DVD labels

Bimbing · Post by **Bimbing** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 5:30 pm

I had authored several DVDs with VS9. In the past I wrote the "label" by hand with a marker pen. Now, I decided that using labels would be nice. I purchased Memorex ExPress-It that comes with CD/DVD labels. I tried the label on one DVD and the DVD plays OK. The questions is now whether these labels (the adhesive) over time will leached into the DVD layer and thus mess up the signals in the dye? Any of you have comments and/or experiences in applying labels to your DVD disks? Thanks, Htan

DVDDoug · Post by **DVDDoug** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 5:53 pm

The questions is now whether these labels (the adhesive) over time will leached into the DVD layer and thus mess up the signals in the dye?

You cannot damage a DVD from the top.* A DVD is a polycarbonate sandwich with the data layer in the middle. This is why you can have a 2-sided DVD with a Widescreen movie on one side, and full-screen on the other. You can actually sand-paper the top without data-damage!

NOTE- CDs are different. A CD’s data layer is on the top… The laser has to “look through” the entire thickness to “see” the data layer. And, you can easily destroy a CD by sand-papering the top. So with CDs, a label can actually provide some protection to the data layer!

I’ve been labeling CDs and DVDs for a long time, and the only problem I’ve come across is that the labels don’t stick well to printable discs.

However, whenever I replace my printer, I’m going to get one that prints directly on discs

* Well.... You can damage a DVD form the top if you use the right power tools!

Black Lab · Post by **Black Lab** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 6:23 pm

If you so a search on the subject you will find many opinions, both pro and con. I also use labels. I've done hundreds and have not had any problems. Like DVDDoug, when it's time for a new printer I will also get one that prints directly to the DVD. Not because of any problems, but I think it just looks better.

Bimbing · Post by **Bimbing** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 6:35 pm

To both DVDDough and Black Lab, thank you for your insight. That is good to hear so I don't have to worry about putting labels on DVD disks.
HTan

PeterMilliken · Post by **PeterMilliken** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 8:54 pm

FWIW, you might consider purchasing a printer that prints directly onto printable DVDs. It would probably be cheaper in the long run.

I am finding that it doesn't cost any extra to purchase DVDs/CDs with printable surfaces - so the economics become buying a printer (I think I paid about $180 AUD for my Epson R210) versus buying CD/DVD labels - the cost in printing ink is obviously the same and you end up with a much neater product - plus it's "cleaner" to print directly onto a disk rather than print a label and then go through the process of getting the label exactly centred and stuck to the disk.

Over time, I think the economics become obvious - especially if you print large numbers of labels.

Peter

heinz-oz · Post by **heinz-oz** » Thu Jun 01, 2006 9:52 pm

I fully agree with PeterMilliken,

I have used lables in the past for my CD's but have not dared to use them on DVD's. I tend to believe the comments made by some, that DVD players run a lot hotter (not so good for the adhesive) and spin a lot faster than CD players. Any slight out of centre placement of your lable can/will affect your player over time. The costs of these paper lables also make it less economical than printing direct to the printable surface of the disc.

Some time ago, more than a year, I have bought a printer, Canon iP 5000, that can print onto CD's and have never looked back.

Black Lab · Post by **Black Lab** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 11:45 am

OK if I expand this a little further? Heinz, you use a Canon iP 5000, and Peter an Epson R210. Anyone else have recommendations for direct to CD/DVD printers?

heinz-oz · Post by **heinz-oz** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 12:14 pm

I have always been pro EPSON over the years, high ink consumption prompted me to look elsewhere. I must say, the Canon is by far the most economical I have used.

zarchy · Post by **zarchy** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 1:15 pm

I have given up on DVD labels. I would make a DVD with a label and it would play OK in my set top player. Then 6 months later I would try to play it again and there would be many pauses in the playback where it would just "hang" for a few seconds then continue. These discs would usually play OK in my computer, so I would just make a copy onto another disc (with no label) and this disc would play OK in the set top player. This scenario happened too many times so I decided that the labeling was just not worth it, however nice it looks.

skier-hughes · Post by **skier-hughes** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 2:22 pm

I've used Epson, Photo 900, R200, R300 and R210. All work well, but with my high consumption they don't tend to last forever. I print maybe a thousand or so every month. Using compatible inks, which last longer than the originals and give comparable results I don't find them that ink thirsty, but I've never used the canon!!

Graham

welchb · Post by **welchb** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 2:39 pm

I'm in the same boat and have recently been looking at the Canon Pixma MP830 as an all in one-printer than can print to CD/DVD. I've not bought one (yet) but am considering it at the moment.

However I'm also considering buying a "light-scribe" DVD burner. You again need compatiable media (DVD's) and as well as buring your data/movies to disk you can also flip the disk and the laser will burn an image (hence the lightscribe name) onto the top surface.

I'm sure this would look pretty professional.

I'm in the UK and the link here show's LaCie's drive (GBP 99) but I'm sure there's other ones out there too

http://www.lacie.com/uk/products/product.htm?pid=10071

Again I'd be interested to here anyone who's used either the MP830 or any experience with lightscribe.

skier-hughes · Post by **skier-hughes** » Fri Jun 02, 2006 3:00 pm

Lightscribe is not in colour, it takes ages to burn and gives fair results. Lot's of people have found burning twice gives a better finish, but the time this takes is an age.
Discs are quite a bit more expensive.

Graham

michaeltee · Post by **michaeltee** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 4:03 pm

I've been a huge fan of the Epson R300 series since it was introduced nearly 3 years ago. Both the original R300 and the R320 have proven to be reliable, high quality machines. I haven't had an opportunity to try the latest R340 but it appears to be similar to the previous models.

If I could pass along some food for thought, consider purchasing your printer at Staples. If you opt for the 2 year extended warranty ($25 or thereabouts) most of their stores offer a no questions asked walk-in exchange if your printer fails. If you're going to print discs and/or disc labels on a frequent basis it can be a very worthwhile option.

Regarding blank CD/DVD inkjet printable media, Meritline (USA) has a huge assortment (ProDisc, Ritek, Verbatim, etc) and their pricing and service is hard to beat. I normally use smooth white "hub print" (aka; full print, no stacking ring) discs but you can create some very interesting effects with the silver matte surface discs as well.

CD-R Inkjet Printable
http://meritline.com/ink-jet-printable- ... media.html
DVD-R Inkjet Printable:
http://meritline.com/printable-dvd-r-media.html
DVD+R Inkjet Printable:
http://meritline.com/dvd-plus-r-rw-printable.html
DVD+R Double Layer Inket Printable:
http://meritline.com/dual-layer-dvd-r-d ... nkjet.html
http://meritline.com/verbatim-6x-dl-dvd ... 95123.html

Regarding consumables, I realize some users prefer Epson branded ink but I've had great results with generics purchased on ebay. It's not difficult to find (for example) a 24 pack (4 complete sets) for as little as $45 delivered which is far less than Epson's OEM product.

Hope this has been helpful

richmg821 · Post by **richmg821** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 9:45 pm

When I first bought a DVD burner (1x), CDR's were costing me .28 cents each; (I remember when they were over $15 each), and the glossy Neato label was .30, the label cost more, than the CD; and still does. I was warned not to use stick-on lables for DVD-R's (caused wobble); so I searched, and found the then hot Epson 960, that printed CD's; had to order it from Canada; they were all sold out in the states. I also had to wait for the free CD tray, which came later, for the first units. I made my own try, made a few DVD's, messed up the printer with the makeshift tray, and by the time the printer failed; the Epson 300 came out. As said by others in here, I also bought my printable, DVD's through Rima, and sometimes Meritline; the generic inks also. I don't think Epson's ink goes that fast, it takes me about two months, approx. 50 Dvd's. & 50 inserts. The DVD's use little ink. The photo matte inserts eats ink. I like the silver printable DVD's; and wasted my time, thinking that the ink would dry, on regular surface DVD's. It seemed, that no matter how long I waited for the ink to dry. Once it was given a spin, in a DVD player, the ink flew off. Don't try it. The Epson 200 is less than $80 at some places. Ink? Less than $1 each @ mertline this weekend. Taiyo-Yuden have been the most reliable DVD's I used. Never one reject so far.

michaeltee · Post by **michaeltee** » Sat Jun 03, 2006 10:17 pm

richmg821 wrote:I like the silver printable DVD's; and wasted my time, thinking that the ink would dry, on regular surface DVD's. It seemed, that no matter how long I waited for the ink to dry. Once it was given a spin, in a DVD player, the ink flew off.

The problem you mentioned may be due the small amout of ink that bleeds to the non-printable ring surrounding the center hole as well as the outer ring of the disc. If you use a small soft cloth to carefully wipe these areas dry your discs should be perfectly safe to play within a very short time. Another possibility might be the composition of the printable surface itself. I've never experienced any drying problems with smooth surfaced Ritek, ProDisc or Verbatim media. The Taiyo and TDK media I've used are matte surfaced and they have been fine as well.