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Sunday, July 26, 2009

Preserving Your Blu-ray DVD Collection

By Robert Mann

With Blu-ray technology becoming more and more mainstream, many movie buffs are replacing their DVD libraries with these high-quality discs. This update also provides an opportunity to discard damaged DVDs and take care to ensure that the new Blu-rays do not suffer the same fate. Taking the time to prepare discs for years of play only takes a few minutes and is well worth the while.

Blu-ray discs benefit from a harder coating than standard DVDs and are more resistant to surface scratches. Often what appear to be scratches are actually marks that can be wiped away. Thus most difficulties with a Blu-ray disc have a very simple solution. The best material for wiping a DVD is micro-fiber cloth. This is the same material that is recommended for an LCD or Plasma TV screen. If micro-fiber is not available, a soft cloth is a safe alternative.

When cleaning a Blu-ray DVD, always wipe from the center outwards. Do not wipe in a circular motion. If there are stubborn marks on the disc, place a small amount of water on the cloth. Though some use mild detergents to clean discs, this approach is not encouraged as chemicals could damage DVD surfaces.

Even the smallest remnant can affect the play ability of a DVD, so be careful when handling the disc. Using the sides or center to transport unprotected Blu-rays will prevent fingerprints from marking the surface and causing disturbances while watching the movie.

For those instances when a Blu-ray DVD does have a surface scratch, there are home buffing kits that can return the surface of the disc to a smooth, clear state. DVDs can also be taken to an expert who will buff out any irregularities that interfere with playback.

Preventing damage up front will save the time and agony of fixing problems later. No matter how tempting it is to toss a DVD into a pile in order to rush onto the next or avoid searching for the case, do not stack discs on top of one another. Likewise, many people try to save space by transferring Blu-rays to compacted CD holders. This is a mistake-the original cases provide the best protection.

Storage is another key element to prolonging the life of Blu-ray collections. Storage for DVDs can be likened to that of books. DVDs should be kept in a location free of heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. To prevent warping and other environmental effects, look for an area that is both dry and moderate in temperature. Additionally, set the cases vertically along the shelf, not flat, to preserve the original condition.

While the lifespan of a technology is difficult to predict, Blu-ray has become the next standard for video with no identifiable substitute waiting in the wings. The incredible quality of a Blu-ray DVD is worth preserving for years of crystal clear playback. With minimal effort, a DVD collection can remain as clean and error-free as when the discs were first purchased.

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