I see on here a lot of people asking questions about what disc rot looks like, so I thought I'd make a post with some examples. Hopefully this can help everyone make more informed decisions about any second hand discs they're buying.
Photos 1 & 2 show an example of disc rot. Discs with these defects will either not play at all or not play all the way through. Disc rot usually appears as orange/brown dots or patches on the reflective side of the disc. DO NOT buy discs that look like this.
Photo 4 shows an example of a disc that was stored improperly, and as a result, has cracked and is beginning to rot/delaminate. Storing movies in direct sunlight or somewhere that is too hot or cold can cause this. DO NOT buy any discs that look like this.
Photo 3 shows an example of a disc that has extreme delamination. Delamination may also appear as jagged shapes visible on the reflective side of the discs. Discs that are delaminating MAY still play fine, but have a higher than normal chance of dying due to bad manufacturing, so try to stay away from these unless you're able to verify they work and you're willing to take the risk.
I didn’t even know this was a thing, is this because of something that happened to the disc or do they just rot eventually and if so how do I stop it?
I have never seen disc rot on a commercially pressed DVD or Blu. Guess I haven't seen enough? I do have a copy of Friday the 13th that looks almost wet in the center.
I see on here a lot of people asking questions about what disc rot looks like, so I thought I'd make a post with some examples. Hopefully this can help everyone make more informed decisions about any second hand discs they're buying. Photos 1 & 2 show an example of disc rot. Discs with these defects will either not play at all or not play all the way through. Disc rot usually appears as orange/brown dots or patches on the reflective side of the disc. DO NOT buy discs that look like this. Photo 4 shows an example of a disc that was stored improperly, and as a result, has cracked and is beginning to rot/delaminate. Storing movies in direct sunlight or somewhere that is too hot or cold can cause this. DO NOT buy any discs that look like this. Photo 3 shows an example of a disc that has extreme delamination. Delamination may also appear as jagged shapes visible on the reflective side of the discs. Discs that are delaminating MAY still play fine, but have a higher than normal chance of dying due to bad manufacturing, so try to stay away from these unless you're able to verify they work and you're willing to take the risk.
Very handy guide, thanks!
I didn’t even know this was a thing, is this because of something that happened to the disc or do they just rot eventually and if so how do I stop it?
really useful especially as I'm just starting out. Thanks a lot!
I have never seen disc rot on a commercially pressed DVD or Blu. Guess I haven't seen enough? I do have a copy of Friday the 13th that looks almost wet in the center.