Recommendations Archive Media

Question

Level 2

264 points

Recommendations Archive Media

I like to have backups both across multiple hard drives as well as a copy on DVD. Google search located an article on archive quality DVDs with a lot of information I didn't know (for example, I've always used DVD-R but according to this DVD+R are better). Also recommended was purchase of Taiyo Yuden media (I'd never heard of this) from supermediastore.com (with a helpful link). Anyone out there have any experience with this media which seems to only be available from the link (which looks legit but who knows). Any other recommendations?

Here is the article for anyone interested:
http://adterrasperaspera.com/blog/2006/10/30/how-to-choose-cddvd-archival-media

Any advice appreciated.

Intel iMac; MBP 2.2, G4 2x800 MHz, PowerBook G4 1.5...mult...Apple][+, Mac OS X (10.5.6), Sony HDR-HC5 HD Cmcrdr, Rebel XSI, SD 750, SD 550, Epson V700 Perfection Scnr

Posted on Jun 7, 2009 7:55 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

Old Toad

Level 10

207,439 points

Jun 8, 2009 10:33 AM in response to Robert Stone

You will get more info if you post over in the iDVD forum as archival discs have been discussed there several time.

I don't know about archival usage but Taiyo Yuden is one of the most recommended media for iDVD use in that forum along with Verbatum and Maxel -R discs./

TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier versions) database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger or later), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. There are versions that are compatible with iPhoto 5, 6, 7 and 8 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. Just put the application in the Dock and click on it whenever you want to backup the dB file. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.

NOTE: The new rebuild option in iPhoto 09 (v. 8.0.2), Rebuild the iPhoto Library Database from automatic backup" makes this tip obsolete.

Reply

Answer 2

Robert Stone Author

Level 2

264 points

Jun 8, 2009 6:32 PM in response to Old Toad

Thanks - as always, you are a terrific source of information. I searched this forum but didn't think to check there; sounds like Taiyo Yuden is the way to go (and really not that expensive).

Reply