Epson R200, DVD cover printing - Please help!

[bad_vlad]

Hi All: I am having an issue with my Epson R200, that has been bugging me for a few weeks now, I just can’t seem to fix it.

I am printing DVD covers (the inserts for the DVD cases), I am using HP everyday inkjet semi-gloss paper. When I print onto that paper the cover looks blotchy, especially noticeable on the back of the DVD cover were the little screenshots are.

The cover image is a 300dpi scan, I have tried over 20 different covers, I have also tried a second R200 printer with the same results. I have set the paper type to premium semi gloss photo paper, and the quality option is set to text and image. I have mixed and matched the setting with no luck. I have tried different software as well.

If I print the same cover on regular plain white paper the images look fine.

I am all out of ideas on what to do. Can anyone help me with this?

[Cobra]

You might be slightly better off in the Computer forum - not really a media issue. I've moved it for you.

Cobra

[Poppa_Meth]

Don't use HP paper. Epson inks don't absorb correctly into the cellulose layer on the HP papers. I had the same problem when I first got my R300, which I'm not fond of anymore since it has a new problem everytime I use it. Epson papers work fine in it for photo work. I use the multiflip inserts at rima.com with it and they work beautifully, provided the printer doesn't decide it wants to put black streaks all across my print.

[scottb721]

The prints from my Epson Photo 830 came out absolutely terrible on HP photo paper. Try different brand of paper.

[stiltman]

My R200 prints great on Kodak (anytime to ultima) paper
I was also suprised how well it did with Burlington (cheapy) paper

[rallynavvie]

May be a difference between dye and pigment inks on those papers. I've got an R320 but I've never used it for anything other than printing on discs. Get a laser printer and some text gloss paper for DVD inserts, or take them to a copy shop to have it done. Results are very much worth it.

[RickTheRed]

Humm,
I use the same printer and HP everyday semi-gloss photo paper with excellent results.
Have you tried with "best photo" settings?
That's what I use.

[Poppa_Meth]

I used the exact same paper as you I believe, Rick. Might have been high gloss instead of semi-gloss. Definitely gave crap results on the Premium.