CD/DVD Media Life Expectancy and "Old" Games

[DuManchu]

So I've been thinking about the life expectancy of CD/DVD media games and I'm beginning to wonder if there will ever be a point when we'll ALL have to have backups of our original software or use emulators.

There doesn't seem to be a solid life expectancy for CD/DVD media. I read in one place that CD's should only last about 10 years, but Sega CD/Turbo-Grafx CD games beg to differ, same with Saturn and PS1 games. I've also seen a life expectancy as high as 100 years as well, which of course would be little cause for worry since it's unlikely the hardware will work by then.

So, the problem is, what to do if CD aging does become a problem? Are we eventually doomed to burnt copies of our games if we want to use original hardware?

I will be disappointed if I can't play a game on my new-to-me Saturn because the game is too "old" (though I do realize how unlikely this is right now).

I'm not too terribly worried about it, just something to think about.

[Lanfear]

This is definitely something worthy of discussion. With the nature of technology in 50 years will it even be a relevant question? Who knows. It's going to be quite difficult to preserver all of the things we have right now.

It makes me sad.

[IcKy99]

that would be weird to only be able to keep backups, but the 10 year CD life is complete bull, i have CDs older than me that still play FINE and im 19

[Hatta]

Another thing to consider is the disc drives on the console. Moving parts are bad for reliability. I wouldn't be surprised if in 20 years we all have plenty of working Saturn games, but no working Saturn disc drives. In that case we'd be stuck until someone hacks together a new drive controller. Even if that happens, it'll be expensive. IDE controllers for the Apple II are available for $100-$150.

[Harvey]

I'm also more inclined to think that the hardware will have shorter life than the games. I've considered picking up a brand new PS2 just in case mine dies.

[DuManchu]

I realize console life/longevity is indeed a bigger issue rather than the life of the media.

I was just merely posting a question to an issue I'd like to see some discussion on.

Who knows, maybe we'll see a new group of non-OEM consoles (like the Retro Duo, FC Twin etc.) that support 3DO (HA!), Saturn, PS1, Sega CD, and Turbo-Grafx CD (another HA!) software.

I doubt we ever see that happen, but it would be cool.

It makes me sad to know that one day my systems will die.

[GSZX1337]

i have CDs older than me that still play FINE and im 19

You might want to keep an eye on them. IIRC, the life span of pressed discs is 20 years.

I wouldn't be surprised if in 20 years we all have plenty of working Saturn games, but no working Saturn disc drives

We'd probably be using emulators by then.

[the7k]

I wouldn't be surprised if in 20 years we all have plenty of working Saturn games, but no working Saturn disc drives

We'd probably be using emulators by then.

Only if we can get a decent Saturn emulator. =P

I'm hoping by then, we'll have more RetroDuo/NEX/etc. type devices for other retro systems. I'd kill for an affordable and durable PSX and/or Saturn clone that could play any region/backups without batting an eye.

[IcKy99]

i have CDs older than me that still play FINE and im 19

You might want to keep an eye on them. IIRC, the life span of pressed discs is 20 years.

i have some of my dads Day La Soul and Big Daddy Kane cds, no big scratches, perfectly playable, he bought those in 88' and so that makes them 21 or 20 and nothings wrong with them, maybe theres a difference between DATA and audio on a CD? watch tomorrow they'll be dead and unplayable.

as for dying hardware i need to pick up a sealed Dreamcast cuz now im scared for mine!
a DC/Saturn retro duo would be nice

[marurun]

Accelerated wear tests have shows a disc that gets wear can have a life as low as 1 year, depending on the quality. I would say for a pressed CD, depending on when it was pressed, expect 5 - 20 years if you are careful about scratches and don't leave it in the sun in your car or in the cold. If they're poorly pressed they can fall victim to CD rot, where the aluminum layer oxidizes. I have a some discs from the mid 80's to the mid 90's that are doing that. Nothing I can do.They're old, but they're still succumbing.

Also, burns will last less long, anticipate half the lifespan.

For all CDs and DVDs, be careful of the label side. The underside has plastic that can be buffed out to fix minor scratches. The top, usually the paint and a little layer roughly the thickness of plastic wrap protects the data layer.

Some discs last longer, some last less time. It's all up to chance. Take care of your discs, sideways in cases that hold from the center, for the longest life and best care.