services that can do this? Is there a device available for purchase that can do this in-home?
My wife and I take on average 150 photos every month. We have tons of music download purchases on CD. Kids activities, school plays, cub scout trips, 10 month old baby, birthday and holiday parties, etc. Along with other files, it won't be long before I'll have stacks of disks needing to be re-burned regularly.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvd-ram

All new LG dvd burners do dvd-ram disks which can be had for a few dollars each. The newer dvd-ram disks don't have the cartridges. You should be able to extend the disk life by storing them in a moisture-free vacuum container like those for SLR cameras. I don't see why you can't do the same for regular dvd-/+r's.

 

To what do you refer to as cartridges?

Where may I purchase such a container?

Will the use of DVD-ram disks improve longevity alone or must they be stored in the moisture free containers as well? I was unclear on that from your post.

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/DVD-RAM_FUJIFILM_Disc-removalble_With_cartridge-locking-pin.jpg/300px-DVD-RAM_FUJIFILM_Disc-removalble_With_cartridge-locking-pin.jpg

Type 2. New dvd burners don't support it. It's an old format.

http://www.opticaldisc-systems.com/2001NovDec/DVD-RAM82.jpg

Type 1 is what you will find at most stores. Electronic chains, a/v speciality stores in shopping malls, some local computer stores, etc. have them in stock.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7135593&st=dvd-ram&type=product&id=1110263522972

http://www.compusa.com/products/pro...roduct_code=50180535&Pn=Type_II_DVD_RAM_Media

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Pana.../sem/rpsm/oid/97353/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

This is LG dvd burner that does all formats.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827136102

Please disregard what I said about containers. Just read this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvd-ram

 

Check out Fred Langa's take on it and some how to's for optimum storage conditions. Go through the links provided. Excellent articles IMO.

 

I have a Sony DRU-820A. According to the linked page, my drive has the capabilities you describe. So am I to understand that if I use a high quality DVD-ram disk, then I can expect approximately 30 years of use before any decline in quality? Also, do I need to use any particular process to get the full benefit when burning to these disks or is it automatically handled by Windows XP or NERO when I burn to the disks?

Thanks for all the assistance.

 

The specs say so. I believe so. To be safe, buy a dvd-ram disk & try it out.

Nero will burn dvd-ram, along with many other formats including hd-dvd & bluray.

A quality dvd-ram disk will last a long time. 30+ years. Care needs to be taken. Keep it in a cd jewel case. Keep a bunch of the cases in a box.