Preserving Your Blu-ray DVD Collection
With many consumers refreshing their movie collections with Blu-ray versions of titles, it makes sense to review the basics of caring for those collections. Blu-ray DVDs are a bit more sturdy than standard DVDs, but can still malfunction when a few simple steps are not followed.
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.
Although there are cleaning solutions marketed for removing resistant scratches, certain ingredients can harm the coating of the disk. A better, and equally effective, way to remove imperfections is to wipe the disc using an outward motion-never run the cloth around the DVD. Add a little water to the process to remove any additional marks.
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.
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.
The best location for Blu-ray discs is in a dry, cool environment. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and rapid changes in temperature and humidity can degrade DVDs. Storing discs horizontally for long periods of time is also not advisable, whereas a disc set upright in its case can be safe for years.
Many cautious consumers wait until the buzz dies down before trying the latest technology, and now it is clear that Blu-ray is not just another quick fad. Blu-ray movies offer realism that almost equates to 3D in every picture and a partnership with high-definition televisions and, as a result, most people are becoming comfortable with the idea of replacing standard DVDs with this new medium. The life of the DVD has been long enough for most to experience the effects of poor care and handling, so now is the time to take steps in preventing history from repeating itself.
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.
Although there are cleaning solutions marketed for removing resistant scratches, certain ingredients can harm the coating of the disk. A better, and equally effective, way to remove imperfections is to wipe the disc using an outward motion-never run the cloth around the DVD. Add a little water to the process to remove any additional marks.
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.
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.
The best location for Blu-ray discs is in a dry, cool environment. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and rapid changes in temperature and humidity can degrade DVDs. Storing discs horizontally for long periods of time is also not advisable, whereas a disc set upright in its case can be safe for years.
Many cautious consumers wait until the buzz dies down before trying the latest technology, and now it is clear that Blu-ray is not just another quick fad. Blu-ray movies offer realism that almost equates to 3D in every picture and a partnership with high-definition televisions and, as a result, most people are becoming comfortable with the idea of replacing standard DVDs with this new medium. The life of the DVD has been long enough for most to experience the effects of poor care and handling, so now is the time to take steps in preventing history from repeating itself.
About the Author:
Robert Mann is a freelance writer and website manager living in California. Mr. Mann's latest projects include websites for finding specific Xbox 360 games and Wii games.
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