Re: [AV Media Matters] several new questions about digital archiving methods

[Brian Levy <xernaut@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi, everyone,

Brian Levy here again, still trying to navigate the unknown digital waters, 
hoping to bring the precious vessels of a dying culture to future shores 
securely.

So what's the scoop on CD-R 'pro'?  Does anyone on this list use them?  Are 
they truly more long-term durable, archival than say regular Kodak Gold 
Ultima's?

And while we're at it, I've been meaning to ask a few more questions:

1.  Is it ok to store archival CD-R's in a Case Logic "CD wallet" or would 
this compromise durability?  I have been using jewel cases with all paper 
removed to avoid degradation caused by slow release of acid gases from 
decomposing liner notes and the like.  I would like to use CD wallets due 
to their space-saving features and easy access, but not if they in any way 
scratch the backs of these already fragile media, or expose them to more 
atmospheric gases than would jewel cases.

2.  Are computer-grade Kodak Gold's and Mitsui's etc. more archival than 
their 'consumer audio' (used in stand-alone burners like the Harmon Kardon 
CDR-2 we're currently using)?   I am wanting to get us a HHB CDR-800 as 
soon as possible, and thus switch to always using computer-grade 
CDR's.  For now we do most of our CDR multiple copy backup's using a 
Plextor computer CD-R burner.

3.  Apart from keeping CD-R's out of excessive heat, light, humidity, are 
there other storage conditions to consider?  Was the mention of argon gas 
(in a posting today by a list member) serious?  We are planning to keep one 
copy of all our CD-R's in an underground salt mine storage facility near 
Hutchinson, KS as a backup against all our copies kept in archives in 
Oklahoma City and at the Caddo tribe's own archive facility.  I'd be 
interested in others' perspectives on storage conditions, locations, etc.

4.  So what was the verdict for predicted longevity of the Kodak g/s CD-R 
now being sold as a replacement for the Kodak g/g which we and others were 
using?  Only 2-4 years?  25 years?

5.  How often would you migrate your CD-R's to newer CD-R's and/or to 
DVD-R's or newer technology likely to emerge within the next five years or 
so?

I know we have already discussed some of these issues before, but I hope my 
questions are worth re-visiting.

Thanks to everyone for the on-going sharing of so much helpful information.

                       Sincerely,

                            Brian Levy

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Robert Brian Levy
Executive Director
Kiwat Hasinay Foundation
211 W Colorado Ave.
Anadarko, OK  73005 USA
tel (1) 405-247-5840
cell (1) 580-515-6011
kiwat@xxxxxxxxxxx


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