New M-Disc Technology Promises Permanent Data Retention

[Brink]

More and more folks are turning to cloud services like Dropbox to store their oh-so-precious private data, but when it comes to truly valuable info, it's still a good idea to keep a physical backup disc around in case those virtual services crap out on you. Then again, CDs and DVDs scratch waaaaay too easily and have limited shelf lives. If you've ever been screwed by a big gouge across an important backup disc, you might want to check out the new optical media that's hitting the market soon. Supposedly, it lasts forever, and the Department of Defense vouches for its resiliency.

Read more at: Maximum PC | New M-Disc Technology Promises Permanent Data Retention

 

[TBoyd]

An interesting read. As a photographer I have been concerned about archived image files I have on CD & DVD.

 

[Brink]

Indeed. This will be great to keep reliable backups and copies of anything forever.

 

[seekermeister]

Since it will require a dedicated burner, or firmware patch to make a disc, I'm wondering how likely it is that the major optical drive manufacturers will provide them? I'm not crazy about the idea of paying $3 for a disc, but it is a reasonable price...assuming that one won't be forced to buy an expensive burner to use them.

 

[sygnus21]

An interesting read. As a photographer I have been concerned about archived image files I have on CD & DVD.

Same here.

I see the disks will be a tad expensive and require a M-Disc burner. I also see write speed will be low. I'm sure however that as technology gets better so will prices and speed.

A nice welcomed addition though.

 

[PwnFrnzy]

You will never have to worry about a damaged Windows (version here) disk ever again.

 

[HQuest]

It lasts forever, or lasts until last reader unit exists? That's a big difference.

Still, anything which is able to survive longer than current discs is welcome. Did you noticed how badly scratched are those rented movie discs nowadays? -- assuming you know what a disc rental is, now in the streaming days

 

[GeneO]

That is still a lot of disks to match a HDD for keeping hundreds of GB of photos or videos. But hey, 'bout time.

 

[n0th1n9]

They need to get rid of optical drives and media.

 

[MilesAhead]

I quit reading when the "torture test" talked about LN2 exposure. I'd be more impressed if somebody with a pocket knife dragged the blade across and it still read 100%. I don't know about you guys but I've never dropped an optical disc in liquid nitrogen even on a bad day!!

If successful it would demonstrate that the caveman who came up with etching stuff in stone was way way wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy ahead of his time!

 

[Brink]

:roflmao:

 

[KremmenUK]

I don't use CD/DVD anymore.

Switched to flash memory and never had a problem.

 

[Coke Robot]

Hmm, what about reducing the size of the disk itself? It's been done with the hard drive, the old arse floppy drive, but the CD has been the same size since ever.

 

[Coke Robot]

Or at least make small disks more mainstream and expand on those.

 

[smarteyeball]

It lasts forever, or lasts until last reader unit exists? That's a big difference.

True.

Fast forward 800 years , a box full of M-Discs are found in an archaeological dig. The discs may survive, but how are you going to read them?

Any compatible devices will be long gone.

Still, anything which is able to survive longer than current discs is welcome.

That's it's real benefit. Then again, how long will it be a valid media with M-readers being common place for an extended period of time?

Just look at how much change has occurred in the past 20 years - I'm sure many people still have floppy discs/zip drive tapes floating around without a way to read them any more.

Did you noticed how badly scratched are those rented movie discs nowadays? -- assuming you know what a disc rental is, now in the streaming days

I don't think I've set foot in a video store for nealy 5 years now, but I remember.

I lost track of the times I had to 'restore' a Disc before I could use it.

Good times

 

[preiius]

I want something other than hd to backup my files. You know knocking a drive the wrong way could have disastrous consequences, but 4.7GB is just nowhere enough.

 

[MilesAhead]

:roflmao:

View attachment 169326

Heh heh heh

 

[MilesAhead]

That's it's real benefit. Then again, how long will it be a valid media with M-readers being common place for an extended period of time?

I thought the discs were readable by existing optical drives?

Even so I get your point. Remember Starman movie? They sent a phonograph record with people from Earth saying Hello in like 300 languages. I know what would happen. If the advanced race got it to play, they wouldn't think "wow greetings in a bunch of different languages" they would think "I can't figure out what these primnitives are trying to say! There's no pattern at all to their stupid language!! We are definitely staying away from that planet of savages!"

 

[StalkeR]

New DVD discs claim 1,000 year life

The recording surface of Millenniata's M-DISC is virtually indestructible. The company claims that its DVD drive–readable discs will last for ... wait for it ... 1,000 years.
That's what the Provo, Utah, firm says, anyway.

Read More at : New DVD discs claim 1,000 year life • The Register

 

[bassfisher6522]

I'll be a monkeys uncle...really. If it really does then that's awesome.