The Redump project focuses on creating a comprehensive disc preservation database for video games on optical media. While the official database is hosted at redump.org, new and updated archives are frequently mirrored on the Internet Archive to provide public access to these verified disc images. Recent Redump Archive Collections
- Subchannel Data: DIC extracts subchannel data (P-W channels) which often contains copy protection mechanisms (like SecuROM or LibCrypt) or hidden track information. Standard rippers often discard this data.
- Error Handling: DIC can read and log C2 errors (uncorrectable read errors), allowing archivists to identify physical damage on the source disc rather than silently corrupting the image.
It sounds like you're asking for a paper (essay or report) about the new developments in the Redump archiving project — specifically, what has changed recently, how the archive works now, and the state of optical disc preservation.
- Size Update: The full "TOSEC-ized" Redump set (excluding modern Blu-ray) has surpassed 45 Terabytes.
- CHD Conversion: The new archives default to .CHD (Compressed Hunks of Data) format for PlayStation/Saturn games. This is lossless compression (like FLAC for discs), reducing file sizes by 30-50% without changing the Redump hash.
- Newly Dumped Titles: Games and software that were never preserved before (e.g., obscure Brazilian MS-DOS CDs, Korean PlayStation 2 exclusives, or late-release Sega Saturn titles).
- New Revisions: Redump constantly "redumps" known discs. Why? Because a "Rev 1" of a game might be missing a data track found on a "Rev 3." The "new" archive contains V2 dumps that correct previous errors.
- New Distribution Methods: The old ways (FTP, IRC) are dying. The "new" archive refers to decentralized, modern distribution via the Internet Archive, Datomatic, and torrent swarms with fresh magnet links.
When people refer to a "new" Redump archive, they are typically talking about the latest DAT files (metadata collections) or the massive community-driven uploads found on mirrors like the Internet Archive. These archives provide:
The Redump Archive New represents a significant step forward in the world of game preservation. By providing a comprehensive and accurate repository of game data, Redump is helping to safeguard the gaming heritage for future generations. As a community-driven project, the Redump Archive New relies on the participation and contributions of gamers, developers, and researchers. Join the effort and help ensure that classic games continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.
The Archive.org Connection: While Redump doesn't host files, many preservationists upload their verified Redump-matched sets to the Internet Archive (Archive.org) for public access.
You can find recently updated or comprehensive Redump collections on the Internet Archive by browsing these major categories: