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We have two sets of "The Complete Caruso" (GD60495), a 12 CD boxset in the RCA Victor Gold Seal series, published in 1990 and manufactured by BMG Music, New York. One is suffering from a problem I haven't come across before. The two sets are largely identical, although the label (upper) side of the discs in one set is printed in gold on red, and features what appears to be a date amongst the hub data: 10/90. The discs in the second (later?) set are printed in black with no background colour, and have 6/93 in the hub data. The 10/90 set have a curious crystalline frosted effect on the underside of the discs, rendering them unreadable. The interesting thing is that the frosting is on the outside of the polycarbonate, i.e. NOT in the metal reflective layer, where other problems such as bronzing manifest themselves. When gently rubbed with a lens cloth the frosting (crystals?) seem to come off, although I haven't attempted to clean an entire disc and play it, for fear of causing further damage. It appears to be a result of the exposure of the polycarbonate (or some element of it) to something atmospheric. Has anyone come across this problem? The 6/93 set is unaffected, while all the discs in the 10/93 set are affected to roughly the same degree. The two sets have different storage histories, but no other discs stored near the affected set show any such problem. The affected set have AFAIK been stored under archival conditions by us since they were purchased new. Thanks Will ................................................... Will Prentice Technical Services British Library Sound Archive Tel: +44 (0)20-7412-7443 (formerly National Sound Archive) Fax: +44 (0)20-7412-7416 96 Euston Road http://www.bl.uk London NW1 2DB UK http://cadensa.bl.uk (online catalogue) ************************************************************************** Experience the British Library online at www.bl.uk Help the British Library conserve the world's knowledge. Adopt a Book. www.bl.uk/adoptabook ************************************************************************** The information contained in this e-mail is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete this e-mail and notify the [log in to unmask] : The contents of this e-mail must not be disclosed or copied without the sender's consent. The statements and opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the British Library. The British Library does not take any responsibility for the views of the author. **************************************************************************