Long term storage of data is a must have not only for Pro users and state agencies, but also customers. While online storing solution can help securing such data, some companies work on improving reliability of current media. Panasonic has been working on BD media:
Instead of re-inventing a new media, which is a time and money consuming process, Panasonic decided to improve reliability of BD media by placing them into a tape, similar to the good old optical tape (such as Syquest):
- All media are placed into a tape.
- All media are based on non-organic components, a bit more expensive, but more reliable on the long term.
- Enhanced quality control procedures during manufacturing steps.
With such system, Panasonic claims to have reached 50 years half-life for such media even when stored at 25°C and 80% humidity. In addition while players are different, they are still compatible with current CD, DVD and Blu-ray media.
While to promote BD as a reliable long term storage media, this announcement might compromise the marketing factors used by BD media promoter with the advertised long term storage. The BD media was original promoted with its specially designed scratch proof and resistant layer to protect data. So, which company is saying the truth?
