Quick question: I just received some shiny new CDs that fell out of position in their boxes in transit. They are scratched, primarily around the center. I need to check them pretty quickly for functional damage. Do I remember correctly that CDs play from the center out (so I could check by playing the first several minutes), or do I need to use a differnt strategy? Thanks.
Yup. Center to outside is how CD’s are read.
You can do a visual check by examining the clear bottom side by reflected light and a magnifier, if desired, for any visible scratches.
Used CD dealers use this to check discs they purchase or trade for resale.
Also, hold them up to the light - the metal layer is quite close to the label side and is protected only by a fairly thin layer of plastic and/or lacquer - if there has been any serious abrasion to the label side, you’ll be able to see right through the scratches.
In addition ANY scratches on the clear bottom side cause reading errors and dealers refuse to accept them in trade.
Thaks. One disk was indeed quite damaged, but I was able to exchange it with a minimum of fuss.