Epson Print Cd Problems

[yellowsugga]

Hello all, I am having problems while printing to DVD's using Epsons Print CD problem. When I try and add my own text, the printout never matches what is displayed on the screen. It usually happens on the right side of the disc.

I can print images fine and they are properly aligned, but adding text, it positions them differently from where they are on the screen.

I am making a karoake disc containing the names of songs. When I zoom to different views, the placement of the text moves around. For example, at 100% the text is in the right position, but when i go to 150% zoom, the text moves and is sometimes no longer on the disc. When I print the disc, it does not match up where I placed it in the program.

What other programs are you guys using to print on DVD's?

[Bodyslide]

I use SureThing CD/DVD Labeler Deluxe


http://www.surething.com/ST/Category.asp?CatCode=ST4_HOME

[BSpielbauer]

What other programs are you guys using to print on DVD's?

I think the best way to look at the Epson software is to treat it as it merely a printing program, and that is all. It works adequately for that sole purpose. As a graphics editor, it is very lacking.

I do all of my editing in other programs, prior to opening the Epson software. If text needs to be added, I do this in some other program. If cropping needs to be done, I do this prior to importing the graphic. The same is true for any re-sizing, or alterations. Then, I save the final product as a BMP file, and close the file. Then, I open up the Epson software, and choose "Import Picture."

Almost every other graphics program out there can do a better job at creating and editing and cropping and re-sizing and altering the image than the Epson stuff. In fact, I found that Microsoft Paint (which comes with Windows, already) does a better job at these functions. I have used several programs over the years, and I now use Photoshop (which is, of course, the cream of the crop, but it has a price tag to match.) First, ask yourself if you already have some decent graphics program on your PC. If so, try it, get to know it, and you will usually find that it does more than you need it to do, once you get used to it. If you have no graphics software other than "Microsoft Paint," you could get by with even this. However, you could do a quick Google search on "Best Free Graphics Editors" and you will find three or four programs that are freeware and that are far superior to Paint. They will also do more than you will require.

With any of them, a bit of practice will help. Learn how to use the "oval" or "circular" selection tool, learn how to crop, learn how to re-size, learn what pixel size works best for your DVD, and learn how to add text. Your images can look amazing, with a bit of practice.

Here are two that I created recently, using Photoshop. These are NOT scanned in images from the actual DVD. I began with some fo the artwork on the outside cover, and then went to work on the image, cropping to a circle, re-sizing, adding a few logos, adding some text, etc.

The first, is for my backup copy of "Cruel Intentions" The original disc is a red that looked AWFUL (and much too dark) when I tried to scan it, along with a shiny reflective silver in certain spots, almost a hologram of sorts, which looks even worse. Uggh! Here is my own original creation, that I used on my backup:

http://backyard-studio.com/images/cruelintentions.jpg

The second was "Unfaithful," the movie. That original disc is one of those generic plain silver discs, with no image at all. None. No art work, no image, just plain silver, So, I created this one instead:

http://backyard-studio.com/images/unfaithful.jpg

-Bruce

P.S. -- Notice that the two images above are actually reduced in quality from the original. The real deal looks better. I shrunk them, by re-saving them as a JPEG file, so they would load faster on the web. You are seeing an image which is MUCH lower resolution than the original, by about one-eighth.

[DVFun]

I use Epson Print CD software.
I can add text, icons such as Dolby Digital, DVD Video, etc., and everything goes exactly where I meant it to go and where I see it on-screen.
I suggest you check all your settings.............
I used to use sticky labels from several brands and used to be an advocate until I gave up on them after I started finding out that all the DVDs with labels stuck on them would not play anymore after a while on standalone DVD players. I can no longer recommend them to anyone!
BTW, I don't know what printer model you have. I use a 2100 and found that with the Matte Black I can get the richest tones without having to jack up density or increase saturation.
Just my 2 cents .............

[yellowsugga]

Thanks alot guys. I have photoshop and Paintshop pro. I will give these a try.

For using Sure Thing CD Labeller, how do you set it up so it prints properly on a CD/DVD using the cd tray. What are the settings.