Printing on discs versus using labels

[nickelzy]

Ok, I've read a TON of opinions on the subject regarding labels causing problems for some people. First, I don't want to re-open that can of worms. Instead, my question is for those of you who have had problems with labels (as I have had) - is printing on the disc (such as using printable media along with perhaps an Epson 900 printer) less of a problem? Or is this more of an issue that printing on the disc would do the same as using labels?

Basically my position is this: I will never use labels again on my discs because of some earlier problems that I've had with them. However, I'm considering buying an Epson 900 printer along with printable media if this is a way around using paper labels and if this doesn't seem to cause any problems. Has anyone had problems with their discs after printing on them (like some people have had with using paper labels)?

[Hawseman]

Lotsa different printable media.....zero problems. Stick on labels gave me tons of headaches. I have an R300, it's a very nice printer.

[nickelzy]

I had no idea that one could print directly on a disc from your printer until recently. Any advice on choosing a printer? All I'm looking for is one to print onto my discs and nothing more (as I've got an HP all-in-one that I use for everything else). I need something as inexpensive as possible without sacrificing quality. Any ideas?

[Bodyslide]

The new Epson R200 for 99.00, is really easy to use and prints dvd very well.

[kosekjm]

If I were buying a printer for only printing to disks (and maybe the ocassional photo or two), I would go for the Epson r200. This is functionally the same printer as the epson r300 (The 300 is what I have). The differrence is that epson has removed the media reader from the front of the printer. They have also removed $80 from the MSRP as well.

I have the R300 and have been using it to print to disks (Ritek g04 printable) and have to say that the output is phenomenal. I had used stick on labels in the past and had some problems with playback later.

So far, I have not seen any playback issues with any of the disks that I have printed on. One note though, the stick on label disks didn't start giving me problems until about two months after I had printed them. I have only been using the printable media now for about six weeks and haven't seen any problems yet.

As far as the epson 900 goes, from what I have read about (in the forums and other review sites), most people have recommended the r300 (or now the r200) instead. The 300 is a six color printer with individual ink tanks , whereas the 900 is a four color and has a combined color tank (Again, this is from reviews that I have read, I may be totally wrong on the tank layout for the 900). Also, the R300 has front feed for the cd as opposed to the 900's rear feed. Just make sure that you have enough clearance in the back of the printer to allow the disk carrier to slide out about 2-3 inches during printing.

kosekjm

[nickelzy]

There isn't an all-in-one printer that also allows for printing on discs is there? If so, I might be tempted to replace my all-in-one for one that prints on discs so I don't have to have 2 separate printers. If not, I think I'll spring for the R200. Now I just have to go back and read some posts as to what Ritek's to buy to print on. Anyone want to save me some time?

[iooi]

As far as the epson 900 goes, from what I have read about (in the forums and other review sites), most people have recommended the r300 (or now the r200) instead. The 300 is a six color printer with individual ink tanks , whereas the 900 is a four color and has a combined color tank (Again, this is from reviews that I have read, I may be totally wrong on the tank layout for the 900).

Close,
The 900 has a 5 colour tank but it is one piece tank and black is seperate unlike the r200/300/800.
The reason i would recomend the r200 or r300 is the 900 is discontinued and are very hard to find anywhere . If you could find a good secondhand one at a good price then it would be a good buy. Failing that if you dont want to splash out on a new printer that will cost close to £100. Have a look at the Village Idiots guide to building your own... Its easy enough to do.

On the disks i use Riteks 1 to 4 X printable that have the G04 die and have never had a problem. You dont say where you are from so cant really help on where to buy from but if in the Uk then SVP are a good place..

[kosekjm]

nickelzy,

Sadly, I don't know of any all in one printers. Epson makes the R500/R600 all in one printers and they use the same print engine as the 300, but they do not print on disks. I've asked many epson reps as to why that is and all but one said that if they made the r500/600 disk printable, nobody would ever buy the 300/200. (I did have one rep say that it was due to the different paper tracks that the multi-function uses, but have no way of checking any of their stories)

I also have been using the Ritek G04 1-4x printable media. The disks (IMO) look great after they have been printed on. I have gone through a pack of 50 already and haven't had any problems (I have also used the non-printtable Ritek G04's in the past and haven't had any problems with them either). I have been buying mine from supemediastore.com. They have a 50 pack for 43.00 with free ground shipping. Also, their free shipping is fast, last pack ordered was on a Friday, and I had the disks tuesday night.

iooi, thanks for the correction on the 900. I had heard that it was discontinued and the other's comments and hadn't researched it's layout as well as I have the r300. Thanks again.

kosekjm

[Tiny71]

I have the EpsonR300....prints fantastic. I have only used Ritdata inkjet printables, but hey!....I stick with what works.

Sucks that the ink, unless sprayed, will smudge real easy.

So I am saving up for one of these.....


Went and looked at a demo at my fathers business about three weeks ago....it outputs fantastic discs....I could not scratch them with my fingernails and they would not smudge a bit.....spendy for the enduser like me....but hey...that is what tax returns are for huh.

Oh and for those that are interested in reading more its called a Primera Accent. Google it. $3400.

[jaxxboss]

HOLY COW!. For all that is Holy and Rightous! Thats some serious money!! Damn! For that amount and the size of the thing, I'd better be able to get my jollys by grabbing some vasoline and slipping my ....... errr, never mind. :P

[ultra911]

i use the epson r300, very nice! the only problem i have is finding decent printable medias. i use ritek printables, but they not so great compare to their silver tops and other non-printable ones.

[Hawseman]

Try maxell part number 635129, Japananese MXL printables...these are the best printables DVD-R's I've found for the most reasonable price ($60US for 50 spindle). Check pagecomputers.com or shopperwiz.com for factory boxed spindles. Your garbage collector will thank me, as mine did.