Printing on to CDs and DVDs - what printing device

Posted by: Guido Fawkes on 11 May 2008

Hi everybody

Looking for some advice. I often create CDs or DVDs - e.g holidays photos, computer file back-up and music. I write the title on the CD/DVD with a special pen.

Could anybody recommend a small, hopefully inexpensive, way of labelling the DVD/CDs: either a printer that prints directly on the CD/DVD or a way of etching the title on to the CD/DVD.

Anything I use needs to work with a Mac or be stand alone.

Thanks, Rotf
Posted on: 11 May 2008 by BigH47
There are several printers that print direct we,have a Canon MP500 seems to work OK it uses a carrier to hold the CD/DVD. Consumables have plain white or a printable silver surface and are sold as "printable".
There are some other printers that are "Lightscribe" and label with a laser onto special discs.

Google SVP for info,hardware and consumables.
Posted on: 11 May 2008 by Jono 13
Epson also do printers that take a flat carrier to enable you to print onto the label directly.

I have just got a new PC with lightscibe thing, but I have not used it yet as you need proper disks, I believe.

Jono

PS check the review of CSI:A in The Word this month.
Posted on: 11 May 2008 by Guido Fawkes
Thanks Howard and Jono

Be interested to hear your views on lightscribe looks interesting

Thanks for the tip about The Word
Posted on: 11 May 2008 by BigH47
quote:
Be interested to hear your views on lightscribe looks interesting


The blurb says "you burn your disc,flip it and burn your label" it appears to be monochrome only.
Posted on: 11 May 2008 by PJT
The HP Photosmart D5360 and C5280 have special input trays to allow printing directly onto a CD/DVD.
Posted on: 11 May 2008 by PJT
Otherwise, simply purchase printable "skins" that stick onto the top of the CD/DVD.
Posted on: 11 May 2008 by Exiled Highlander
I use a canon Pixma iP4500 which does an excellent job of printing onto (printable) CD's. You will need printable CD's unless you want to use those stick-on labels - which I personally dislike!

Cheers

Jim
Posted on: 12 May 2008 by BigH47
quote:
unless you want to use those stick-on labels


I found that if they "stick-on" they also "stick-off" after a while,especially if they get warm .
Posted on: 12 May 2008 by Andrew Jackson
Haven't tried lightscribe ... but it's monochrome, and you're rather limited in your choice of CDs. Canon Pixma printers are very good value, they print directly onto CDs, are very straightforward to use (even in wireless mode!), and the replacement inks are cheap (7dayshop for e.g.) as they are just bottles and contain no electronics, nozzles etc.

EDIT: For you comfort I use Mac and the Canon work fine (mind you, what doesn't with a Mac Winker Winker).
Posted on: 12 May 2008 by Guido Fawkes
Thanks guys - the Canon sounds a good way forward.

Not keen on sticky labels.
Posted on: 12 May 2008 by Andrew Jackson
ROTF, note, you can get printable CDs with a large print area (ie just the hole is unprintable) and those with a smaller area for print (ie including an area around the hole). I use Memorex (www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_4&products_id=102861) which are very nice. You'll love the finished quality I'm sure.