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.

If the DVD continues to experience play-back issues after home remedies are exhausted, the damage may be more severe. In this case, the surface might require more invasive solutions. Do-it-yourself options include a buffer that can be used at home or, to avoid further trial and error, a trained professional may be consulted to correct the affected areas.

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.

Blu-ray has taken its place as the format of choice for at home media viewing. Offering unmatched clarity and color, the experience takes watching a movie to a whole new level. Starting a new media library is an investment of both time and money, so preserving the quality of these items should be a top priority. These techniques are a simple and inexpensive way to ensure that the Blu-ray DVDs last as long as the technology. - 29872

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