I'm wondering if using bluray disks to backup data is a good option. I usually use DVD-R to backup data. But it might be more convenient to use BD-R as they can hold much more data.
Some info:
1) cost
BD-R costs about $10 per disk of 25 GB, thus $0.40 per GB storage space
DVD-R costs about $0.40 per disk of 4.7 GB, thus $0.08 per GB storage space
a bad burn can mean a significant loss of money with a BD
2) scratches
As you might know, the writable layer of a bluray disk (BD) is closer to the surface and groves much smaller, this would normally mean a much higher susceptibility to scratches. However, the different companies making BD have come up with special hard coats to protect the otherwise vulnerable BD. How effective are these coatings ? Does anyone have any experience with them ?
3) burning
I use Linux, so I'll probably be burning with growisofs. Some notes on it:
http://fy.chalmers.se/~appro/linux/DVD+RW/Blu-ray/
it looks like in order to maintain data integrity all BD-R will burn at 50% reported speed. I wonder if they implemented this because there were problems burning them correctly ... ?
4) DRM - digital rights management
This only applies to commercial BD right ? It should have no impact on BD-R that I burn myself, right ?
I hate DRM, I would like to protest it as much as possible. I don't want them to restrict my rights.
5) others ...
Thanks for your thoughts.