Lightscribe vs. printed labels on CDs and DVDs

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Any thoughts on the use of printed paper labels on CD/DVDs? I have a Lightscribe drive but the HP Lightscribe software (Lightscribe Template Labeler v 1.18.26.7) is not very adaptable – you have to use their templates and they are very limiting. I ended up using Cyberlink Labelprint2 v 2.5.306. However, the software always asks to check for updates as my version will not provide the best image. When I check, nothing comes back and I end up printing at what I am told is less than the best resolution. And, more often than not, parts of the label image are not burned. Here is an image of my current project.
40254-Lightscribe-Label-2b
The next copy was missing about 50% of the label – that is the worst it has ever done.

I’m thinking there is some incompatibility between the Lightscribe burner and the Cyberlink software. I went searching to locate/update stuff and found out that Lightscribe has been jettisoned by HP and just about everybody else as of Sept 2014. Maybe I need to revisit the printed paper labels. I remember that the paper labels that got stuck on CD/DVDs had a reputation for getting attached off center and then messing up the DVD drive by being unbalanced. Is this still the case? What do people use when they want labels on CD/DVDs that are legible and somewhat professional looking? Is it only Epson that has disk printing capabilities? Thanks.

Alex Cook

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I’ve had no problems with unbalanced CDs. You can purchase the inexpensive Neato pack which contains an applicator to centre the label and software including template libraries. It allows you to create your own labels or you can download them. You must align the printer before you start printing to centre the images otherwise they will print off centre.

http://www.neato.com/neato-cd-dvd-labeling-system.html

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Looks to me like there’s rotational/curved marks on the disc that may have scuffed or scrapped the coating that accepts the print/burn of the program. Could be a fault in the drive or in the quality of the discs .

Before you wonder "Am I doing things right," ask "Am I doing the right things?"

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After seeing a disk printed with Lightscribe, I quickly made up my mind I didn’t want any part of it.

For years before Lightscribe ever showed up on the scene, I used labels printed in my Color Inkjet printer and applied them to the Cd’s using the “CD Stomper” which was available in many stores. Centering was perfect and the adhesive backed labels would stay stuck to the CD’s if they were smoothed down securely after that initial STOMP. I used those paper labels for several years and hundreds of CD’s, and I never had a label come off.

Then I bought my first Epson printer with CD printing capability, and 100 printable Verbatim disks. (both CD and DVD).
I’m now on my second Epson disk printing, Ink Jet, Printer and I’ve probably printed 500 or more disks, both CD and DVD.

When I’m sending disks all over the world, I want them to look as professional as possible, and a nice Ink Jet printed label is the only way to go. There are two surfaces for Ink Jet Printable disks. One is a silvery looking surface that looks RICH, but does not give the highest contrast or produce the sharpest colors. I use the pure white surfaced disks, for the best color and professional look.

I think it was mentioned that Lightscribe is yesterdays technology and is on its way OUT. I’m happy to hear that.

Being a factory trained Epson printer tech, I’m very glad that Epson still makes a printer that will print directly ON a CD/DVD.
I prefer Epson printers over any other printer brand.

Cheers Mates!
The Doctor

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Hello Alex,

Is it only Epson that has disk printing capabilities? Thanks.

No, *I* have been using Canon printers with that capability for several years now. I’ve also seen HP printers that have a CD/DVD tray for printing. I presently have a Canon Pixma MG5320, FWIW.

Cheers,
Phil Heberer

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Hi Alex,
I used to use LightScribe to create music CD’s using a picture of the commercial CD cover that I would download from places like http://www.discogs.com/. Of course there was no color but they looked better than writing with a marker and it was fun. I used a program called SureThing Disc Labeler that came installed on the system I had at that time. I still have a LightScribe enabled drive but don’t have it installed nor use it anymore as I stopped making CD’s. There is a labeler version that was the last one released you don’t have installed which is 1.18.27.10. Don’t know if that will cure your problem. The SureThing Labeler and the last LightScribe labeler release can be downloaded at the SureThing website here: http://www.surething.com/support/lightscribe-download

You may also what to have a look at this site too which has a lot of LightScribe info and software that will allow you to create and use your own images with your LightScribe if you want to keep using it. http://lightscribesoftware.org/

HTH

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Check the Acoustica CD/DVD labeling software. Absolutely great software!!! Have used it for years. One “trick” is to print the disc twice for greater contrast. Software aligns the disc perfectly for 2nd pass.

BTW, some paper labeled CDs can jam up a automobile CD player.

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As mentioned by pheberer above, several Canon printers have an attachment for printing directly on to ‘printable’ CDs/DVDs. The results were very good.
I stopped using Canon printers when three in succession packed up 2 weeks after the warranty expired!

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