Is it safe to use sticky CD/DVD labels?

[jammerules]

Hello peeps,

I've latterly purchased a Full version of Acoustica CD/DVD label software after deciding that I should "improvise" the looks of my 200 DVDs. So I bought Compulabel CD/DVD labels and started to use them on my DVDs. So far so good until this afternoon when I labeled my car audio CD that I just ripped and it started to output strange "sqeaky" noise while playing in my Car Stereo. Very long time ago, before I even started pulling this stunt, I read that using sticky CD/DVD labels can screw up your CD/DVD player cuz the laser will not be reflected back properly (sorry if I'm missing the tech part) with that label on. So it is evident that something of that sort happened to me this afternoon. After doing a li'l R&D I found that there are some label makers that gaurantee of hazzle freeness!!! Can anyone of you confirm this concept? Can anyone of you be able to suggest me the best label maker.

Thanks and I fully appreciate your time in reading this....
Jammerules

p.s: Here is a post that someone like me had an issue...
http://demon.acoustica.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=67

[Gary D]

See my signature about adhesive labels. Look at that thread and make up your mind!!!

[LT. Columbo]

i wouldn't use labels like that based on peoples postings here.

[Gary D]

I just use the Sharpie marker method myself. I have used labels on CDs with no problems but with DVDs and the smaller track, I have experience problems with the first couple I did. I quit using labels BUT I am thinking about buying printable DVDs and a printer.

[jammerules]

See my signature about adhesive labels. Look at that thread and make up your mind!!!

Yo Gary,

Thanks pal, for the quick reply and I really appreciate for directing me to the right spot. The fortune thing is that I have not really labeled all of my DVDs (done about 15 of em..around) and the unfortune thing is that the CD Stomper, CD labels are a total was of money...as a matter of fact the printer too. But anyways, I can atleast use the printer for DVD cases :) I guess it is a total cheating biz to sell or promote this method (CD labeling) when ultimately the labels turn out to be the culprits....

Hey ya know...just kinda curious - how about CD/DVD thermal labeling. I know they dont use any labels but at the same time all those models I saw were **** expensive....are there anything in the market that are affordable like within a coupla hundred bucks?

Peace fellas,

Jammerules

[Gary D]

I am personally thinking about the epson 220 (http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=58654761) printer. The printer is cheap (about $100US) but it takes six (sic) ink cartridges (http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&ref=zbh&infoType=Accessories&oid=58654761&category=Products) between 15 and 20 bucks apiece.

The printer is designed to sell ink I think!!

But I have read that then you have to spray your discs (with a lacquer????) to make them water proof!

[celtic_druid]

I'd definatly go with direct printing. I'd go with Canon over Epson though. If you are in the US, they come with CD/DVD printing disabled. I believe that you can buy the disc tray and enable printing though.

As for the waterproof bit. Never been a problem since I don't wet my discs, but I did buy a can of Pressit spray and it does make the discs look much nicer. Not sure it is worth it though since you really need to do it outside (due to the solvent used).

[Jack Lurker]

I use an R200 and I dont have any problems at all with it. The discs arent waterproof, but then I try not to take them into the shower with me!:p

[daman]

Sharpie,,good enough

[steveareno1955]

sharpies are also cheaper than printer ink.

[RFBurns]

Rental places love to use those sticky clear lables, which not only ruins the disc cuz the sticky literally absorbs right through to the data layer, but throws the disc off balance as well, making the hub shaft and motor wear far more quickly, and thus makes the optic block have to "chase" after the data tracks on the disc..hence skipping, freezing, ruined players and discs. Sticky lables do the same.


:toast:

[codajohn]

Sharpies yes, lables no.:p

[locoeng]

You can find the Epson R200 series on sale from time to time for $50....the good thing about the six carts is you only have to replace the one that is out, you don't have to replace the whole set and you can get replacement sets pretty cheap, especially if you take you empty carts to Staples for vouchers (3 bucks each I think).

http://www.abacus24-7.com/Epson-Stylus-Photo-R200.htm

[codajohn]

Compatible Ink or Genuine Retail?
Man, I'd like to save on ink! Cover printing is a killer.:smashead:

Genuine, ..heard stories of bad quality.

[Jack Lurker]

I've never bought genuine Epson ink, far too expensive for me. I have been using a selection of Datasafe, Ridisc and Smart Jet recently. Not had a blockage yet and been using them for a couple of years now. I get 'em from UKDVDR.co.uk at 92p a cartridge, £5.49 +p&p for a set including two black cartridges.

[Kabuchan]

I have an Epson R340 (http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=58654762). I use mostly black ink for documents, so I puchase black ink cartridges that are re-inked. The color inks are used mostly for photos so I stick with Epson. But I usually download my photos to Snapfish.com (http://snapfish.com) because the photos are better quality and don't fade.

I could care less what the picture on my dvd looks like, so I use a sharpie. I keep them all in an album so I don't take up too much space. (remember, we're moving from a 3500sq ft house to a 1800 sq ft house)

:)

[MikeyBK]

I personally prefer these over my Sharpied ones.:thumbs_up
http://forum.digital-digest.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=8756&stc=1&d=1155377157

:p

[jammerules]

LOL @ Mikey....I really second that,Mikey. Dont mean to be offensive on those who are for "Sharpies", but grow up dudes....I mean after doing all that copying stuff, dont you think giving a better look to your CD/DVDs really help??


Anyways guys, I have another question for those using Epson R200 printer. Does that sucker support any kind of CDs/DVDs? Or is it like there are specially designed DVDs?

[locoeng]

I prefer a professional looking reproduction personally, there are some sharpie labelled discs scattered here and there.

As for special discs, the Epson will take any CD/DVD that has a printable surface. I've got some CD's that are silver printable and make for an interesting cover for some covers, but for my DVD's I have only tried the solid white printable surfaced discs. They come in full hub printable and non-hub printable as shown in Mikey's scans above.

[codajohn]

@MBK I like the look of those printed disc's.
@jammerules labels s-ck and printable disc's use a lot of ink. Since I make case covers for my disc's, any more ink and I might have to get another job.:rotfl:

[jdeh]

I am personally thinking about the epson 220 (http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=58654761) printer. The printer is cheap (about $100US) but it takes six (sic) ink cartridges (http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&ref=zbh&infoType=Accessories&oid=58654761&category=Products) between 15 and 20 bucks apiece.

The printer is designed to sell ink I think!!

But I have read that then you have to spray your discs (with a lacquer????) to make them water proof!

go to PrintPal to get compatible ink >>I have an Epson 820 and the compatibles work fine and are only about $7 each.

[Derree]

I just use a sharpie....if I want to see what the real disc looks like...well I look at the orginal disc...I print out the cover, well the spine at least, and that is good enough for me...