Design Guide:
DVD Care Guide
I felt compelled to provide you with an article about short- and long-term DVD care tips, Since DVD's are something for which I have a great affinity. I currently have around 600 or so DVD's myself -- besides my retentiveness about keeping my collection in immaculate condition, I know a thing or two about taking care of these things. And since they're not always the cheapest things to buy, I want to make sure that I take whatever precautions that I can to preserve the longevity of what I own.
Do you have a DVD collection that represents the bread and butter of your home theater viewing enjoyment? I bet the care of your movie collection is important to you, as well.
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While a lot of this is purely common sense, the main rule of thumb is to exercise caution when handling your DVD movies. The cases themselves are not always the best at holding/suspending the DVD properly in place and the DVD discs themselves are very susceptible to scratching. So unless you simply don't care, don't go out and play Frisbee with your DVD's on your asphalt driveway!
Unfortunately and contrary to the perception of many, DVD's will not last forever. There's a phenomena called "DVD Rot" that apparently occurs after years of ownership, where the disc degrades and results in pixelation of the video image. Regardless, following these tips can only help to extend the life of your DVD collection.
Top 10 Tips for DVD Care
- Always store DVD discs in their manufacturer supplied case.
- Do not touch the surface of the disc and never let the side opposite the title/artwork come into contact with your hands or any surface material (includes stacking discs).
- Avoid bending or twisting the disc at all times.
- Always hold a DVD by its edge with your thumb and the hole in the center with your index or middle finger.
- Always make sure the disc has been properly inserted into the case before storing or transporting the DVD.
- Do not throw, toss, or spin a DVD case containing the disc. Do not spin the DVD disc itself while in its case, either.
- Always store DVD's in an upright position (laying them on their side for extended periods of time can contribute to warping over time).
- Prevent DVD discs from being exposed to heat or direct sunlight.
- Use specially designed products and formulated solutions for cleaning DVD discs. Never use any absrasive cleaners or solvents. Clean discs only with special cloths that are non-abrasive and lint-free.
- When cleaning discs, wipe the disc as gently as possible starting from the center of disc to the outer edge and working your way around the disc in this fashion. Never use a circular motion.
Other DVD Care Considerations
"Handle With Care" is the best catch phrase to use as your guiding principle for caring for your DVD collection. Always make sure that you use the "push here" button located at the center of the DVD to help you remove the disc from the case. Never attempt to remove the disc by prying up on the outer edge of the disc.Loading the DVD into the caddy/tray on your DVD player can be a little tricky, depending on which model you have. On some models, the depth of the cavity within the tray is more shallow on some than others. Before closing the tray, do your best to ensure that you place the disc directly into the slot, instead of sliding it in or around the slot to get it positioned correctly. For single sided discs, always make sure the the side that has any artwork on it is facing up when you load the disc into the tray.
Storing DVD's in a cool, dry, and dust-free area is preferable. A storage area that reflects a typical room temperature in your home is sufficient. Always dry to keep dust and other debris away from your DVD's; even the smallest of particles can scratch a disc.
Next Generation DVDs
Fortunately, Blu Ray discs are made with materials that prevent surface scratching. You should still exercise the same precautions that have been outlined in this article, however. But it's good to know that these next generation DVD's are somewhat more tolerant to handling issues.We hope you find this DVD care guide useful in helping to keep your collection in the best shape possible, for many years of enjoyment.
DVD Care Tips → Design Guide
