Printing on CD or DVD

[Ted222]

I have been reading about the Epson Stylus 950 that prints directly onto CDs and DVDs. Looks pretty cool for just over 300 beans. Not available in the US yet. Looks like the model 960 could do the same thing if you could get the CD tray.

Anyone else heard anything about this?

Heres a thread:

http://www.epson.co.uk/product/printers/photo/styphoto950/index.htm

Really cool for looking more professional for video customers...

Ted

[wkulecz]

Printable CDs have been around for a long time but the printers till now have been $1K+

So this is potentially good news, although you have to pay a significant premium for CDs with a "printable" surface.

I think Merritline sells printable DVD blanks.

--wally.

[Brian Ellis]

Other than printing (why are printable blanks more expensive than ordinary ones?), has anyone any experience with self-adhesive labels on DVDs. The Pioneer guys say NO WAY, but they illustrate it with a small rectangular label which would unbalance it. Verbatim, Imation and Panasonic make no mention. Has anyone tried the full-size circular CD labels and, if so, any problems? For me, this would be a better and more economical way than printing.

[IM_Riktar]

Since I just got my Panasonic burner for DVD's I can't speak directly to the DVD end of things. But from the SVCD/VCD point I can say I wouldn't be without full size labels.

The 2 biggest issues with labels are alignment and longevity. Alignment is easily solved by using a proper tool for the job. I use the Stomper tool which always does a great job. Longevity is a matter of label quality. I always stick with the Stomper or Neato labels. So far I haven't had any problems with either coming off the CD once they are properly applied. Cheaper ones will start losing their ability to stick after a few months.

Scratching the "recordable" side of a CD/DVD can usually be remedied by polishing out the surface. Putting a boo-boo on the "non-recordable" side is pretty much a death sentence for the disc since the reflective layer is necessary for the disc to be read. From that standpoint I would think you would be better off putting a label on even if you don't print a thing on it.

Like I stated I just got my DVD burner so I haven't made any DVD's as of yet. At least from the standpoint of having the time to see if the label will cause problems with the DVD-R. If I find a problem down the road, you folks will be the first to hear about it. So far I have 2 DVD's with labels on them. Time will tell if their is a problem.

Just a note regarding labels: Neato makes a clear label that will work in Inkjets that makes for some "WOW" looking labels. The effect is something you can't get with a standalone printer. It gives the whole thing a metalic-shiny look that looks very cool. The problem with these labels is the application of them. I have tried many different methods and everytime the damn thing develops "bubbles" in the label within a few hours of applying. I haven't it with a Neato brand applicator yet. So until something get's worked out with these, I would shy away from those.

[wkulecz]

My experience with stick-on labels for CDs is pretty poor -- no way I'd try them on DVD.

The printable blanks are more expensive because a) they need an extra "layer" or processing step to coat the non-recording surface with something that'll take inkjet ink and b) much smaller production volume.

It an affordable printer really works, b) will change leading to an eventual minimal price premium. Given that for CD-R the stick-on lables cost more than most blanks this would seem a no-brainer for the disk producer to grab a little extra profit.

--wally.

[IM_Riktar]

Hi Wally,
What specifically was "poor" in your personal experience? Once I got past buying cheapie labels I had no long term problems. Maybe the applicator you were using was bad?

[Brian Ellis]

Wally

What has been your problem with stick-on labels for CD-Rs? I've been using them for at least 5 or 6 years and have never had any problem with any make of disk. I've used Avery, Neato and Zweiform stock. I use the Neato applicator, where the centring is excellent and it is easy to have them bubble free, on condition you know how to peel them. The Mickey-Mouse affair that comes with some packets of blank labels is pretty hopeless.

One of the advantages of labels is that you can use laser printers: I can't see CD-Rs taking kindly to going through a colour laser, or even a monochrome one, nor a photocopier, for that matter!

As for an ink-jet printer, it may be economical for simple black text on the disk background, but a full colour labelling will certainly cost a lot more in ink than a CD-R, so I don't think this will make much difference. If you count your time, as well, probably more than a DVD-R blank!

My suggestion: manufacturers offer pre-printed (silk-screened) blanks with a choice of neutral but colourful designs and some light areas where you can ink-jet some text in black or a dark colour.

[Ted222]

I have heard bad things about putting labels on DVDs, and I personally only use my labeler on CDs and leave DVDs alone. I think the heat of the DVD might cause problems and I an chasing the compatibility issue on customer drives(hate to lunch a customers drive with my label).

Here are two replies from Epson on this issue:

"Hi Ted,

Thanks for your note. We will relay your message as well as your wish for this feature to be included in the U.S.-model – the Stylus Photo 960 – to the product management team at Epson.

Kind Regards,

Kylie Ware

Associate

Walt & Company for Epson"

"Dear Mr. Mason,

Your email to Kristine Snyder was forwarded to me for reply. Epson
products differ from country to country and each country puts a great deal
of time and effort into determining which features to include on the
products they offer for sale. The Photo 950 printer was manufactured for
sale in the United Kingdom and is not available for purchase in the U.S.
The CD tray that comes with the Photo 950 printer will not work on the
Photo 960. Epson America, Inc., will not be providing CD printing
capability on their ink jet printers.

Please do not hesitate to contact Epson America, Inc., if you should have
any other questions or need further information regarding any of our
products.

Sincerely,

Margaret Caldwell
Customer Relations
(800) 533-3731"

Looks like we are "out of luck" for this feature in the USA for the immediate future.

Ted

[wkulecz]

Bubbles, and labels comming unstuck. Heat may be an issue, these were CD-R audio disks it gets real hot around here in the summer. Neato was the brand of applicator and label if I remember correctly, in any event, it was a "bundle" of lables and applicator. They seemd great at first ...

--wally.

[Peter B]

I have experienced some problems with labeled CDs in some older drives or Macs, not being able to read the CD. When they have peeled of the label it can be read fine. Since I experienced those probelms about 18mths ago I have avioded labels. (though if I know it will not be used in an older PC or Mac I sometimes still use them).