Fact 1: Why is JVC’s Silver Alloy solution better?
JVC Archival Grade DVD-R utilizes our proprietary "silver alloy" solution, which has a better reflectivity and a lower error rate as compared to gold discs. And, did you know most drives are designed and developed for silver based media? Yes, it is true gold does not oxidize, however, it is important to note, that generally gold has reflectivity lower than silver.
(*)Low reflectivity may trigger a higher error rate and it follows that discs with a high error rate can be affected by external conditions more easily.
(*)The reflectivity rate (Rg) of JVC Archival Grade DVD-R is higher than 45%. This percentage is standardized per the book specification. Our research shows that the reflectivity rate of some gold discs is lower than 40%, which means a higher possibility of initial errors.
Fact 2: What should you know about organic dye decomposition?
When an organic dye decomposes,signal (data) cannot be read back. The reflective layer is not the only important factor for long term archiving! Our research has shown that gold discs we purchased from the market employ the same organic dye as standard silver discs. For JVC Archival Grade DVD-R an organic dye with specially in-house developed additives is used. This minimizes decomposition of the organic dye and achieves higher archive capability.
Fact 3: How should you define longevity of optical media?
The test method to estimate optical media longevity varies depending on the manufacturer. Each individual company estimates the longevity based on their own test methods and there are claims in the market for 50, 100 and even 300 years of longevity! How reliable is this number?
The past practice dictates the ordinary test method to be a test of the discs under a shocking condition (normally 80°C/80%humidity) then the time until error rate exceeds 280 is measured to estimate the longevity. This test method is not practical and does not accurately estimate the longevity at ambient condition (25°C/50% humidity), which is a critical point that needs to be known. In order to obtain a reliable estimation the test has to be done with multiple samples and in multiple conditions. Each result should be statistically processed.
Ordinary Test vs. ISO/IEC10995 Test
| Test Method | Samplig size (PCE) | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Test* | 1-5 | varies (normally 80°C/80% RH) |
| ISO/IEC10995 Test | 20 | 85°C/85% RH |
| 20 | 85°C/70% RH | |
| 20 | 65°C/85% RH | |
| 30 | 70°C/75% RH |
* Test condition previously performed.
The JVC Archival Grade DVD-R passed ISO/IEC 10995. This is the only standard in the world that defines the test method of estimating longevity of DVD-R and is a very reliable and stringent test method.
Fact 4: How should you measure quality in archival grade DVD-R’s?
The JVC Archival Grade DVD-R is manufactured only in Japan. The exclusive production and strict Quality Control used ensure quality and reliability on a consistent basis.Each lot is tested and passes stress/acceleration testing to ensure the archival capability and consistency of the product.
Fact 5: Does Engraving Technology last forever?
How do you know your data will be preserved for 1,000 years?
ISO/IEC10995 is the industry standard that defines the test method for estimating DVD-R longevity. Despite this guideline and its availability in the market, companies continue to do longevity testing using their own test methods. The most common test method is a test of the discs under only one critical condition (normally 80°C/80%humidity).
ONE CRITICAL CONDITION SETTING
* At the 80°C condition setting, the test result shows lifetime of Media B is longer than Media A, but at the 25°C condition setting, lifetime of Media B may be shorter than Media A.
This test is reliable only if durability is being measured. However it is important to define what the user really needs to know. And that should include a test of longevity at ambient condition (25°C/50% humidity). A reliable estimation should be obtained based on the test that has to be done with multiple samples and in multiple conditions. See ISO/IEC 10995
Each material used for disc manufacturing is vital. The physical durability of a disc is significant because storage condition directly affects disc longevity. That’s why the raw materials used to manufacture the disc are the critical component for assuring the best possible archiving result. It is also important to consider other characteristics such as mechanical characteristics of the disc design like tilt control over time. These characteristics also have an impact on archival life during storage. By combining all elements, including raw materials, the initial manufacturing process and mechanical characteristics overtime assure long term archive disc performance at the highest quality standards that pass the industry standard test method.
Is the product in the DVD family?
Optical discs such as CD-R and DVD-R are the widely used format for consumers. Many companies manufacture drives that are compatible with this standard format and they are accessible for any optical media drives used in the market. However, the engraving DVD-R requires a special drive to be written. What if those drive manufacturers discontinue production? Do you have a Plan B?
Is the product playing compatibility?
Once the engraving DVD-R was written by the special drive, it can be played with any DVD drive.
However, reflectivity of the engraving DVD-R is 27-31% (Our internal test result), which is lower than standard reflectivity. If reflectivity is lower, it could hinder playability as well. In general, suitable reflectivity of read-back is 45-85%, and standard DVD-R complies with this standard.
