Why dont they use the procteive coating on CD's and DVD's

[Canada]

I know that CD's and DVD's are harder to scratch but if the protective coating won't skrew up the lazer why don't they utilize it on CD's and DVD's

[starkent08]

the layers is thicker on them the layers are thinner on the blu ray needing protection

[aramis109]

The protective layer was created because the BD information is so close to the surface that it's very easy to damage without it. I'm guessing that cost and potentially compatibility with players are the reasons they're not used.

[Clark Kent]

The only reason it is not used on more media like cds is cost. The BD coating would work just as well on cds as it does on BD's, and you can even order it applied to a cd if you go to the right manufacturer. But record companies and studios want to cut marginal costs as much as possible, so very few items outside of Blu-ray have the coating.

[Rob J in WNY]

Cost is only a partial factor. The actual material cost to add the polymer layer is minimal - maybe pennies, if even that, per disc.

Blu-ray Disc manufacturing standards call for the protective layer as a requirement, for the reason aramis109 pointed out.

CD and DVD disc standards never had this provision for protection, and although it could likely be added without problems (and would be a great thing), disc manufacturers are not likely going to retro-fit their existing production machines and/or set those discs up for coating.