Rescuing Your CDs and DVDs Before They Fail
CDs and DVDs degrade silently. A disc that played perfectly five years ago may already be developing disc rot. I transfer your discs to modern files before the data is gone, right here in Colwood without shipping anything away.
Disc rot happens without warning
The reflective layer on a CD or DVD degrades over time. A disc that played fine five years ago may fail completely today - and the damage is invisible until it is too late.
Drives are disappearing from computers
DVD drives are being dropped from laptops and desktops. By the time you decide to convert, finding hardware that can even read the disc may be the first problem.
Home-burned discs are the most vulnerable
Retail CDs pressed for shelf life are one thing. Home-burned discs on budget media were not made to last 20 years. They are the ones failing right now.
Your Discs Never Leave Colwood
Optical discs degrade in a process sometimes called disc rot. The reflective layer breaks down over time, and data that looks intact may already be corrupted. In addition to physical decay, most modern computers no longer have disc drives at all. Your memories are not just aging - they're becoming technologically stranded.
How It Works
Drop-Off in Colwood
Use my online form to book a private drop-off time. This ensures I can review your items with you personally when you arrive.
Approve Estimate
Once I have your project, I don't just process it. I inspect the condition of every tape and page. If I find something that needs special attention, I’ll call you.
Enjoy and Share
You’ll receive a secure download link, and a USB if requested. You can finally watch your memories on your phone, tablet, or TV.
Disc Types I Recover
CDs - Data and Audio
Home-burned CDs are the most common and the most fragile. I recover files, photos, and audio from discs that are scratched, delaminating, or simply won't read on a modern drive.
DVDs - Home Movies and Archives
DVD camcorder discs, burned home movies, and photo slideshows burned at the local drugstore - I extract the video and photo files and deliver them as modern, playable formats.
Mini-DVDs and Specialty Discs
Mini-DVDs from DVD camcorders and specialty formats from photo kiosks require specific equipment to read. I have the drives and the software to handle formats that a standard computer can no longer access.
My Approach to CD and DVD Recovery
I use professional-grade optical drives and specialized software designed to handle older and even slightly damaged discs. I inspect each disc, perform a bit-for-bit transfer, and verify the copied data to ensure a complete transfer. Every step is done by me, right here in Colwood.
Asked Often
Can scratched discs still be recovered?
Often yes, depending on the damage.
What if my CD or DVD won’t play?
I attempt recovery using specialized software.
What is disc rot?
It’s a form of deterioration that can make discs unreadable.
What kinds of discs do you accept?
I accept CDs and DVDs of all types: photo CDs from film labs, home movie DVDs, data backup discs, music CDs, and mini CDs and DVDs from older cameras. If you're not sure what you have, bring it along.
What if a disc is scratched or won't read?
I use recovery-focused equipment that can often read discs that consumer drives can't. I'll tell you upfront if a disc appears too damaged to recover.
What format will my files be in?
It depends on what's on the disc. Photo files come back as JPEGs or TIFFs. Video comes back as MP4. Data comes back as the original files. I'll describe the output in your estimate.
How long does it take?
A standard stack of 10 to 20 discs is typically ready within a week. I'll give you a timeline at drop-off.
What My Clients Say
“I found a tape of my grandmother telling family stories from the 80s. I was terrified to play it. Dave handled it so carefully and the digital audio file he sent me is a treasure my whole family now has. The fact that I could just drop it off in Colwood was a huge relief.”
Transparent pricing. Every job guaranteed.
Every job starts with a free estimate. See typical costs before you commit, and if anything isn't right when I'm done, I'll fix it at no charge.
Don't wait for a disc to fail.
Book a drop-off in Colwood and I'll transfer everything to modern files before any more data is lost.