The reality of disc construction is that it’s weakest point is the center radius. This is especially so for DVD Optical Discs.
Why? The short answer is the bonding of the two 0.6mm halves that comprise a DVD disc only extends around 1-2mm shy of the center. That unbonded section is the weakest part of the disc. It is the only part of the disc that comes in contact with any manner of disc player, packaging, and handling. Everything else, so long as the disc is balanced will never come in contact with with any other moving part of a player aside from your traditional DVD Case.
Why is it the weakest part? Simple. Think of the two bonded sides of the disc as two thin planks of wood. Now only glue a portion of the planks leaving an unglued section close to the edges of the two planks. If you keep rubbing the planks you will eventually separate them even though they are glued, screwed, or otherwise secured just because a small section of the two planks are not completely bonded together. So too will your DVD disc wear since it rubs against the rosette of the DVD player or the center locking mechanism of a DVD case.
That is what separates our ACE Case product from the rest. We encapsulate the disc; securing the disc from the outside diameter. No pressure is placed on the disc causing it to buckle. Instead the finger footholds come over the disc without pinching it. We feel that the strongest part of the disc, the outside diameter of the disc, is the best way to encapsulate and store your investment.
But what if you use generic DVD packaging? Don’t worry. There is still hope even if you don’t use our style of packaging.
Here is the best way to care for your disc — put it back in it’s packaging AFTER you’re done with it. That case is the safest way to store and protect your investment because that is what it is. Think of it. Your average DVD collection has perhaps 100 titles. That’s at least a $1500 investment. If you have that kind of money to throw around well then great. But for those of us who choose not to squander our money, I for one would prefer to protect my investment.
Now to properly handle your optical disc, follow these three steps.
Follow these three simple steps and I can assure you long life of your product and insurance your investment is never squandered. Sometimes understanding why you have to protect your investment and it’s weak points will help you to better care for your optical disc investment for years to come.
