CD rot

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"CD rot" is shorthand for any physical process inherent to a CD that causes it to deteriorate over time under normal storage conditions. The name is related to "laser rot", a phenomenon in which LaserDiscs slowly deteriorate due to problems with the adhesive holding the two sides of the disc together.

CD rot is caused by the materials and processes used to manufacture the disc, and most kinds of "rot" are specific to a particular manufacturer and time period.

Known Types and Causes of CD Rot

Ink Rot

Certain label inks could permeate the protective lacquer on the label side of the disc and damage the data layer. In some cases the label became clearly visible on the data side.

Things That Aren't Rot and/or Don't Cause It

Pinholes

Pinholes are small holes in the reflective layer of a disc. Most are small enough that they can only be seen by holding the disc up to a light source.

Pinholes are not "rot" because they are present on the disc from the time of manufacturing. They are typically formed when the reflective coating is applied, and dust on the polycarbonate disc prevents the coating from sticking. Many people believe they appear over time because they only check for pinholes when they have problems playing or ripping a disc, and they assume that the pinholes they find are the cause of the problem.

Barring other problems with the disc or player, pinholes should not affect playback -- the CIRC error correction on a CD can completely recover data loss equivalent to a hole of over 2mm in diameter (significantly larger than a "pinhole" created with an actual pin).