Editing Optical disc (section)

=== Usage ===
Optical discs are most commonly used for [[digital preservation]], storing music (particularly for use in a [[CD player]]), video (such as for use in a [[Blu-ray Disc|Blu-ray]] player), or data and programs for [[personal computer]]s (PC), as well as offline [[hard copy]] data distribution due to lower per-unit prices than other types of media. The [[Optical Storage Technology Association]] (OSTA) promoted standardized [[optical storage]] formats.

Libraries and archives enact [[optical media preservation]] procedures to ensure continued usability in the computer's optical disc drive or corresponding disc player.

[[File operation]]s of traditional [[mass storage]] devices such as [[flash drives]], [[memory card]]s and [[hard drive]]s can be simulated using a [[Universal Disk Format|UDF]] live file system.

For computer data backup and physical data transfer, optical discs such as CDs and [[DVD]]s are gradually being replaced with faster, smaller solid-state devices, especially the [[USB flash drive]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NyXU3KBCdMcC&q=For+computer+data+backup+and+physical+data+transfer,+optical+discs+such+as+CDs+and+DVDs+are+gradually+being+replaced+with+faster,+smaller+solid-state+devices,+especially+the+USB+flash+drive&pg=PA193|title=An Introduction to Lasers Theory and Applications|last=Avadhanulu|first=M. N.|date=2001|publisher=S. Chand Publishing|isbn=9788121920711|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203005723/https://books.google.co.in/books?id=NyXU3KBCdMcC&pg=PA193&lpg=PA193&dq=For+computer+data+backup+and+physical+data+transfer,+optical+discs+such+as+CDs+and+DVDs+are+gradually+being+replaced+with+faster,+smaller+solid-state+devices,+especially+the+USB+flash+drive&source=bl&ots=KX0_cTnEeE&sig=CXcINH7FyhROxjqO-xgYYFWv1XM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiR3Z6c5obZAhWJybwKHYIHBUEQ6AEILjAB#v=onepage&q=For%20computer%20data%20backup%20and%20physical%20data%20transfer,%20optical%20discs%20such%20as%20CDs%20and%20DVDs%20are%20gradually%20being%20replaced%20with%20faster,%20smaller%20solid-state%20devices,%20especially%20the%20USB%20flash%20drive&f=false|archive-date=2018-02-03}}</ref> This trend is expected to continue as USB flash drives continue to increase in capacity and drop in price.{{Citation needed|date=July 2013}}

Additionally, music, movies, games, software and TV shows purchased, shared or streamed over the Internet has significantly reduced the number of audio CDs, video DVDs and Blu-ray discs sold annually. However, audio CDs and Blu-rays are still preferred and bought by some, as a way of supporting their favorite works while getting something tangible in return and also since audio CDs (alongside [[vinyl record]]s and [[cassette tape]]s) contain uncompressed audio without the artifacts introduced by [[lossy compression]] algorithms like [[MP3]],<!--and FLAC files are hard to find--> and Blu-rays offer better image and sound quality than streaming media, without visible compression artifacts, due to higher bitrates and more available storage space.<ref>https://www.reviewgeek.com/6416/is-it-better-to-watch-a-4k-movie-on-blu-ray-or-through-streaming/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412125930/https://www.reviewgeek.com/6416/is-it-better-to-watch-a-4k-movie-on-blu-ray-or-through-streaming/ |date=2020-04-12 }} (For streaming 4K content, streaming media provider Netflix recommends a 25&nbsp;Mbps internet connection, suggesting a 25&nbsp;Mbit/s bitrate. https://help.netflix.com/en/node/306 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411122511/https://help.netflix.com/en/node/306 |date=2020-04-11 }} The 2018 [[Ultra HD Blu-ray]] optical disc specification, in comparison, allows for bitrates from 72 to 144&nbsp;Mbit/s for 4K content http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/White_Paper_General_5th_20180216.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411062740/http://www.blu-raydisc.com/Assets/Downloadablefile/White_Paper_General_5th_20180216.pdf |date=2020-04-11 }})</ref> However, Blu-rays may sometimes be [[BitTorrent|torrented]] over the internet, but torrenting may not be an option for some, due to restrictions put in place by [[ISP]]s on legal or copyright grounds, low download speeds or not having enough available storage space, since the content may weigh up to several dozen gigabytes. Blu-rays may be the only option for those looking to play large games without having to download them over an unreliable or slow internet connection, which is the reason why they are still (as of 2020) widely used by gaming consoles, like the [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One X]]. As of 2020, it is unusual for PC games to be available in a physical format like Blu-ray.

Optical discs are typically stored [[Optical disc packaging|in special cases]], sometimes called ''jewel cases''. Discs should not have any stickers and should not be stored together with paper; papers must be removed from the jewel case before storage. Discs should be handled by the edges to prevent scratching, with the thumb on the inner edge of the disc. The ISO Standard 18938:2014 is about best optical disc handling techniques. Optical disc cleaning should never be done in a circular pattern, to avoid concentric cirles from forming on the disc. Improper cleaning can scratch the disc. Recordable discs should not be exposed to light for extended periods of time. Optical discs should be stored in dry and cool conditions to increase longevity, with temperatures between -10 and 23&nbsp;°C, never exceeding 32&nbsp;°C, and with humidity never falling below 10%, with recommended storage at 20 to 50% of humidity without fluctuations of more than ±10%.<ref>{{citation |title=ISO 18938:2014 |url=https://www.iso.org/standard/63076.html |publisher=[[ISO]]}}</ref>