The Preservation of LaserDiscs

The keys to LaserDisc longevity are: 1. Keep them away from moisture 2. Keep them away from heat 3. Store them upright. 4. Do not touch the label or shinny surfaces.

LaserDiscs are Hygroscopic

LaserDiscs were manufactured from acrylic (PMMA) which is hygroscopic, this means that they do absorb moisture. Therefore, do not expose your LaserDiscs to water and keep the humidity under 35 percent. For my LaserDisc storage I use 2 dehumidifiers each set to 35 percent maximum humidity.

Temperature Range

The optimum temperature to store LaserDiscs is about 10 degrees centigrade ( 50 degrees Fahrenheit). The maximum temperature should be no more than 20 degrees centigrade (68 degrees Fahrenheit). So, it stands to reason to keep your LaserDiscs away from sunlight and heat of any kind. For example: when you are done watching a movie remove the LaserDisc from your players tray because it is hot inside a LaserDisc player!

Storage

LaserDiscs should be stored in the upright position. The purpose here is to keep the LaserDisc from warping. A warped LaserDisc is very hard on a LaserDisc Players bearings and will have playback issues as the laser attempts to read the outer edge of the LaserDisc.

Handling

Do not touch the labels of either side of a LaserDisc. This is because the label is where the LaserDisc clamping mechanism mounts. Any contaminants on the label can cause the clamping mechanism to slip when rotating at up to 1800 RPM. Further do not touch the surface of a LaserDisc and any scratches and contaminants will impede the ability of the laser to properly read the information on a LaserDisc.

Laser Rot - Opinion

In my opinion, most Laser Rot was caused at the time of manufacture therefore it is a manufacturing defect as opposed to an organism eating away at the LaserDisc. I prefer to call it video noise as that leaves the source of the problem open...

Grazie,

DaDon