A note about corroding CDs manufactured by Philips & Du Pont Optical UK Ltd (PDO):
The pressing factory PDO has acknowledged responsibility for producing some CDs between 1988 and 1993 using a lacquer which was not suitable to withstand the corrosive effect of the sulphur content of paper used in the printing of CD booklets and other paper parts. The problem has been extremely disruptive and has caused much embarrassment.
The symptoms of the corrosion are obvious. Audibly it manifests first towards the end of the disc (i.e. the outer edge) and sounds not unlike rhythmic LP surface noise. Visibly it manifests as a coppery-bronze discoloration, usually on the edge of the label side of the disc. (NB. It is NOT the overall yellow tint which is common to all PDO pressings. This is due to the addition of a tiny amount of yellow dye which PDO adds to the polycarbonate for cosmetic purposes.)
At the time that PDO were manufacturing the affected CDs, they were
pressing for classical labels and we suggest that you check any
discs you have from ASV, Unicorn-Kanchana, Pearl, DGG, IMP, Decca,
Collins & Hyperion. Given the nature of the
problem of corrosion, in that it progresses over time, we recommend that you
check any suspect discs on, say, a six-monthly basis. The name of the disc
manufacturer is usually (but not always) engraved around the centre hole of
the disc in the transparent area. If there is no manufacturer’s name shown
at all then it would be worth checking with PDO. They have agreed to replace
any CDs which are corroding as a result of the defect. If you have reason to
believe that there are discs in your collection made by PDO which are showing
signs of corrosion, contact PDO directly.
| Contacting PDO | |
|---|---|
|
UK CUSTOMERS should use either PDO's FREEPHONE helpline or FREEPOST address,
both of which have been set up to deal with complaints and enquiries
about bronzing:
PDO Discs Ltd |
OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS cannot use the FREEPHONE or FREEPOST address, but
should contact PDO at the address below and perhaps
ask for a refund of the cost of telephone call, fax or letter:
Philips & Du Pont Optical UK Ltd |
| PDO also has an e-mail address dedicated to this problem:
patburnshelpline@compuserve.com
Customers should NOT return faulty discs to dealers or distributors. They can, if they wish, return the disc to PDO but it is not necessary. Initially at least, just a letter will do. If they do return any CDs they should send JUST THE DISC, NOT THE JEWEL CASE OR PRINTED MATTER, because PDO will replace only the disc. | |