KMP Media LLC, promises that its new 24-karat gold CD-Rs and DVDs extend the storage life of data, music and images for many decades. Operating under trademark license from Eastman Kodak Company, KMP Media is marketing them as the KODAK Preservation CD-R and the KODAK Preservation DVD (-R).

"The gold Preservation CD-R can safely store digital data for up to 300 years," said Steve Mizelle, President of KMP Media. "The gold Preservation DVD (-R) protects videos and other very large digital files for 80 to 100 years. This is especially important for consumers trying to save precious photos, critical data, music or movies."

The silver reflective layer of the optical storage discsc eventually tarnishes through exposure to light, heat, oxygen, humidity and rough handling. For some, this may mean the loss of key data.

The 24-karat gold reflective layer on the KODAK Preservation CD-R and Preservation DVD (-R) will not tarnish or oxidize. Phthalocyanine dye is the primary data storage layer in the CD-R. In addition, triple layers of protection guard against heat, humidity, bright light and the effects of rough handling.

The new gold CD-R and DVD (-R) have been tested for long life capability by subjecting them to accelerated exposure to extreme heat, humidity, bright lighting and other factors. The discs also withstand rough handling by protecting against up to 290 grams of pressure on the disc surface, as shown by a diamond stylus test, the company claims.

The disks are available in jewel case packages for consumer use and spindles for commercial use. Both the gold CD-R and archival DVD (-R) are now available worldwide.