How should I care for my DVDs and Blu-ray discs?

Since DVDs and Blu-ray discs are read by a laser, they are resistant - to a point - to fingerprints, dust, smudges, and scratches. However, surface contaminants and scratches can cause playback errors, so it's a good idea to take care of your discs.

- Handle only at the hub or outer edge; don't touch the shiny surface with greasy fingers.

- Store in a protective case when not in use.

- Do not bend the disc when taking it out of the case, and be careful not to scratch the disc when placing it in the case or in the player tray.

- Make certain the disc is properly seated in the player tray before you close it.

- Keep away from radiators/heaters, hot equipment surfaces, direct sunlight (near a window or in a car during hot weather), pets, small children, and other destructive forces. Magnetic fields have no affect on DVDs.