Originally Posted by
DeputyMoniker
CDRs are slightly different because the data isnt physically pressed. Its "burned" into an ink layer between the poly and aluminum layers...when the ink loses its moisture due to evaporation it becomes unreadable. That should take 20+ years too.
Do you or anyone else know if very-early-gen 1X CD-Rs were made especially cheaper than later models? Some of my early '90s CD-Rs are already starting to deteriorate to the point of being unplayable in any drive. I take immaculate care of my CDs, and it looks like the process is starting earlier than it should. I've since backed up the important stuff, obviously, so it's not a pressing issue, but I was just curious.