Print DVD label

Am I right in thinking there is no facility in iDVD
to print DVD labels?

You are correct.

If not any suggestions what I should use. The only bit of software I could find in the shop today only worked with Windows.

We don't recommend the use of stick-on labels in the forums. (1) They add thickness that may be a problem with slot-loading drives, (2) they may unbalance the disc causing severe vibration with today's highspeed readers, and (3) if they come off they can create a mess.

The best approach is to use an inkjet printer to print directly on matt surface writable media. I do this with an Epson R-200 printer. The printer comes with label software. Roxio's Toast 7 comes with a version of Discus label software. The full version of Discus is avilable at http://www.magicmouse.com/

Epson R200 is a sub $100.00 DVD inkjet printer.

Couple it with inkjet printable blanks

Hi Philip:

FWIW-I agree with David. I have an Epson R300 (also under $100.00 because it was a Re-Furb). It comes with Mac compatible software that lets you easily create your prnt-on DVD / CD labels. I have had no problems at all.

Sue

LightScribe that DVD! Beats any inkjet/paper sticker setup hands down.

2.0 iMac G5 20 Mac OS X (10.4.3)

I wasn't very clear-sorry! the Epson printer I suggested prints directly on the printable dvd's or Cd's.

Sue

LightScribe that DVD! Beats any inkjet/paper sticker
setup hands down.

Can it print COLOR labels on discs?
How long does it take to 'scribe' a disc?

I fail to see any 'beating', but to each his own.

BTW, just to make sure there is no confusion: there are no 'paper stickers' involved - we are talking about inkjet printing directly on discs.

LightScribe that DVD! Beats any inkjet/paper sticker setup hands down.


Let's see.

Monochromastic printing
33 minutes per disc.
$2.00 per disc

Have to disagree

Phillip,

F Shippey pointed out that there are some potential problems with paper inkjet labels, and that's all true, but I just wanted to say that I've been using these kind of labels for a few years and haven't had any problems yet. If you have any kind of page layout program (InDesign, Quark, or even Appleworks or MS Word) then it's pretty simple to set up a template for labels that go in any inkjet printer.

Color Ink Jet Lables on DVD's? Its so 1992
How long to "Scribe" a disk? approx. 20 mins - Not the end of the world.

Fail to see "beating"? Let me enlighten ya : )

(1) That printer is sub par junk. Be honest. Any high quality printer (especially ink jet printers under $200.00) is far from professional results. Any high quality graphics professional would tell you NEVER buy an Ink jet printer. We all know the TCO of ink jet cartridges buying your printer 10 times over in one year. Imagine all the ink you would spend creating DVD labels (IN FULL COLOR) for what could be several hundreds of people throughout the year. Just like you wouldnt buy a $100.00 Printer for your Published Presentations - My opinion is... why would you use that SAME printer to present DVD's?!

(2) Most people already have a printer (and should be using a color laser anyways) so this is just another bulky cheap printer taking up desk space. Unlike the DVD LighScribe thats so thin and small and hardly noticeable.

(3) No Ugly Ink Jet looking labels! Yes, I said it - UGLY! Why? The quality so so 1992. It hardly compares to Hollywood DVD's - No matter how much you tell yourself - it looks good - everyone can see it "home made". Its like printing a Photo on your ink jet vs having that photo developed. Its worlds apart in performace value. Ink Jet Labels - look exactly just that - Ink Jet looking labels! LOL - Now on the other side, LightScribe DVD's have a golden glow to them. Not only is the DVD itself unique - but it also gives the appearance of being a hologram effect. Although LightScribe is NOT full color (a look I have already deemed cheap) the monochrome etching of the laser gives your DVD a polished and professional feel to it. Not to mention NO ink cartriges to buy - and the "look" is 10x's more impressive.

(4) Hands Down 9 out of 10 people prefer LightScribe over Inkjet Lables. I do at least 1 wedding a week. Each wedding I make at least 20 DVD's. This adds to hundreds during the course of a year. Now granted - I did at one time use nothing but Ink Jet lables. Now when I sit down with my client - I show them a DVD with an Ink Jet Label and a DVD that is LightScribed. The LightScribe ALWAYS gets the "ohhhhh ahhhhhh". Like I said 9 out of 10 prefer. The One that doesnt purchase the LighScribe is usually only because I charge more money for it.

Like you said - To each his own. I let the consumer speak - and they have spoken to me loud and clear... what is "ho hum boring" and what is "WOW - Give me that!"

Peace - John

Lets see...

Monochromatic printing vs the cheap ink jet look? $10.00

20 mins for a Laser Engraved High Quality DVD - $50.00

Ugly cheap ink jet printer on my desk, still having to buy special DVD's for printing on it and buying hundreds of dollars of ink cartridges VS $2.00 DVD LighScribe Disk? - PRICELESS!!!!!!

I would have to disagree : )~

I guess we disagree.

The lightscribe discs I burned simply did not have a good look for me.

I use glossy injket printables (hard to find) that hardly can be described as having a "cheap ink jet look."

And I don't understand why you describe a inkjet printer as "ugly." It's just a printer.

I've printed two hundred fifty discs with my R200 without replacing the cartridges. That's about $ .50 cents per disc including the glossies.

I guess I don't have 30 minutes per disc when printing twenty or more

That's ten hours of production attendant time.

What lightscribe burner do you reccomend? Is it USB or firewire? Sorry, I'm a newb...

As an alternative to the Epson printers recommended here, Canon also makes fine printers (such as the iP4200) that can print directly to printable CDs / DVDs - at least if you're living in Europe.

Why they're selling the same printers in the U.S., but without the CD / DVD printing capability, is beyond me... I have an iP8500 and it works really well. It also includes a basic Mac utility called CD LabelPrint.