LightScribe
LightScribe is a unique technology that uses a special
media, special disc drive, and label-making software to burn labels directly
onto DVD and CD discs.
Because the labels are not printed, instead, laser-etched; there's no
ink, no peeling, and no smudging.
You can customize your own labels. Create one-of-a-kind designs with your
own photos, text, and artwork using your label-making software. Or you
can choose from preset background options.
How-to
- Burn the data (photos, music, video, etc.) in the LightScribe
drive.
- When the data burning process is complete, open the
drive and flip the disc over.
- Burn the LightScribe label. The same drive that burns
your data burns the label.
Technology
The laser inside a CD/DVD disc drive with LightScribe
technology focuses light energy onto a thin dye coating on the label side
of the disc. Only LightScribe media has the special coating other regular
CD or DVD discs will not work..
The light from the laser causes a chemical change in the dye coating that
shows up on the disc. With laser accuracy, the drive inscribes the text
and images that you created for the label.
LightScribe labels burn in concentric circles, moving outward from the
center point of the disc.
Print color
LightScribe labeling is currently only available in black
with grayscale. LightScribe designs appear in grayscale, similar to a
black-and-white photograph (even if you create your design in full color).
If you use images composed mostly of colors similar to the available background
and black or gray colors that can be rendered by the drive you can create
professional looking discs. There have been no announcements about the
future availability of Full Color LightScribe.
Types of Labels
You can import your own digital photos or images or use
LightScribe-enabled software, which comes with a variety of backgrounds.
Available background types are Title, Content, and Full, which refer to
how much radial space the label will cover. You can also choose circular
or straight text.
Expected Label Life
To ensure maximal life for both data and label, hold discs
on the outside edge or through the center hole to prevent fingerprints.
Keep discs away from extreme heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.
The label will show no noticeable fading under exposure to indoor lighting
for at least 2 years. Optical media should always be stored in a protective
sleeve or case that keeps the data content in the dark and safe from damages.
If properly stored as such, the label should last the life of the discs
in real-world application.
Sustained exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided, both to prevent
the any error or loss on the data and visual image on the label. The image
will fade under direct sunlight, but the rate will depend on the light's
intensity and exposure time.
Ideally, it is recommended that users keep discs on a spindle, in a disc
sleeve, or in a jewel case, and then store them in a cool, dark place.
And be sure to use polypropylene disc sleeves rather than PVC sleeves.
PVC sleeves will cause images to degrade over time, while polypropylene
does not adversely affect the coating or images.
To ensure the longest life, store unlabeled discs in a stack or paper
sleeve, and keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Handle
them as suggested above.
Labeling Speed
Labeling time depends heavily on content, hardware, media
and print mode used. Typically for title only content, a labeling time
is expected to be 2-5 minutes.
For full disc graphics in Best quality mode,20-35 minutes of labelingn
time is expected.
To Reduce Scribe Time
Scribe time can be reduced by switching to a faster scribe
mode. Instead of Best (which takes the longest), use Normal or Draft (which
are quickest, but produce lighter visuals). You can also etch less content
on your label by using either the Title Only or Title & Contents label
option. Using curved text will lead to the fastest label times. Since
the LightScribe label is created through the optical drive's laser following
circular and concentric tracks, the curved text fields that use as few
tracks as possible will give the fastest print times. Straight text that
spans across all tracks from the inner hub to the outer perimeter will
require the drive to scan all tracks regardless of label content density.
LS discs' readability in CD/DVD Player
Older DVD players only support limited number of optical
disc data formats. For example, some older DVD players will only accept
DVD-R media, and any DVD+R media will be rejected. Please check the specifications
of your DVD player for the compatible optical disc format to purchase
and use.
Durability- Lifetime
Under typical labeling circumstances, there is no significant
reduction in laser life. Based on typical use for both data and label
sides of the disc, the laser life is well within the design specifications.
Environment
A study of the potential for health and safety problems
resulting from handling LightScribe-coated discs found no reason for concern.
Recycle
CDs and DVDs contain polycarbonate and metal films that
can be recycled.
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