Printer-friendly versionUnlike pressed CDs/DVDs, burnt CDs/DVDs can eventually fade, due to five things that affect the quality of CD media: sealing method, reflective layer, organic dye makeup, where it was manufactured, and your storage practices (please keep all media out of direct sunlight, in a nice cool dry dark place, in acid-free plastic containers; this will triple the lifetime of any media)
Most burnt CD/DVD Media has a 10 year life span unless its high quality stuff like Taiyo Yuden which has a 70 year life. Good media like this is hard to find in the U.S so you will be better of ordering online. http://www.supermediastore.com is one in particular.
For more information on Media Specifications and obtaining media visit http://adterrasperaspera.com/blog/2006/10/30/how-to-choose-cddvd-archival-media/
