CD / DVD Labels - Which ones should I get?

[jcm0320]

I plan on creating simple black and white dvd labels because I happen to own a HP 2100 laserjet printer and it's very efficient and the toner doesn't cost much at all.

My problem though is that I am confused about the dimensions of cd/dvds. I see a lot of 4.5" and 4.6" and I'm not really sure which one is the standard.

So, my questions are:

1.) Which size is the standard for dvd labels? (The one most used.)

and...

2.) Since I am using a lasejet, should I prefer plain or glossy or does it not matter? I'm not really sure which one to go with... glossy might not look that good anyways since I'm only using black and white.

Thanks!

[gadgetguy]

Paper labels are known to cause playback problems on both CDs and DVDs. I wouldn't recommend using them at all.

[jcm0320]

gadgetguy: Do you just use a sharpie? Or printable DVDs?

I suppose lightscribe is also an option... although the media is not as popular yet.

[gadgetguy]

I use inkjet printables and an HP Photosmart D5160 printer.

[Tearren]

I use an Epson R300 to print directly on to ink jet printable cds / dvds.

I used to print on labels and what I wouldn't suggest is putting a label on a CD that you will insert in to a CD player which is a front loading cd player. For example, in a car where you stick the CD in a slot and it loads it in without having to insert the CD in a caddy. I say this because I have had 2 cd's get jammed in (2 different cars at different times) when the label starts to peel over time. I was fortunate and able to get both out, but I stopped using labels completely after those episodes. Besides ink jet direct printing is so much nicer.

Good Luck,
Tearren