Tech: Lightscribe CD Labeling

Subject: RE: Tech: Lightscribe CD Labeling
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 May 09 - 08:02 PM

I had a DVD player with the LightScribe capability in the HP I'm using now. I got another DVD and used it to replace a CD player that was also in the machine. I made sure to avoid the LightScribe software--one is enough. Lightscribe doesn't play nicely with some of the DVD features. I can't remember what I was trying to do that it kept messing up, it has been a while, but I wouldn't go out of my way looking for it. I'm with Tim--Sharpie makes a CD/DVD marker that is supposed to not compromise the disk over time.

Laurel, you need to go into your computer system and look at the device settings and set the permissions so that the internal drive is fully used.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: Lightscribe CD Labeling
From: open mike
Date: 21 May 09 - 04:14 PM

old dude..i am glad to see that you have a way to label your discs..
It used to be that Epson was the only manufacturer that made printers capable of printing on discs. Now there are several modesl of H.P. that also do that. You can add photos, color designs and track info.

I find this quite helpful.

i need to explore the external burner info as my computer does not recognize my built in burner, although it will still play cd and dvd. (besides, i recently installed an auxilliary hard drive which fits into the burner slot in my lap top, so when i am using that , the burner is not available at all.)

Subject: RE: Tech: Lightscribe CD Labeling
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 21 May 09 - 01:39 PM

Hey whats wrong with a FELT PEN and looking vaguely embarrassed when you let anyone see your cds?

Subject: RE: Tech: Lightscribe CD Labeling
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 21 May 09 - 11:23 AM

I love my Lightscribe! The "shades of grey" are not an issue for me - the graphics are very crisp like a decent B&W photo.

As for the cost, they are really not that expensive. They are close to the cost of printable discs and you save the cost of ink.   The cheaper discs are more expensive once you throw in the cost of the labels and ink - and you risk damage to a drive with a paper label.

Very dependable and highly recommended!!! Well worth it!!

Subject: RE: Tech: Lightscribe CD Labeling
From: Mr Red
Date: 21 May 09 - 10:51 AM

got one - not used it for Lightscribing the label yet.

Subject: RE: Tech: Lightscribe CD Labeling
From: Arkie
Date: 21 May 09 - 10:46 AM

There are some limitations with Lightscribe but it can create a very nice looking CD. I still use it though not as frequently as printable CDs.   I have used Acoustica's labeling program for quite a few years now and like the software which I could try before purchasing, like the service I have had from the company the few times I have had problems, and like getting the upgrades without additional cost. I am now running three Acoustica programs. Since I do not have much experience with other labeling software I cannot adequately compare Acoustica to others but it is simple to use, reads information from CDs as well as from the hard drive, and reads MP3 tags as well. I copy track info from Acoustica into Excel to keep an index of CDs I have compiled and can print tag info from MP3 backups.

Subject: RE: Tech: Lightscribe CD Labeling
From: Howard Kaplan
Date: 21 May 09 - 10:41 AM

I originally obtained LightScribe capability as a feature, which wasn't on my wish list, of my first DVD drive (LaCie). It sometimes worked, but less so after the media specifications were changed. I finally decided that it would cost less to install a second DVD drive (LG) than to keep wasting time and money trying other brands of media. The new drive seemed to work well at first, but now it, too, is unreliable. The problems are all on the label side -- both drives seem to work OK on the data side. I've tried updating the software drivers and running the available diagnostics, with no improvement.

I agree that the technology, when it works, produces impressive labels. Unfortunately, in my hands (and I'm a very experienced computer user), it hasn't worked well. I'd be glad to let the computer spend the time writing the label while I do other things, but I can't spare the personal time repeatedly trying to make the system work, so I've just about given up. If anyone else has suffered through the same problems and found a solution, I'd like to hear about it.

Subject: RE: Tech: Lightscribe CD Labeling
From: olddude
Date: 21 May 09 - 08:44 AM

One thing I do to improve the speed is I burn the songs on my standard burner, then I put the disk in the external lightscribe to do the etching. In fairness also I have mine attached to a very high speed server so that may make the difference in time for me. They still only do grey scale but the software allows some incredible images to be laid down .. for large numbers of CD, it would be much slower than printing for sure

Subject: RE: Tech: Lightscribe CD Labeling
From: GUEST,nickp (cookieless)
Date: 21 May 09 - 05:22 AM

A friend of mine has one and although impressive I've found that the writer itself is less than reliable for the actual data part. His, I suspect, is the older model.

As an alternative (and I accept that there's still burn errors although I always verify the discs before doing the labelling) I bought an Epson (RX?)585 which inkjet prints onto printable discs. Also very impressive and I'd recommend it - with the caveat that you must avoid getting the disc wet (!) whereas I guess the lightscribe is permanent. I think the 585 has been superceded by now.

Subject: RE: Tech: Lightscribe CD Labeling
From: M.Ted
Date: 20 May 09 - 10:58 PM

Maybe I have an older burner, but I have to say that I am less than amazed. It only prints in shades of grey, and the CDs and DVDs are more expensive by quite a lot. And it takes quite a while--not good if you are trying to run off five or six cds, or worse, DVDs.

Subject: RE: Tech: Lightscribe CD Labeling
From: Maryrrf
Date: 20 May 09 - 09:22 PM

I agree, Lightscribe is great. No more paper labels that sometimes mess up CD players and peel off. There is a 'draft' setting that takes less time, and I usually keep graphics, etc. to a minimum because olddude is right, it can get time consuming.

Subject: Tech: Lightscribe CD Labeling
From: olddude
Date: 20 May 09 - 07:17 PM

I just burned some CD's and labeled them using the lightscribe process and lightscribe audio disks. I am blow away at the quality, burned the title, credits, tracks etc ...

I don't know how many catters are using it but It amazes me. The process is slow if you have a bunch to do, mine takes about 6 minutes a disk but well worth the wait.   I am also now using acoustica CD labeling system and find it to be very very powerful and easy to design a really nice CD for home video's or music for the family

Great technology I think. I am using an HP external USB CD, DVD burner. If you haven't done so check out the info on the web. Technology is a beautiful thing LOL

Dan