Hints for storing the error correction files

1. Storing the error correction files on dedicated media:

An empty DVD can typically hold about 7-10 error correction files from same-sized media when using the default redundancy. So one could store 9+1 DVDs (9 carrying actual data and 1 used for the error correction files) using common 10 pack boxes. However:

Avoid storing the error correction files on media coming from the same batch as those holding the data you are going to protect.

Media from the same production run have similar aging characteristics, so they may all start to fail at the same time. That is not good as we want the error correction files to outlast the other media.

Since even media with different labels printed on them can actually come from the same production, it is a good idea to use different media types: DVD-R and DVD+R media as well as media classified for different writing speeds (e.g. 8x and 16x media) are very likely to come from different production lines and have been manufactured at different times.

2. Putting the error correction file on the next medium of a series:

If you do not fill your DVDs to the max (e.g. with less than 4GB for single layered media), you can store the error correction file of one medium on the succeeding medium within a series.

3. Using (external) hard discs for storing the error correction files:

A 400GB hard disc can hold approximately 600 error correction files (assuming full 4.7GB media and default redundancy). This might be an alternative in price if you keep in mind that current ATA hard discs are not built for eternity, either ;-)