This lightscribe technology

[dinkob]

Well I am still relatively new to it but did make some CD's already.

Due to me destroying one of my DVD Drives (stupid enclosure burned likely my hard disk and the DVDRW which was cheap anyway - I thought it was just a failure of hard disk at first but then I hooked up DVD and it suddenly started overheating and not responding to the PC - dead within seconds) I am looking into purchasing one that is once again cheap.

However, I read on newegg reviews the following regarding the similar model I owned;

Doesn't print lightscribe labels as I expected!

And truth be told even, with the update for the specific media my lightscribe CD's printed relatively faint image. I mean I would expect a bit more darker picture.

Is this something that depends on the unit; does HP burners print better lightscribe labels?

[BJ_M]

lightscribe doesnt print colors .....

[dinkob]

There I changed it to make you happy :P

[JerryB]

hi,
Well not all burners are made the same and also not all cd are made the same...!!!
especiallly on the cd.... there a wide variation of quality just burning data on a cd ... then addition there a special coating for the lightscibe capable.... if a manufacture uses cheap material it not going to look good!
1. right now there one color and that it... although there expecting 3 color in the future....
2. made sure youuse cd that lightscribe can burn to.... and get qualilty cd...
note: i don't have info o what the best ones.....
3. you have a choice on what quality of burning..... of course the highest quality will look better but it does take a long time...!!

you may find this link of interest a farily good review... using 3 light scribe capable burners..
http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Reviews/Specific.aspx?ArticleId=13449

Well I am still relatively new to it but did make some CD's already.

Due to me destroying one of my DVD Drives (stupid enclosure burned likely my hard disk and the DVDRW which was cheap anyway - I thought it was just a failure of hard disk at first but then I hooked up DVD and it suddenly started overheating and not responding to the PC - dead within seconds) I am looking into purchasing one that is once again cheap.

However, I read on newegg reviews the following regarding the similar model I owned;

Doesn't print lightscribe labels as I expected!

And truth be told even, with the update for the specific media my lightscribe CD's printed relatively faint image. I mean I would expect a bit more darker picture.

Is this something that depends on the unit; does HP burners print better lightscribe labels?

[ahhaa]

There is a Lightscribe utility (available from the Lightscribe site) that will add more 'contrast' to the burned image. I think it adds more burning time as well...

btw... There is a small notice on that site in the FAQs I think- unless kept in total darkness the images can fade within 6 months. You may have some 'pre-faded' media.

Lightscribe is what it is; if you make your designs within its limitations, it can look good. It removes the dangers of pens ruining the lacquer coating, or miscentered paper labels.

If you are looking for a replacment DVD drive, check out the Mad Dog Megastore- It was $69 at Circuit City with LightScribe & a good warranty (had experience with replacing a Mad Dog USB floppy- a year out, no Qs asked, and I hadn't even registered it- very nice folks.) The Megastore also comes with LS enabled Roxio & there is an external enclosure model for about $20 more.

[dinkob]

Hey thanks for replies.

I actually bought Liteon Drive from krex.com. They are actually nearby and have some very good prices for a walk-in store.

And when comparing it voila, on just recently printed labels and a printout with this unit, there is some difference between Lite-On and Samsung Cd rom drive. Printouts are somewhat stronger and yes of higher contrast.

So Liteon was a better choice.

[rhegedus]

I'd also use Verbatim media as it prints darker than HP media.