How long has the Compact Disc been around?
The compact disc was introduced to the public in the early 1980's. When first released it was promoted to be an indestructible form of pre-recorded media. What they meant was a compact disc cannot physically wear out from playback. A CD stores digital information in the form of pits and lands, i.e. 1's and 0's, which is retrieved by sending a light beam, or laser, through the thick protective layer of the disc. The light beam is bounced off a reflective mirror coating in the disc and back to the player where the information can be interpreted. No physical contact is needed -- thus no friction, no wear.

Why do CD's need repair?
If dust, dirt, fingerprints or scratches disturb the light beam that passes through the protective coating of the disc, not all of the information can be relayed back to the player causing skips or blackouts. This problem is reduced by elaborate correction codes that exist in today's players. However, even the most sophisticated system cannot correct the effects of a surface scratch, which refracts the light beam, or gives a prism effect, causing the disc to skip or keep repeating itself.

Can all damaged CD's be successfully restored?
Well, no, not all. Cracked or broken discs cannot be repaired. We cannot remove scratches from the label side of a disc. Most minor scratches to the label do not cause a problem.  However, damage to this side can make the CD unplayable. If deep enough, label side scratches or gouges may damage the data foil just under the label surface. Damage to the data foil usually appear as dark spots or pits of light that are visible through the CD when held up to light. A disc that has experienced this type of damage cannot be repaired.

How many CDs need repair?
With an estimated 18 Billion CD's sold by the year 2010, and 1.97 Billion CD's that were sold up to and including 1993, an average 4.1% of all discs in the market were in need of repair. That is well over 80 million scratched CD's that exist today! That number will increase every day especially as soon as DVD rental becomes more popular.

How do I tell if my disc can be repaired?
Here are some simple tests. Hold the disc between you and a light source. With the PLAY SIDE facing you, look for any patches of light that show through. If you see light through the foil layer, the data has been removed and cannot be repaired. With the PLAY SIDE at an angle, hold the disc up to a bright light. If you see a mirrored reflection of the scratch on the silver or gold foil, the scratch is on the play side. This is the most common problem affecting the readability of a disc. We can fix this.

How many times can one disc be repaired?
Each disc can be repaired up to 50 times or more depending on how deep the scratches penetrate. The information in a CD is thinner than 1/2 the thickness of a piece of paper. It is stored below the painted side of the disc, leaving approximately 99% clear polycarbonate plastic to protect it from the elements and give the disc form. The laser beam has to see through this clear plastic coating to read the data. Azuradisc machines remove a very thin layer of this clear plastic each time, never coming close to the information.

How long will it take to get my CD's resurfaced?
In general discs will be resurfaced and shipped out to you within 24 to 48 hours of receipt.

Will the CDs get scratched up during the return delivery?
No. We make sure all discs are held securely in the package to ensure a safe return. Optional insurance can be purchased to further ensure the safe return of your discs. We highly recommend purchasing return shipping insurance for your out of print and valuable discs.