Media integrity in sunlight

LincLinc OwnerDetroit Icrontian
edited July 2004 in Internet & Media
In the lab where I work, our digital video archives (all our tapes and DVDs of productions we've recorded and edited) are on a shelf facing a window that's about 8 feet away from it. Should we be concerned about the sunlight degrading the quality of the media? The window is north-facing, if that's relevant.

Comments

  • NomadNomad A Small Piece of Hell Icrontian
    edited July 2004
    As long as they are enclosed, I don't think you'll have anything to worry about. If they are exposed, film over a long period of time would fade just due to natural light coming through the window (more so if there was sunlight.) I'm not sure about the affect on DVDs and CDs, I remember hearing that they have a long life span something like 100 years, but that sunlight may alter them.
  • leishi85leishi85 Grand Rapids, MI Icrontian
    edited July 2004
    yeaa, 100 year is what they say, but i will be glad all the CDs i have burned will last even 10 years.
  • muddocktormuddocktor
    edited July 2004
    I've heard that direct sunlight degrades the dyes used in recordable disks though, so I would keep them out of direct sunlight for sure.
  • Straight_ManStraight_Man Geeky, in my own way Naples, FL Icrontian
    edited July 2004
    Definitely, unlike the eyeglasses folks wear today, this media is not UV coated or polarized. Both or either on media will not work for most media. Burner's laser would have to be too hot for UV protect to penetrate and change inner part of CD so data is recorded right. Try using jewel half-thick cases and a cooler if weather is hot and this is being put in a car, or CD binders in cooler. HIGH TEMP and direct UV will eventually make CD dyes become very discolored or almost clear. DVDs can be like that, also-- usually are.
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