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A digital video disc (DVD) employs laser technology to read digitized data. Grace Cary / Getty ImagesA compact disc (CD) is a molded plastic disc that holds digital data. A laser beam scans this data onto the disc [source: Britannica]. Similarly, a digital video disc (DVD) uses laser technology to read the digitized data encoded on it. Since it is a digital medium, a DVD can store various types of data, including movies, images, or text [source: Britannica].
Since DVDs store data on an external disc, they are vulnerable to scratches, which can interfere with the data. Scratches are considered a disc's worst enemy. Whether a scratched disc can be fixed depends on where the scratch is. If the scratch is on the top, shiny side of the disc, the data is irreparable. However, if the scratch is on the bottom, plastic side, it might be fixable through resurfacing and polishing. Some manufacturers are developing scratch-resistant discs to eliminate the need for repairs [source: TDK]. Professional services typically recommend discarding scratched discs [sources: Roksan, Iomega]. However, if you wish to attempt repairs, follow these steps.
- Begin by cleaning the disc with mild soap and warm water to eliminate any oils and fingerprints.
- Use a lint-free cloth to dry the disc.
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the disc.
- Gently rub the toothpaste in a straight line, starting from the center and moving towards the outer edges (avoid circular motions).
- Rinse off the toothpaste and dry the disc thoroughly.
