Why CD's suck and why I am angry!!!

[Asterix]

Because all my cd's are scratched. When I was younger I was not so careful with my CD's, however even when you are it is still likely that a CD will become scratched over a period of time if it is used regularly. This is nonsense, surely they knew this when they designed the CD, but didn't care because it's more profitable to have the media break down eventually. A mini-tape with a 'CD' inside it would just be so much more sensible!!!!

Why do I bring this up? Mostly because with my 'uber' headphone setup (for me anyway!) I can actually hear the scratches.

I'm too lazy to make copies of every one of my 300 cd's. But I think it's about time I start copying the new ones and using them instead. I have invested a lot of time/energy/money into my collection and this is pretty dissapointing.

 

[Aman]

Or maybe I can suggest vinyl?

 

[KR...]

I have CD's that are from the late 80's without a scratch on them. None of my CD's have any scratches (I have 100's). It all a matter of how you handle them. You just have to threat them with love and care like you would a record and anything lese that is important to you.

 

[KR...]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aman Or maybe I can suggest vinyl?

oh yeah, because they never get scratched, LOL!

 

[Vosper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asterix This is nonsense, surely they knew this when they designed the CD, but didn't care because it's more profitable to have the media break down eventually.

Well, yeah. They could make a lightbulb that never wears out too, but there's no money in that either. It's called "planned obsolescence" IIRC.

Quote:

I'm too lazy to make copies of every one of my 300 cd's. But I think it's about time I start copying the new ones and using them instead. I have invested a lot of time/energy/money into my collection and this is pretty dissapointing.

I've solved the problem by building a media PC. It doesn't have to be that expensive - secondhand P4 1.6, 512mb, Windows2000, Emu-0404 and a big harddrive, that's all I've got. Now I rip all my CD's using EAC and LAME (you could use FLAC) and my CD"s stay unplayed in the rack. I guess if you're too lazy though, you're just going to have to write them off.

I have to admit though, I don't know how CD's must inevitably get scratched if they only ever go case <-> player.

 

[Nacher]

I have so far totally scratched three cd:s to useless condition by just using them as case --> player --> case, and this in less than two years. I really don't know what has caused those scratchs on them. Possibly a bad insertion on the cd-player, as the scratchs are perfectly in line with the circular shape of the cd, and therefore totally jam the cd-player. Really, those cds should be more durable.

 

[null]

This actually works wonders (I own it) ---> GameDoctor

(It works for all types of CDs)

 

[eyeteeth]

I have CDs from 1984 or whenever they arrived, totally scratched in every direction over most of their surface and play fine. I used to stack them atop eachother without cases and slide them aside like a pack of cards when looking for something. Maybe 5 skip, "D-D-D-D-D"...like that.

Now I'm careful in old age...with CDs.

 

[aeriyn]

Storing CDs in CD wallets/binders will scratch CDs.

To protect them best, use the jewel cases that came with the CDs. I always pick up my CDs by placing my thumb on the outside edge and my forefinger in the spindle hole. From the jewel case to the player, the CD does not get damaged.

I don't have any CDs that are scratched badly enough to cause problems even on very sensitive systems, but of course most of my CDs got stolen when those bastards broke into my car. >.< They stole my D-33 and E2cs as well, the little high school brats.

 

[KR...]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeriyn Storing CDs in CD wallets/binders will scratch CDs. To protect them best, use the jewel cases that came with the CDs. I always pick up my CDs by placing my thumb on the outside edge and my forefinger in the spindle hole. From the jewel case to the player, the CD does not get damaged.

Most CD wallets/binders are terrible, I would never use such thing, I mean with them you are just asking for trouble. Also it helps on how you hold and handle your Cds.

 

[myself, aka me]

At least they didn't selectively chuck the ones they didn't like back. Didn't that happen to Tuberoller when his stuff was nicked?

My CDs come out of the case once, then it's on to the computer. It'll change if I go back to hifi. I wish my CD player had something on top of the plastic tray, it seems they'll get scratched from that.

 

[MD1032]

I've used my Jewel cases to protect my games and music CD's for like ever. My copy of StarCraft Broodwar, which I've tossed around in and out of its case and the CD drive about a million times is still in perfect condition.

Then again, this is why I like using Minidiscs portably.

 

[SilverCans]

There are a few ways you can fix your scratched cds (so long as they aren't scratched to the metallic layer). The method I like best is sanding them with 2000 grit sandpaper and then polish them by hand using a good automotive wax. They won't come out looking like new but the big scratches that cause them to skip will be gone.

 

[ReasonablyLucid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeriyn Storing CDs in CD wallets/binders will scratch CDs.

Meh, I have a gigantic cd wallet for all my games (which is mostly full

) and none of my disks are scratched.

Id rather have a cd wallet/binder than lug around over 100 jewl cases

 

[GlowWorm]

If only the mini-disc had caught on, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Really an unfortunate case of missed potential IMO, I love the fact that they could do anything that normal CD's could do, but were more compact, and had a protective case. I'm not sure why the mini-disc never became popular other than possibly poor marketing. What a pity.