I would actually recommend against using Maxell CDRs for long term 
storage, Joe-- "PRO" type or otherwise.  I've been involved in live 
music recording and trading communities for... well, for longer than 
I care to admit... and Maxell CDs are notoriously unreliable and 
considered by many to be unacceptable for storage and exchange of 
files.  Sony CDs are close behind because the label tends to wear or 
flake off quickly or after even moderate exposure to temperature 
fluctuations or friction.

TDK and Fuji CDs have proven to be much more reliable and 
durable.  With a collection of several hundred discs over more than a 
six-year period, I've had to replace nearly all Maxell CDs and about 
half of my Sonys-- and don't even get me started about Memorex!  In 
contrast, I have yet to have a single TDK or Fuji CD crap out on me.

Of course, we *are* talking about different types of data and 
different uses.  Yet if a serious music fan will not entrust a 
favorite song to a certain brand of CD, a serious professional should 
think twice before committing to that product for long term storage needs.

Just my two cents, anyway.

:) Tasha Jones
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At 07:31 PM 4/23/2006, you wrote:
>I just looked into best practice for archival CD and the word seems 
>to be Taiyo Yuden Made in Japan gold CDs.
>
>These are commonly available branded as Maxell CD-R PRO (make sure 
>they are the "PRO" type). Make sure they say "Made in Japan"--but 
>all Maxell CD-R Pros I've seen are Japanese manufacture.
>
>They are only marginally more expensive than the low grade junk, 
>i.e. spindle of 25 for $15.
>
>I had several hundred CDs commercially duplicated about a year and a 
>half ago and, even though stored under reasonable conditions, 50-60% 
>of them have developed read errors.
>
>Hope this helps,
>Joe Roberts
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