On Wed, 03 Dec 2014 20:03:35 +0000, Brian Gregory
wrote:

On 03/12/2014 03:30, Char Jackson wrote:

Has that actually ever happened, or is it something you read about? I'd be
surprised to learn that it's a real concern. Again, I think we're talking
about pressed CDs and DVDs, not the stuff that someone recorded at home.

Yes. I bought a set of six audio CDs from Amazon. I couldn't get one of
the set to play at all, had to send them back to be replaced. Another
set arrived with a different disc unplayable. Sent back for a refund.
Bought a set in a local shop and finally got a usable set.

Was the playback hardware a factor? Were the CDs issued by a major label?
Were they pressed or recorded?

My niece bought a movie soundtrack CD a few years ago and I was surprised to
see that it wasn't pressed; it had clearly started its life as a writeable
blank. Fortunately, it played just fine in her home and car.