Adhesive Labels on DVD-R's?

[mp3superfreak]

I've read a few articles online that suggest against using the adhesive type labels for DVD-R/RW disks. Anyone have experience with this? I'd like to label mine, but will not do it if it affects the playback.

BTW, I can't afford one of those nice thermal CD/DVD printers.

Thanks in advance for any information!

[drewson99]

full-sized labels can cause many problems, but they can also be okay. because of the possibility of problems, I don't use them.

Using a sharpie can be okay, but if the medium is not top-coated (cheap medium) then it can degrade (yes, it has happened to me)

I put a 1" length of scotch magic tape on the dvd between the center hole and the bottom of the disc, and write on that with the sharpie (but be careful not to go over the edge of the tape.

then -- put an equal length of tape on the opposite side of the center hole from where you put the first piece, this will prevent any minute difference in spin/wobbling.

then, to compensate for ugly discs, I make the jewel cases nice - I print the box art on a 4.75" square piece of cardstock and put it into the front of the case, and slide a name label into the sides of the case so it can be read while stacked on a shelf.

Andy

[mp3superfreak]

Thanks Andy,

I guess I'll just spend my time working on the labels for the DVD Case. I just hope I don't get the DVD's mixed up in my 5 disk Pioneer DVD changer

[thxkid]

I have Recorded over 50 DVD-R's and used either a Matte Label or Glossy Label every time each one has worked perfect, used over 500 labels on CD-R's without a hitch either, but I make sure to record the DVD-R 1st then apply the label same with CD-R's burn then apply label, I use CD Stomper with their Matte labels I use Prime Label for the Glossy alot thinner than CD Stomper labels and alot cheaper, 100 Glossy labels for $12.99 at Frys Electronics.
Never use a label on a Ram Disc, makes it useless.(Ram disc out of cartridge)

[ROBO1964]

I don't know for sure about DVD-R discs but I imagine they are similar to CD-R is construction. In CD-R's the label actually protects the disc as its the top side that is easily damaged and with a label on it there is added protection. I use the stomper as well as that makes the label perfectly centered.

[leebo]

Diddo for me re what thxkid said.

As far as construction, I read that DVD-R's are NOT constructed the same as CD-R's.
A CD-R will be rendered useless if you try to remove a label from it. Supposedly, this won't happen with DVD-R's, but I'm too chicken to test it.

Cluck cluck.

[bartman]

a bit of tech.....

both CD-R's and DVD-R's are 1.2mm thick.
A CD-R is made from one 1.2mm thick disk with the dye, reflective layer and protective layer.

A simple cd-r diagram....imagine if you will

=============== <-- Protective layer
--------------------------- <-- Reflective layer
--------------------------- <--- dye


<-- 1.2mm of plastic


---------------------------- <-- disk surface

A DVD is made up of 2 0.6mm disks with all the crap in the middle...again, a simple diagram

--------------------------- <-- Writable surface

<-- 0.6mm of plastic

--------------------------- <-- Reflective layer
--------------------------- <--- dye

<-- 0.6mm of plastic

---------------------------- <-- disk surface

so, as long as you don't gash the writable surface deeper than 0.6mm you are fine.

To answer the question....adheasive labels shouldn't be a problem with DVD-R because the 'goo' would eat away 0.6mm of plastic before it did any damage...the only thing you need worry about is getting the balance right

[twinegar]

Fellowes MediaFace "Glossy" labels are the thinest highest quality labels that I have used. I am paying $24.99 retail. No problems with over 150 DVD's.

[drewson99]

so it truly is okay to use the sharpie?

[mp3superfreak]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

I now feel pretty confident using the labels on the movie disks I make, and Sharpie for data DVD-R's.

I knew there would be people who had tried this. Thanks again.

[EricB]

It seems like the experience of most users is that labels and sharpies don't harm the disk. I contacted several label manufacturers and they say to follow the disk manufacture's recommendation. Apple DVD-R disks say specifically not to put on a label or write on the surface.

[robreed]

DO NOT USE LABELS>
Well thats my experiance.
It also says on the PIONEER site NOT to use labels.
Ive used labels on my DVD Rs to make them look cool.Then I was having some problems that discs stopped working.
SO...I peeled off the label(nightmare) and i couldnt believe THEY WORKED .
So now I just write on the discs,OK it dont look as cool ,but at least they play......

PS.
I used stomper to appley the labels,Pioneer A04 and Pioneer 444 player.

[bartman]

Here is Apple's instructions on the care of your DVD-R's. Since there are no words, we must translate the images.

The first one looks like "Do not point". As we all know, our mothers told us that it is rude to point however I find it unnecessary to be told this by apple.
The second is "Do not put band-aid's on your disk. Why one would want to do that is beyond me but I'm sure some idiot out there has done it....otherwise Apple would not put the warning in the packet.
The third is obvious "No shiny pointy things". Scribiling on the disk is allowed however they make no mention of what side they are writing on.
The last is also obvious "No dandruff". So all you people out there with scalp problems, go somewhere else...Apple doesn't care for your type.

[ROBO1964]

Bartman I think you misunderstood the 3rd one.

It obviuosly shows that you must have any pens near your disc in contact with it at all times regardless of side. But the others you are dead on. LOL

[Trader]

I don't know about different types of media, but the generic ones I used (dont know the brand but they have a pink top) were totally unplayable after I applied labels. I did it with 2 disks that played perfectly before that were rendered totally uusable after label application. I thought I was crazy and couldn't understand why a label on top would destroy the disk.

[energy80s]

After reading that AVEREY (that well known label manufacturer) won't guarantee any of its labels being stuck on a CD I decided not to label any of mine! After all, Averey should know what they are talking about!

[leebo]

So Avery sells CD labels, but discourages us from using them.

Are they some branch of the US government that I wasn't taught about in school?

[mp3superfreak]

I have used a few labels from Fellowes (NEATO) and the disks seem to work fine. As for using the labels, here is the Q&A per Fellowes FAQ page:

Question: Are Fellowes CD labels safe to use on DVDs?

Answer: Yes, our labels are safe to use on single sided DVDs.

Mine are matte finished. I guess I'll find out soon enough if they mess up my $3.50 a pop Imation DVD-R's. . .

[robboughton]

i coverd all my dvds with lables no probs with all medias cheap and expensive not had any probs yet just put the lables on after

[ROBO1964]

From the variety of responses here it would seem that it depends on the player your using.

[idarch]

I have tried discs before labelling them and they worked fine. This is using Gen.3 media (Datasafe and now ICE) and they worked fine.
Stick a label on (expensive glossy and Avery full face matt) and they become coasters.
Quite simply - don't put a label on a DVDR.

[mp3superfreak]

Quite simply - don't put a label on a DVDR.

I agree. I've had some playback problems on the disks w/ labels, so would not recommend anyone using them. Thanks to everyone for their responses. I only wasted a few disks

[agent_mulder81]

then, to compensate for ugly discs, I make the jewel cases nice - I print the box art on a 4.75" square piece of cardstock and put it into the front of the case, and slide a name label into the sides of the case so it can be read while stacked on a shelf.

Andy

I like to take it a step further and go out and buy the empty plastic DVD cases from Radio Shack, or a movie/dvd store.... they're pretty cheap... I think they're like $1.99 each....and it gives a nice professional look.

[Savant]

I would be careful about using labels on DVD-R discs. Most of these label makers simply rebrand their CDR labels as DVD labels when there are different specifications as to the size of label you can use on a given disc. On a CDR the label can cover more of the disc surface than a DVD. (more specifically - the center area)

I've been hesitant to use labels on DVDRs since they already have enough problems with compatibility, I didn't want to make matters worse,

You can actually find cheap thermal printers now for about US$150, and they will print on any non-inljet disk. Of course the beter solution would be to buy inkjet printable discs and then buy an inkjet printer to print the discs. (they run aout $400) Of course not all people have that kind of budget.

Regards,

Savant

[Craig Tucker]

I like to take it a step further and go out and buy the empty plastic DVD cases from Radio Shack, or a movie/dvd store.... they're pretty cheap... I think they're like $1.99 each....and it gives a nice professional look.

I also use the amaray DVD cases for my DVD-R's but $1.99 each you really need to find a new supplier as you are being seriously ripped off. I pay 13 pence each for my cases, I guess thats about 20 cents.

Edit - Just realised you are from Canada, but that is still only about 32 cents.

[dcsos]

THIS IS THE WORD from PROFESSIONALS
(written by chief engineer of SONIC SOLUTIONS, inc)
Is it ok to put labels or magnetic strips on DVDs?
Labels and adhesive strips are a bad idea since they can unbalance the disc and cause errors, or even damage a player, especially if they peel off while the disc is spinning. Pressure-sensitive adhesives break down over time, so it's possible for labels to come loose after a few years. Libraries and DVD rental outlets often want to label discs or attach magnetic strips for security, but it's best not to use them at all. If you must, use a ring-shaped "donut" label that goes around the center of the disc. As long as the circular label doesn't interfere with the player clamping onto the hub, it should be ok. If you have to use a non-circular sticker, place it as close to the center as possible to minimize unbalancing. Placing a second sticker straight across from the center will also help. Writing with a marker in the clear (not reflective) area at the hub is better than using a sticker, although there's not much room to write. Write only in the area inside a 44-mm diameter. Writing anywhere else on the disc is risky, since the ink could possibly eat away the protective coating and damage the data layer underneath.

In most cases a better alternative is a security case that can only be opened with special equipment at the register or checkout counter. Barcodes, stickers, and security strips can be placed on the case without endangering discs (or players). This is especially good for double-sided discs, which have no space for stickers.

Full-size round labels designed to go on recordable DVDs may work, but have been known to cause problems. A better (but more expensive) solution is to use an inkjet disc printer

[bartman]

Writing anywhere else on the disc is risky, since the ink could possibly eat away the protective coating and damage the data layer underneath.

According to the DVD spec, the data layer is between 2 0.6mm layers. A DVD-R is the same (I can verify this as I experimented in a coaster I made recently) so unless you are using battery acid as ink, your regular CD Marker shouldn't eat through 0.6mm of plastic.

Bartman 8)

[wienerbeast]

Is a Photo Printer necessary to print on the white Ink Jet Printable
DVD-R's? I have a Canon i850... a regular color printer, although it does allow for borderless prints? Thanks for any help...

[johneboy]

Labels and adhesive strips are a bad idea since they can unbalance the disc and cause errors, or even damage a player, especially if they peel off while the disc is spinning.

While i dont doubt this at all..
I have a situation that is opposite of most.
After making a backup of 'Bourne Identity", when i went to play it, the playback was jerky and pixelated..
I decided to just deal with it, cause ima lazy lazy person..
went to affix a cd label (the kind that covers the entire top) and i went to play it back again, no jerkiness, and no pixelation..
The label actually fixed my playback problem.. weird huh?

On the same note, i have always put labels on, and have never run into any problems.

[Seraphic]

I am using Cd-Stomper with the original labels that came with the kit.
The only thing to point out is the tiny air bubbles that get stuck under neath. Then you put that in a hot DVD player they expand and because of the centrifuge effect of a spinning disk the pockets of air bubbles migrate to the edges causing little parts of the label edge not to be stuck to the the dvd.

After buring and applying the label I take a credit card and push the air out from center to edge then play them completely to test. Then when the movie has successfully played in my set top player I restick any edges that air bubble have unstuck.

Then label is on for good.