Topic: Sticking DVDs

[Clive]

I have a couple of DVD's that freeze during playback.  I've carefully cleaned them with a lens cloth and that has improved the situation enormously.  However, they                    still need more cleaning.  What would you recommend I use?

[Baz]

do you mean they freeze for ages and stop playing or just for a few seconds then play again Clive.

If its just for a few seconds thats normal with some DVDs. its something to do with the dual layer.

[Simon]

Are these DVDRs, Clive?  Unfortunately, I have found the lifespan of some brands to be little more than a few plays before they start to deteriorate. 

[Clive]

Yes, they are DVDRs and are not dual layer.  I can see marks on them which will almost certainly wipe off with a damp cloth or a spray.  The lens cloth removed most of the marks allowing the DVDs to play to around 75% before starting to play up. 

[Simon]

I would guess it's the marks that are causing the freezing, Clive.

[Clive]

So what should I clean them off with?   

[Simon]

I usually just breathe on them and rub them on my jumper!  Failing that, a fine spray of water and a micro-fibre cloth might help.    If you can get them to play, I would consider backing them up with new copies, in case it is the disc degrading.

[Clive]

I'm surprised I haven't been able to find a proprietary cleaner on the market.  I think I'll try your water spray method on one of those free DVD's you get with newspapers before using it on the disc I want to preserve.  The problem with taking a backup at this stage is that it freezes at exactly the same points.  But if I can get it clean then I will take another backup.

[Simon]

Does it stick when you play it on the PC, Clive?  Some DVD players are more sensitive than others, and if you find it plays on the PC, you should then be able to make backups on a good quality DVDR.

[Clive]

Unfortunately yes.  I tried using Nero's repair tool but that failed.  It's definitely the marks causing the problem and I think I'll try a damp cloth.

[gmax]

Clive , copy the dvd's , use decent dvd's like "Tayio yuden" , they don't deteriorate  like other brand dvd's.

[Clive]

I'm not familiar with that brand gmax, but I'm now using Memorex which I believe to be good.  So far I have had no problems with them.  The ones that are sticking are called Proformance - another make I've not heard of before! 

[Rik]

I've found Verbatim to be very reliable, Clive (they were also my very first floppy disks, way back...). I also use Datasafe.

[gmax]

I made the mistake of buying cheap dvd's from ebay a couple of years ago, the dvd's  deteriorated over time , now i only use "Taiyo Yuden dvd's , no problems with these dvd's. This site is a good guide for buying dvd's ,  http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia

[Clive]

Thanks for the link gmax.  I certainly won't buy cheapies again.  I'm surprised at how badly my VHS tapes have deteriorated in recent years.  Many are virtually unwatchable.