best type of DVD-R to store audio files on

[yepsa]

I've got all my audio files on an external harddrive but would like to store them on DVD-Rs too. This is pretty important stuff so I want them to last and would only consider a top-grade disc like Verbatim or Taiyo Yuden.
I do not have the equip to print on them, and have read that attaching labels is a bad idea. So how do you easily know which side is up? Some have a white "coating" on top, but I worry that this might eventually cause them to become unreadable. Can you fine people share your knowledge on this topic? THANK YOU!

[docrate1]

The white coating or inscriptions you find on the up side of a DVD don't really have anything to do with it becoming unreadable. I use Verbatim DVD-R and DVD-R DL (Double layer, which allow for 8.5 GB of Data ), and so far, only one disc failed. As for the long term, I don't really know. what I know is that in theory, DVDs are supposed to last longer than CDs. and my oldest CDs (verbatims too, also some Memorex) all had a white up-face coating, or a couloured one, or inscription. 10 years later I can still use them without a problem.

You won't have the differenciating pb with Verbatims, anyway. I only use these, and (around here at least), they look like that :

[tangotreats]

Just to add to this...

Get Taiyo Yuden if you possibly can; but Verbatim is an excellent second choice. They're probably a lot easier to find.

** Watch out for fakes. **

It may have Verbatim written on the packet; it may even have it printed on the discs themselves... but they may be cheap Chinese knockoffs. Get them from a reputable retailer. Buying discs off eBay, or from your local dodgy "fell off the back of a lorry" computer store will bring you nothing but pain. Try to find out where they're made; Verbatim have a number of factories around the world and some of their discs are made by other companies and Verbatim badged. If memory serves, the good ones come from Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan. If they're from China or India, they're probably crap or fake.

Don't worry about labels. They only cause problems if they're improperly attached, causing the disc to shudder and shake when rotated at high speed. (Rotation speed is many hundreds of RPM; a crooked or creased label on a disc can in the worst cases cause the disc to shatter inside the drive.)

Also, don't worry about printable surfaces.

Do worry about where you're going to store the discs - and worry about the quality of the burns (verify their quality with Opti Drive Control website).

When the disc pops out of the drive and your burning program says "All done!" that is not any kind of guarantee. It merely says that the program has sent the data to the disc; it hasn't checked to see if it's actually there! And even if it is, perhaps it won't be tomorrow or next week or next year.

Some types of media produce decent burns that you can read - you put it in the cupboard, take it out six months later when your HDD blows up - oh dear, the data is gone.

And, in general, be wary; DVD backups are not anywhere approaching safe.

People reporting that DVD backups are trustworthy and reliable a) have been very lucky so far, b) have never actually tried to use their backups, or c) are liars.

Do not ever, ever, EVER rely on them for something that is important to you. Give yourself a head start; use good quality media, verify your burns, make sure your drive is working properly, and store the discs in a sensible, dry, location in jewel cases or in specially designed storage cases. Keep them dry, keep them cool.

[docrate1]

Just to add to this...

Get Taiyo Yuden if you possibly can; but Verbatim is an excellent second choice. They're probably a lot easier to find.

** Watch out for fakes. **

It may have Verbatim written on the packet; it may even have it printed on the discs themselves... but they may be cheap Chinese knockoffs. Get them from a reputable retailer. Buying discs off eBay, or from your local dodgy "fell off the back of a lorry" computer store will bring you nothing but pain. Try to find out where they're made; Verbatim have a number of factories around the world and some of their discs are made by other companies and Verbatim badged. If memory serves, the good ones come from Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan. If they're from China or India, they're probably crap or fake.

Sensible advice I had forgotten. Do follow these. I buy most of my DVDs from a rather reputable store close to my home, so I don't have to worry about knock offs. As for labels, they're a pain in the arse, and seriously not worth said pain. finally that software Tango is speaking about seems interesting.

[tangotreats]

I have a cheap little plastic label applicator - one of these little chaps. PressIt | CD Label Makers. Easy Design, Print & Apply with Free Label & DVD Cover Design Software

Every label on perfectly every time.

[docrate1]

I had one in the past. used it for the few animes or movies I got the "pirate way"

It was stolen from me. it did indeed work pretty well, but I do pretty well without too.

for the reference, I've just tested DVDs burned 12 months ago and abandonned in their spindle case, they still work perfectly

guess I just have a good burner this time. previous one was horrible. not a single DVD that worked. It could read CDs, had trouble reading data DVDs, and didn't want to burn anything. this one is a breath of fresh air

[yepsa]

Thanks for all the info. Much appreciated!