Backing up/storing photos on DVD - what kind?

[amamax2]

Hi all,

I have searched the threads and see all the recommendations for various methods of backing up/storing all my digital photos. Currently, I have them on an external hard drive, but would also like to have a copy on DVD "just in case."

But in all the threads, I do not see what kind of DVD I should use. Does it make a difference re: brand etc? Is one better than the other, or just whatever Costco, Staples, or wherever I go has?

Thanks for any advice!

[MarkBarbieri]

http://adterrasperaspera.com/blog/2006/10/30/how-to-choose-cddvd-archival-media

[photo_chick]

I like the archival DVD's, but I've become a big fan of multiple backups as well. Hard drives, dvd, flash media, online... wherever you can stash another copy. Any media can have issues so you can never have too many backups.

And brand does matter with DVD's. Some brands you end up with more coasters than usable discs. I stay away form the store brands and Memorex... I've never had good luck with them.

[amamax2]

Thank you both! All the info is a great help.

[GrillMouster]

If burning optical discs, stay away from Dual Layer (DL), and I don't think BD (blu-ray) has yet been shown to be dependable for archival purposes.

I use bare harddrives in a hot-swappable HD dock connected by eSata. The price per GB is so low, but hard drives fail, so they're not without their risk. I keep multiple backups. As newer, larger drives become available and cheaper I suppose I'll consolidate data on drives, as I've done with CD-Rs and DVD+Rs in the past.

In addition to on-site backups (for convenience) I also store backup of-site (relatives's home or locked in a filing cabinet at the office). Offsite backup, whether it's online like Carbonite & Mozy, or an extra drive/disc stored elsewhere, protects you from the scenario of your home and everything in it being destroyed (or stolen).