CD printing ?

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Cretzon
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 07:26 PM

We've got a couple of Epsons fitted with continuous sytems in the office,and I've also got one at home. All work faultlessly, but they are the latest generation CIS. Earlier domestic ones had problems that didn't always offset the cost of the ink.

I recently printed around 4,000 A4 pages with between 40% - 50% colour before having to refill the yellow, and did it without a glitch or a clean. Both the printer and the CIS were new at that time, but are still functioning perfectly. The printer is an Epson R265. Non-Epson cartridges cost around 10 quid a set, and I doubt I'd have printed more than 400 without replacing at least one of the cartridges. The CIS cost 38.00 (full of ink and ready to go); you can easily refill the CIS reservoirs with ink which costs 2 quid a 100ml bottle.

It's worth mentioning that fitting a CIS isn't always reversible. The main clamp which clips down over the cartridges has to be taken off, and it's almost impossible to do this without breaking the pin which hold the springs on the clamp. This isn't a problem on printers like the R265, R285 & P50 where the cartridges have their own clips. On a lot of older Epson printers,though, the cartridges are held in place by the main clamp. Worth noting.

I don't print a lot of CD's, but I do use a registered version of Acoustica which is cheap and really good, and supports practically every printer you can think of.

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: IvanB
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 07:14 PM

I've found that my HP 5580 won't print a CD properly when I try to print directly from my label design program, so I export the label to a jpeg file from the design program, open that file in my HP program and it prints fine. If I try to print directly from the design program there's no telling where the ink may be spraying.

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: GUEST,Don
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 05:47 PM

When I create a label with Epson Print CD and print it to an Epson Artisan 810 printer, it prints just fine. I copy CDs and DVDs with Roxio Creator 2010 Pro. It has a program called Roxio Label Creator. When I try to print with that program it prints but, with the exception of a small section of the printed image, it misses the disc. It needs to be moved, or calibrated, or something.
It prints about one inch of the bottom right section of the image on about one inch of the top left section of the disc. HELP!
Don

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: mattkeen
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 07:50 AM

Taiyo Yuden CD's are the best IMO both for printing on and for the minimal amount of errors digi/audio wise - not cheap though


A Canon Pixma 4600 is the printer I use - its been good so far though the drivers are a bit flakey with a Mac I've found

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: pavane
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 03:10 AM

Agreed - my son has fitted a continuous system to his Epson - works fine.

I use HP myself, and agree with Arkie that although the printer is fine, the HP software is painful to use, particularly if you want to scan several items at a sitting. I have TWO different HP printers and guess what - two different software packages.
And on Vista, the printer has installed itself at least 11 times. Whenever I plugged in the USB lead, it seemed to install again, and never knows which one to use. That's probably Microsoft's fault, but it means I usually use my XP laptop for most scanning.

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: GUEST,semiotic
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 11:49 AM

there are a number of continuous inking systems available (at least there are here in the UK) for Epson printers. They save a fortune in printing costs and are often better quality than the 'compatible' cartridges.

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Deckman
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 08:10 AM

... or downside up ... or standing on edge!

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 07:43 AM

This is exciting!

I can hardly wait to hear what happens when Bob puts his CD blanks in backwards...

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 02 Jul 10 - 06:29 AM

Good luck with it matey you will conquer in the end.

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Deckman
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 01:43 PM

I have just installed my new/old printer. I'm off to buy some "printable" CD blanks and I'll let you know how it works. If you never hear from me again, send someone over and look for me between the 2nd and 3rd printing platforms and trays! bob(deckman)nelson

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Deckman
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 06:27 PM

I just bought on-line, a HP C5280 for $100 (USA)((shipping included)). As soon as I have tried to tame it and beat it into submission, I'll post my results. In the meantime, you ALL may sleep well tonight, knowing that, once again, you have risen to the challenge and helped this poor mudcatter out. Kittos ... bob(deckman)nelson

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 05:22 PM

And bird scarers!

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Deckman
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 04:50 PM

AND ... don't forget that they make great BB gun targets!

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 04:42 PM

CD's also make great coasters and Xmas tree decorations. They will never be obsolete!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: open mike
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 04:30 PM

Some(NOT ALL) HP models have this option.
Epson used to be the only company that could do printing.
the white printable hub discs are a bit more $
but make it easier to hand-lable , too, if you donot need
a printed face. some (maxell?) printable hub discs come
with a felt tip marker right in the pkg.

there are several on-line sources where you can bulk order
discs at a saving. labels that stick on are a definte no,no.
esp small address labels,for instance, as
they can actually cause the disc to be out of balance
and spin erratically....causing possible damage.

i guess a dedicated cd/dvdprinter might have auto feed
capabilities for bulk orders, but if you are content to
process them one at a time, HP has several options.

the epson inkcartridges require 6 sepearte colors, if i
recall correctly. HP has 2: tri-color and black.

it is great to be able to design with photos, etc.
accordingto E-how , "MediaFace, iTunes, Nero and
Windows Media Player all have bundled software
to help you create a CD or DVD label using your
inkjet printer." there are probably others, and
most will also design and or print jewel case labels
cover art, track lists, etc.

Roxio, printmaster, sonic and others have programs.

good luck and happy printing@!
which

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: IvanB
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 02:39 PM

I forgot to mention in my previous post that I also have Lightscribe burners. The problem with them is that the labels are monochromatic - although one can get discs in various color backgrounds, the print will always be black. Also, since these labels are burnt into a special coating on the media, they take a long time to create. As long as 20 minutes per for some I've done. I haven't used Lightscribe since I got my first CD printer.

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: IvanB
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 02:34 PM

The Epson Artisan 710 & 810 are multifunction printers that include CD/DVD printing. These are upgrades from the 700/700 respectively, and it appears Epson intends to keep this line around for a while. The difference seems to be that the 810 adds fax capability and $120 to the retail price. Right now the Epson site is offering the 710 at $70 off, or $129.99 US. When I was looking for a CD printer I kept watching the Epson site and fairly often the 800 model would go on sale for $199.99, or $100 off.

I finally bought an Epson R260 on eBay. Got it brand new for about $60 including shipping. I've been well satisfied with it and I use it for nothing but CD/DVD printing. At our winter place I have an HP Photosmart 5580 which prints CD/DVD's as well. I've been well satisfied with it. Both of these printers are discontinued, but they can still be found by googling.

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Will Fly
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 02:30 PM

CDs, like cheques, still have their uses, and not everyone likes mp3 downloads or using PayPal (for example). I sell many DVDs and CDs over the net - and buy books from s/h booksellers who prefer payment by cheque. Whether it's a generational thing or not, I couldn't say. When it's possible to buy a second-hand, out-of-print book and pop it onto a Kindle or an iPad, I might invest in that technology - but not just yet.

Vinyl was supposed to be dead, but albums are still bring produced on it, and there's quite a cult following for the medium. :-)

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Deckman
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 02:16 PM

Thanks a lot ... I THINK! Now I'm feeling even older than when I woke up! bob

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Maryrrf
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 02:07 PM

I hate to say this, but I think the reason we're not seeing a proliferation of CD printers, and the reason Lightscribe seems to be fading into obscurity, is that CDs are on their way out. People tend to save files to flash drives nowadays, and listen to their music on MP3 players - downloading (hopefully legally) the tracks they want. I had to get a new computer recently - my HP with Lightscribe died. I didn't want another HP, and no other brands had any kind of CD burning capability. But I use Lightscribe a lot, so I bought an inexpensive external CD drive that had it. There is a program that is similar, and I can't remember the name right now, but you can only use it for DVDs - Lightscribe CDs are not compatible. When I was explaining my need for Lightscribe to the teenager who waited on me at Best Buy, he seemed mystified at why people would be using CDs for music, or for any other kind of media storage, for that matter. I finally explained "What about old folks that play folk music, and the only time they sell their music is at gigs when people buy their CDs?"   "Oh" he said, "I get it - my grandfather still listens to his CD player a lot".

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Arkie
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 12:07 PM

I have an HP Photosmart D7560 which is my only printer. It replaced a previous HP printer that would also print to CD. The previous one died. The D7560 corrected several little problems with its predecessor. My main problem with the present printer is the way it consumes ink. I have finally begun using the xtra cartridges which are more costly but supposed to last three times as long. I have not used them long enough to make any comment. Photosmart also has very nagging photo software that is useless to me but might benefit some users. I do not use the label making software that came with the printer. I have label making software that has worked well with each printer and also works with lightscribe. The printer label software usually gets a worse rating than the printer, but as I have no experience with the software, I cannot comment further.

Canon makes printers that print to CDs but they are only available in Europe. The same printers sold in the US have the CD printing disabled. Instructions for hacking these printers is available for those who would like that challenge.

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: jeffp
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 11:18 AM

Even if the lightscribe printing becomes obsolete, the drives are still usable as CD/DVD burners. The media that can be printed on costs about twice as much as regular CDs. Still pretty cheap, though, all things considered.

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: GUEST,PeterC
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 11:02 AM

Another bad thing about labels - they make the CD too fat for the slot in some car CD players.

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: matt milton
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 09:07 AM

I really like lightscribe.

I do occasionally worry that it may become obsolete for never really taking off (like betamax or minidisc). but que sera sera...

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Bernard
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 09:00 AM

Oh - avoid cheap printable CDs, because the image starts to spread after only a few months. I only use Verbatim Super AZO full face printables, available in white or silver, and never have any problems.

I echo the 'don't use labels' sentiment, but for a different reason. Even if the label doesn't come off, there may be an occasional air bubble. The end user may well try to smooth out the air bubble, causing the substrate to lift, rendering the CD unusable.

Bitter experience!

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Bernard
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 08:55 AM

If you need Epson ink cartridges and don't want to pay a fortune, contact DG Films in Heywood, Lancs - George does mail order of compatible cartridges, and the ink quality is the same as the originals.

He sells Epson printers, so may be able to locate what you need from stock.

He also does a continuous ink supply system (for Epsons) which appears expensive on the face of it, but when you reckon up how much ink you get, and you never have to change a cartridge ever again (you just top up the reservoirs before they run out), they're remarkably cheap.

It does mean a modification to the printer, but it's reversible. If you buy the printer and ink unit from him, he'll modify it for you.

I've been using him for years...

DG Films
Birch Industrial Estate
Heywood, Lancashire OL10 2SX
01706 691 491

Write, phone or visit... he's far too busy to be bothered with a web site!

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 08:51 AM

I use an HP printer /scanner for cds and its bee ok so far.

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Deckman
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 08:36 AM

Thanks a lot Charlie ... this is the kind of information I was looking for. By the way ... I've got a problem with my granddaughter ... do you do "granddaughter counseling?". CHEERS , BOB

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 08:17 AM

Bob-

I've had good luck with a variety of multipurpose Epson Printers. Currently I'm using an Epson Stylus Photo R2880 which is also a wide format printer nice for running off high quality posters as well (13" X 19").

You want a printer that uses permanent inks rather than water-based inks.

You also want to use high quality printable CD's. We use Maxwll CD-RP 700 MB Printable Silver Matte Surface. Some of the ones we tried from Staples didn't work as well, especially poor for CDs with more than 60 minutes of recording. And you never want to use glue-on CD labels which can come off in a CD player and ruin it.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Deckman
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 07:54 AM

Thanks John ... I'll look into it. bob

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: GUEST,freespiritceol
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 07:28 AM

Hi

Have you tried lightscribe? we bought the external drive from Liddle, and order generic discs online. Althought its not full colour, it does a really nice job, and looks as if it's screen printed. Also No Inc involved, which has to be good.

All the best

John

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Will Fly
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 07:09 AM

LOL! A pack of 6 Claria cartridges costs me around £35 sterling - it's a great job if you can get it! :-)

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Deckman
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 06:57 AM

Why don't you and I start up a "printing ink cartridge" company and we both can retire very wealthy? bob

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Will Fly
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 06:36 AM

I bought an Epson multi-purpose printer last year - through Amazon. There appeared to be several on the market. It's an Epson SP PX700W and prints, via wi-fi, ethernet cable or USB, various paper sizes up to and including A4, and CDs. It also incorporates a scanner. I had no trouble in choosing from a selection of multi-purpose machines. They cheap, but replacement ink cartridges are expensive.

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: Deckman
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 06:17 AM

I am talking about a multi-purpose printer. It does everything except make coffee. The two stores I been too so far, both had only this make and model available ... it's a "HP". bob

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: nickp
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 06:00 AM

I guess they're disappearing because of the many multi-purpose ones. I use an Epson 585 (UK model #) multipurpose and it works well (although noisily). I haven't seen a cd-only one for some years.

Subject: RE: CD printing ?
From: treewind
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 04:26 AM

I'd be interested to know too.
I use an Epson Stylus Photo R200 for CDs (and for nothing else), but it's long obsolete and if it breaks I don't know what I'd replace it with.

Subject: CD printing ?
From: Deckman
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 12:26 AM

I'm on the threshold of buying a CD printer ... one that allows me to print directly on the face of CD's. In looking around, I was startled to find that these printers are rapidly disapearing. I don't want to upgrade to a product that is changing to something else. Can anyone give me a clue as to what is next? I appreciate your input. Bob(deckman)Nelson