Not all brands are created equal. Not all PC DVD players are created equal. The DVD-R format is the most compatible (the dash or hyphen before the R does not stand for Minus).

The DVD+R format is more expensive and less compatible. The +R format is a marketing practice, not an indication of quality. DVD burns are done with a very low mill watt laser beam that heats the dye layer of the DVD to produce pits.

When it comes to buying blank DVD’s, cheaper is not better. Verbatim is generally considered the best but Pioneer, Sony, TDK and Maxell also make good DVD media.

If you can’t read a DVD please check to see that your DVD player reads the format the disk was recorded with. In general, if you are trying to copy a copy of a copyrighted DVD it won’t happen.

It is safe to use a permanent marker to write on DVD’s but write on the outer edge. DVD’s are written from the hub outward and the data to be able to read the DVD is stored closest to the disk hub, do not damage this area. Also, when the DVD becomes warped, the data stored at the outer edge is the hardest to read.

Store disks in a protected sleeve or case as the dye layer used to record the DVD is subject to fade from sun, UV or florescent light, also heat, solvent and adhesive from labels will cause deterioration.

The DVD is probably the safest way to archive data as its life span is between 30 – 100 years depending on how and where it is stored. Always handle a DVD by the outer edges and mark the DVD with the format (DVD-R, +R, -R/W +R/W etc) so that future generations can decipher it. It will be many moons (if ever) before Blu-Ray over takes DVD as the best way to archive data.