Hello Afterdawn crewmembers!! I have read a couple of posts in threads here on the forum saying that you shouldn't use labels on DVD's. I'm wondering, first, why not, since the labels that I've seen for DVD's and CD's look like they would work, and if centered properly wouldn't affect the tracking or induce other problems. And if you don't use labels what are the best ways to mark the discs? I've also read that the printable discs aren't as good in quality than the non-printable. So are these wives tales or what? Help a newbie with the straight scoop!! Thanks in advance, Fryerider
Printable discs are exactly the same as other discs. Branded, Thermal or inkjet printable; they are all the same on the writable side. My advice would be to buy a Canon printer and inkjet printable discs. As for the labels. People don't recommend them because they cause playback problems. It just isn't worth it. Ok for CD's though, although they can cause problems with some car CD stackers. A nice inkjet printed disc with a clear finish sprayed looks much nicer anyway. There are some cheap thermal printers to though if you just want to do text.
If your putting a label on the DVD, I recommend against it. If its done wrong it can throw off the disk (too much weight on one area of the disk) which can scratch it as its being played. Just use a Sharpie and write on the disks, thats always worked ok for me.
Labels cause wobble, increase thickness, and some say the adhesives can damage discs - even on labels made for DVDs and CDs. A Sharpie pen is the easiest way to mark a disc. If you prefer something more professional, you have options ranging from Lightscribe and Labelflash - which produce acceptable covers, to inkjet or thermally-printed labels. Inkjet is a good way to go as the printer is cheap and, if you can locate one of the older ones like the Epson R220, you can use non-OEM printer cartridges and save a bundle of money.
