Can a DVD technology expert help with this?

Question

I have a professionally made DVD movie which I bought five years ago and have played several times, but suddenly it will not play in any of four DVD players I tried it in.  I have examined it carefully for scratches, dust, fingerprints and the like, and it is absolutely clean and perfect.  I also tried it in a computer DVD drive, and it won't work there either.  The players return a "no disc" or "cannot play this disc" message, while the computer drive simply does nothing.  I tried using "my computer" to look at the files on the DVD and find that the computer thinks it is blank.  Is there any possibility I have overlooked?  Can the DVD be repaired, even though it is not scratched or dirty?

TV guy · Accepted Answer

Seems like some sort of material failure. Possible, but rare. Humidity or heat in general are not good for Discs. 

"As with CD-R and CD-RW discs media manufacturers have performed their own lifetime evaluations using a variety of homegrown tests and mathematical modeling techniques. Generally speaking, manufacturers claim life spans ranging from 30 to 100 years for DVD-R and DVD+R discs and up to 30 years for DVD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM. Be aware, however, that disc producers, manufacturing methods and materials change over time as do applications and cost imperatives. Consequently, those concerned with disc longevity should consult their media manufacturer for more particular information."

Grumpy Mac · Answer

Look at the TOP of the disk.  The top of the disks is actually the more sensitive.  It contains the reflective layer that the laser reflects off of.  Chances are you have a scratch on the top.

But I dont know of any way to repair this.

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Can a DVD technology expert help with this?

2 Answers