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Thursday, July 23, 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.

As with standard DVDs, Blu-ray discs should always be cleaned by moving the cloth from the center to the outer edge, rather than wiping around the surface. If imperfections still remain, dip the micro-fiber in a bit of water. There are several cleaners on the market meant for this purpose, but the surface can be easily ruined by the wrong chemical so it is wise to stick to a simpler method.

One common sense but important reminder is to take care not to leave fingerprints on a DVD. Always pick up discs by the opening in the middle or by holding the outside edges. A single fingerprint on a disc could interfere with performance.

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.

Another key contributor to DVD damage is leaving discs in loose stacks after removing them from the player. Take the extra 10 seconds to put the Blu-ray back in its original case. The convenient plastic protectors in which the DVD was purchased not only make it easy to identify the movie but also keep the disc free from dust, dirt, scratching, and liquids. Don't be tempted to use multi-slip CD holders. Although they make DVDs more portable, they fail to block elements that can cause damage.

Blu-rays should never be left in hot temperatures or in direct sun as this can cause warping. Additionally, temperature fluctuation and varying levels of moisture over an extended period of time may affect DVD quality. A lesser known fact is that discs should be kept standing along the shelf rather than stacked flat. This will maintain the integrity of the Blu-ray.

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. - 18424

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