A: The Blu-Ray optical disc can be used to store large amount of data safely and accurately for about 30 years.

Why we do not recommend storage on CDs and DVDs is simple: They are limited by what they are made of.  They are only expected to last an average 4-7 years before they begin to fail from internal deterioration (think that your data is written in tiny "Morse code" of dots and dashes, and over time the paper that the Morse code is written on begins to fade, until it can no longer be read). 

The Compact Discs of the 1970s and 1980s, as well as the DVDs of the 1990s, did a great job in pioneering audio and video storage, but since the "digital revolution" began in the late 1990s our needs have increased, and so (luckily for us!) our technology has also made tremendous advances, allowing storage to keep pace with our ability to digitize. 

By making the first and most important copy to Blu-Ray data discs, we are creating a "digital master" copy from which you can make numerous other copies in various formats (flash drives, discs, hard drives, etc) far into the future.  And, unlike traditional hard drives, which have moving parts and which store your data magnetically, Blu-Ray optical discs have no moving parts and they do not store your memories magnetically, so they are far less likely to fail on their own.

Q: BUT WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE A BLU-RAY DRIVE/PLAYER?

A: No worries...you don't necessarily need one at the time that we complete your project and create your discs. 

Blu-Ray discs have been in the United States since 2006 and are rapidly replacing DVDs.  Don't worry, your DVDs will always be around just like music CDs are, but they will be in far less use, and Blu-Ray players and drives also play DVDs and CDs, as well, so you will always have a player.  You may get one in the future...and even if you don't, the discs keep your precious memories just as safe whether you have a Blu-Ray drive or not.  A digital professional is almost sure to already have one or more.

Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages associated with two of the most common storage devices: Hard drives and flash drives.

1. HARD DRIVES

Hard Drive Advantages: 

1) Affordable solution for storing large amounts of photos, videos, and data; and

2) Can be made portable in some cases.

Hard Drive Disadvantages:

1) Data can be compromised by moisture, heat, mishandling, physical breakage, an overcharge of electricity, or a strong magnetic field;

2) They have limited lifespan, much like your car does and, after so many hours of running and/or so much use, they CAN and WILL fail eventually...it's unavoidable; and 

3) Attempts to recover data from damaged hard drives can be complicated, expensive, and the results are often incomplete.

OUR CONCLUSION: HARD DRIVES ARE AFFORDABLE STORAGE BUT CANNOT BE CONSIDERED EITHER SAFE OR PERMANENT.

2. FLASH DRIVES