DVD printing versus labels

[Gazmum]

Seeing the post below I note references to not sticking labels on DVDs. Does this cause damage? Even if you use the custom DVD labels? I use the latter and design my own format to print onto them. If they damage data, what is the point of them being marketed as DVD/CD labels?

I wasn't aware you could get printers to print straight onto DVDs, but maybe you can't get them where I am (New Zealand). Is this a safer method as far as protecting data goes?

Am always interested in refining techniques and trying new things. Would like to hear what others do, and their reasons for doing so. Thanks.

[ATR]

In the matter of disc labeling, Epson Inkjet Printers that can print a label in color on to special discs seem to be ahead of paper, and LightScribe (not offering an in color version) seems to be running in third place in the choice category.

In May, 2006 there was a topic posted in the Premiere Elements User to User Forum at http://www.adobe.com dealing with "Lightscribe DVD burner". Have you seen that post over there?

http://www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx/.3bbfecf7/7

The argument for alternatives for paper seems to be the potential damage from paper labels "gone wrong". But, I have not seen any statistics on this. So, I am not sure how much is marketing theory and how much is reality.

I am a LightScribe person who likes the striking gold tone effects that you can achieve with that kind of labeling. It does take about 30 minutes to generate the label on the LightScribe disc with the LightScribe feature of the DVD/CD Writer (that includes picture and text).

The other consideration is the cost comparison between paper, LightScribe discs, and the special discs required for the Epson Inkjets offer the disc printable feature.

Which ever way you go it, you can still express your creativity in design.

ATR

[jo]

I used to copy my cd's to play in the car -- and I was putting paper labels on them. Unfortunately the heat/cold extremes in the car loosened the stickum and made wrinkles -- and got stuck in the cd player. :mad:

Now I use the printable cd's and dvd's.

[baderms]

I also used paper but had various problems with the lables. I now have a lightscribe drive and prefer it. It also gives a more professional look if you're doing anthing Commercial.

Mark

[Gazmum]

..... Does Lightscribe do colour? And I suppose I would need a DVD writer that supported Lightscribe???

At the moment I do my DVD burning of my videos on my hubby's laptop. I don't have any DVD burning capability on my desktop puter. But I would consider buying a external unit if I thought it was worth it.

I was thinking originally that if the paper labels were affecting the DVD itself I wouldn't worry as I can always just burn another one (I keep the originals on mini DVD tapes), but if it's a question of damaging the DVD/CD players then that's different.

[ATR]

As I mentioned previously, the LightScribe label is not in color, but does appear in tones of light, dark, golden cast as times. You can control that to a large extent by your design. You will need a DVD burner that has the LightScribe feature. My DVD burner with LightScribe is HP and comes in Internal and External. When I found out how easy it was to install the Internal, I did (motivation, the Internal cost is less than the External).

The discs are on the expensive side. And, once you burned a LightScribe label and you do not like it, there is no going over that disc. That is it. So, on to a new LightScribe disc. Paper shines in this respect since you do not feel as bad about having to use another paper label if you messed up on the first.

ATR

[Mary]

After looking into the label problems (the adhesive on labels can penetrate into the data layer) I decided to stop using them and since I was needing a new printer I chose one that will print directly onto the printable CD's and DVD's. They look great and I have more peace of mind.:)

[Gazmum]

I have been doing some research and see there are several options for DVD-printing-capable printers. Which one did you choose? Did the software for designing the DVD label come with it?

[Mary]

Hi Gazmum
I purchased an inexpensive Epson R300 - one other thing I have learned is to use printable -R DVD's and -R CD's. I have no idea why but they seem to be more compatible with other people's players than + R's.

I like Epson products and purchased the new one when I went to buy ink for my very old printer. Costco and BestBuy no longer carry those cartridges and to order them on line was approx. $80.00 and the new printer with cartridges in it was $90.00. :(

[jazzfisher]

I just got the Lightscribe external. I like it but I didn't know Epson did color ones--or I might have gone for that. It does come with software for creating the labels.