Repairing scratched discs can be a real problem for those running a video rental business. Unfortunately, improper handling of media by rental customers result in scratched and damaged discs. Restoring these damaged discs is often difficult and few products offer an affordable and robust solution for this ongoing need. A company called Aleratec has recently introduced their DVD/CD Disc Repair CG (Commercial Grade) restoration system that uses a specially formulated disc finishing solution and intense scrubbing pads that can restore damaged discs to near new condition. The repair system works on virtually any 12cm or 8cm disc. With an estimated retail price of $525 (street price <$500), the DVD/CD Disc Repair CG is not for everyone. However, if you own a business or work in a library, the cost may be completely justified. The unit is intended for the demanding user who needs to perform frequent restorations of various types of media discs.

The Aleratec DVD/CD Disc Repair CG is designed to remove most light, medium, or heavy scratch damage from any photo, music, movie, game, data DVD or CD. Most damaged discs can be repaired in as little as 2 minutes. Deeper scratches may take as much as 5-10 minutes. The system includes two 500ml bottles of Aleratec finishing solution, a pair of repair pads, and a 3 1/2" disc holder that makes fixing scratched discs simple. The side drainage tube simplifies changing the finishing solution. The unit is powered by a hefty 1/4 horsepower motor that never seems to strain when running. A rear cooling fan keeps the unit from overheating.

Get Ready to Repair
The Aleratec DVD/CD Disc Repair CG has a main power switch on the side of the unit. This will activate the cooling fan on the back and illuminate the blue LED power indicator on the top of the unit. In preparation for disc repair, the user must fill the cleaning chamber with 500mL of Aleratec finishing solution. Once the fluid is loaded, the user places the disc in the padded turntable and tightens the center threaded clamp. The timer needs to be set to the desired run time and the unit starts its magic. The DVD/CD Disc Repair CG has a large motor assembly that does vibrates considerably during the cleaning process. We did observe that most of our mildly scratched discs came out in excellent condition in short time.

See the short demo video.

Refills
The DVD/CD Disc Repair CG Consumable Refill Kit (Aleratec Part #240136, Ingram Micro SKU M46542) is available at an estimated retail price of $189 for use with DVD/CD Disc Repair CG restoration system. The refills are the same specially formulated finishing polish that comes with the new DVD/CD Disc Repair CG system. The polish is formulated to maximize the repair process and provide a shiny, like-new surface to the disc when properly used. The refill kit includes ten 500ml bottles of Aleratec disc finishing solution and four polishing pads, enough for 500 Typical Repair Cycles.

Conclusion
The Aleratec DVD/CD Disc Repair CG system is by far the best disc restoration system we have seen. It offers a robust resurfacing mechanism with commercial grade construction to increase the performance life for those needing it most. Scratched discs came out looking nearly new in most cases in amazingly short time. All scratched discs we have encountered had their life extended with this repair system. Long term, the unit will require the replacement of the Aleratec disc finishing solution and polishing pads. The maintenance cost per disc appears to be less than 50 cents on average. If you are tired of dealing with flimsy cheap repair systems, you owe it to yourself to try the new Aleratec DVD/CD Disc Repair CG.

- Kevin Nakano

• Commercial Grade Disc Repair System
• 1/4 HP motor ensures repair of most discs as quickly as 5 minutes
• Includes two 500ml bottles of finishing solution, 1 pair of repair pads and a 3 1/2" disc holder
• Removes most, light, medium or heavy, scratch damage on any Photo, Music, Movie, Game, Data DVD or CD
• Power Requirements: 110-120V 16VAMotorized Disc Repair Kit that Repairs all DVDs and CDs

Additional Accessories

• DVD/CD Disc Repair CG Consumable Refill Kit, Retail Price: $189
  • (Aleratec Part #240136, Ingram Micro SKU M46542)

Company Information
Aleratec Incorporated
9851 Owensmouth Avenue
Chatsworth, CA 91311
E-mail info@Aleratec.com
Phone: 818-678-0484
Fax: 818-678-0486

Source: Manufacturer Supplied
Part # 240135
MSRP: $525

Sales sales@Aleratec.com 818-678-6900
Technical Support support@Aleratec.com 818-475-5203
URL: http://www.aleratec.com/