Digital Photo Storage, Picture Storage, Photo Backup | PhotoStorageGuide.com | Choosing the Right Media

“You get what you pay for.” Different storage media brands are produced to different quality specifications. Never buy cheap, off-brands to backup or archive your photos. Verbatim’s media is produced to the strictest quality parameters, using only qualified production equipment.

CD-R
CD-Recordable media can only be recorded once and is perfect for archiving. You never have to worry about the files being accidentally erased. Also, CD-R media has a wide range of compatibility with players and computers.

DVD+R or DVD-R
The same characteristics as CD-R, but has a higher capacity for storage. If you have lots of photos or videos to backup, you should consider these formats. Remember to check your hardware for compatibility.

Archival Grade CD-R or DVD-R
Sometimes called Gold CD/DVD, these discs manufactured to maximize both compatibility and media life. With a protective gold layer, these media are less prone to corrosion.

Crystal (Hardcoat) CD-R or DVD-R
These are standard media with an extra protective layer that makes discs up to 40 times more scratch resistant. Consider these if your media will be handled often or by children.

Printable CD-R or DVD-R/+R
These are standard CD/DVD’s with an inkjet or thermal printable top label surface. This allows the disc to be printed with certain printers.

LightScribe CD-R or DVD-R/+R
Again these are standard CD or DVD’s that can be labeled with an HP LightScribe drive.

CD-RW, DVD-RW/+RW
These are rewritable media formats. Many people use these discs for system backups and backing up files that change regularly. These formats are not recommended for photo archiving.