Re: [AV Media Matters] CD labelling-why not?

[Linda.Tadic@hbo.com]

In a message dated 5/4/2001
3:08:36 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
e.ha.zwaneveld@nfb.ca writes:

Well, the label surface of CD-R media is the most vulnerable side,
having been coated with a 'protective' acrylate plastic or epoxy
coating that is supposed to protect the metal reflective layer under
it from scratches, oxidation and contamination. That is why
additional hard coating is such a sound option. As already implied,
the so-called typical protective coating (some CD-R media don't have
a protective coating at all) is minimal protection. DVD media are
protected by an adhesive layer (or dual space layer) and substrates.
<FONT  COLOR="#000000" SIZE=3 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial"
LANG="0"> <FONT  COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF"
FACE="Arial" LANG="0"> Agreed, nothing should be written on or
affixed to the label side of a CD. And ideally, nothing would be
written on the CD anywhere. But what about writing on the plastic
inner hub of the CD-R, where the manufacturer's serial number is
located? I haven't heard any sources say that this practice could
potentially increase deterioration of the CD, since it doesn't
involve writing on a surface close to the metal reflective layer. Of
course there's always the argument that the CD-R could be mishandled
or scratched while writing the number on the hub. But if an
institution requires identification beyond the serial number,
writing the identification on the plastic inner hub with an archival
pen seems to be the "safest" archivally (if such a concept exists).
Are there any tests or sources that prove that this practice can
endanger the CDs?

Linda Tadic
HBO
(212) 512-5902
Linda.Tadic@hbo.com