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

[Robert Brian Levy <xernaut@yahoo.com>]

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

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@bigfoot.com