Labeling DVDs

[egb]

I just got in a pack of 50 Pio 4x DVD-Rs and the package has a writing implement with an "X" through it. I've only ever used CD pens or ultra-fine Sharpies to mark my disks. Is this a problem?

I also assume stick-on labels are a BIG no-no.

-Glenn

[thayne]

I use stick on labels all the time with no problem. Why would they be a problem???

[dicktheprick]

i'ved used cd stomper labels for over a year now on dvd backups and have not had a single problem with them delaminating or affecting play of the movie at all

[SLK001]

I also assume stick-on labels are a BIG no-no. -Glenn

I use labels on my DVD-Rs all the time - never had a problem.

[dicktheprick]

i would assume that the package meant "Dont use a ball point pen to mark the disks, as the ball will scratch the data layer

[egb]

I use stick on labels all the time with no problem. Why would they be a problem???

My bad. The TDK DVD-R package and the Pio package both have "X" on labels. Probably just CYA on their part.

-Glenn

[i_am_dave]

I never use stick on labels. I always use a Sharpy.
It is not pretty, but there have been concerns in the past with labels and how hot DVDs can get.

[mdubnik]

There have been many concerns on this website about using labels vs. pens. Some people think that by putting labels on your discs, it somehow messes them up because of the heat that is generated by the laser that is used to play them. Others also believe that Sharpies and such types of ink can bleed through into the data layer and corrupt data.

It's really kinda like buying cheap media...sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Try it out both ways and see. People will swear by "their way" of doing things, so you will get both suggestions on here.

[RealaT]

On dvd-r it is impossible for ink to bleed through to the data layer as it is between the two layers of plastic that for the disc. Therefore to ink would somehow have to go through a solid layer of plastic before reaching the data layer.

Same goes for the point of the pen scratching the data layer, again it's impossible.

Obviously this doesn't apply to cdrs because they only have 1 layer.

[thayne]

I use stick on labels all the time with no problem. Why would they be a problem???

My bad. The TDK DVD-R package and the Pio package both have "X" on labels. Probably just CYA on their part.

-Glenn

I wonder if somehow a shadow is cast through the media when the laser hit's it a spot where there is ink on the top of the disk that it might cause errors? Some disks are semi transparent, just a guess as to why they would say no writing on them.

[cplevel42]

Realat Wrote:

On dvd-r it is impossible for ink to bleed through to the data layer as it is between the two layers of plastic that for the disc.

Obviously this doesn't apply to cdrs because they only have 1 layer

This is true!!!

I have been looking for a company that makes CD-R the way that DVD-R is made. Not trying to hijack the post, but, does anyone make a CD-r with the data layer in between 2 layers?

I have alot of old music mix CDs go bad from the data layer flaking off from the top of the disc.

Sorry to hijack.

[RealaT]

sorry cplevel42, but you'll never find that because the designs are strict standards and cannot be changed phisically in any way.

[thayne]

I have alot of old music mix CDs go bad from the data layer flaking off from the top of the disc.

Maybe covering them with a stick on label will help protect them?

[cplevel42]

@RealaT

Yes, you are right, but it would work. The only diffrence would be that the bottom layer of plastic would be slightly thinner to make room for the top layer of the same thickness, to total the same thickness of current CDs.

It would work just fine. Couldn't they just define a new spec and call it CD-R2?

I'm sure it would cost more, but I'd buy em' for Archiving - Music only. I'd put my music on DVDs, but the car DVD players are still too expensive.

[cplevel42]

Thane Wrote:

Maybe covering them with a stick on label will help protect them?

Yes and no. Yes they would temporarily protect them, but in time the adheasive in the label will break down and ruin the data surface. Using labels for DVD is OK, but should not be used for CDs. Also, Adding the label to CDs, makes the CDs slightly thicker. This can be a problem for car CD players. I have heard of quite a few people getting labeled CDs stuck in the car players because of the extra thickness.

[thayne]

What about memorex CD's? they have like a white painted surface. I have tons of those that are years old and they are fine, of course most have been sitting in a spindle case and not used....

[cplevel42]

I now use Verbatim Data Life Plus for CDs. These have a special white enamel scratch resitant coating. This is good, but could be better.

[cplevel42]

thayne Wrote:

What about memorex CD's? they have like a white painted surface. I have tons of those that are years old and they are fine, of course most have been sitting in a spindle case and not used....

Wow! funny you should mention those. Those are the ones that are flaking!!! I used to buy them at Best Buy by the 100 spindle. Expose t5hos to a little heat and light and they are done for. This is the case with most CD-Rs, but the Memorexs were the worst. I had TDKs in the same case right next to the Memorexs and the TDKs are still OK.

[thayne]

Wow! I had no idea the data layer is actually exposed! Now I'm all worried about all my SVCD's, and I wrote on the tops of most of them with a sharpie. and they are the cheap green ones with no "Write on Label"

[cplevel42]

Use a good printable CD-R or DVD-R and get a CD printer like this. My friend has one and it works great. You can import scanned images and text and print them right on the disc. This comes with good printing template software too. See below.

http://ezcdprint.com/cdr_duplicators.html

[Craig Tucker]

Yes if you stick a label onto a CDR and peel it off again you will often peel the data layer away with the label. You are then left with a nice clear piece of plastic.

[cplevel42]

Yeah, the infamous GREEN ONES! They are really bad. It took me 6 months to backup them all. A lot of them were already done for. I lost some good stuff. Bummer!

Just don't leave them in the car or put them next to a window and you'll have more time.

[thayne]

Damn! I bought 400 of them! (12 cents each) I keep them in either spindles or CD books and they are never in the sun. I have the first 72 hours of the war on SVCD's, one hour per cd... I thought it would be cool to watch in like ten years.....

The thought of converting that all to DVD makes me wanna puke

[cplevel42]

thayne Wrote:

The thought of converting that all to DVD makes me wanna puke

That's this one

Try to return the unused ones.

[poopyhead]

i have used labels (not the CD stomper kinds...just small rectangular address labels on both CD-Rs and DVD-Rs).....

even the cheap, generic, silver-topped CD-Rs with address lables still play perfectly after 3+ years.

the only problem i've noticed is some balancing issues..but that's about it..

[thayne]

the only problem i've noticed is some balancing issues..but that's about it..

That's what I was going to say as I read your post. This shouldn't be a problem with the round labels as long as you get them on fairly centered.

[BobK]

I use stick on labels all the time with no problem. Why would they be a problem???

I used to say the same thing- Why would they be a problem? 99.9% of the time they wouldn't be, but about 3 months ago a friend of my put a disk in his DVD drive with a stick on label. The label was loose and (as far as we can tell) it got caught on the inside of the drive. The disk disintegrated. Fortunately the drive still worked after we took it apart and removed the hundreds of piece of disk inside.

Small chance that it's going to happen, but why take the chance?

[dcsos]

2 WAYS TO LABEL DVD's without applying a sticky labe

1.PURCHASE a EPSON 900 series injet printer with the single caddy to hold a CD as it goes thru your PRINTER (also works on paper)
HOWEVER---this reqires you purchase all new DVD's with a WHITE or SILVER printable surface (silver is dope it looks like METALLIC when done)

Its $199 to $399 depending on which 900 series epson you buy but you have to buy more expensive blanks now

2. Purchase a CASIO CW-50 Printer..Prints only on CD&DVD's not designed to be printed on
THAT is it uses the discs you already bought.. AND can print a strip above and below the label in ONE COLOR CLEANLY

Its 99.00 and the cartridges that do 40 dvd's are $7

examples below