OT: labelling CD/DVD disks

[Temlakos]

Jeff Vian wrote:
> On Sun, 2006-10-22 at 19:46 +0100, Anne Wilson wrote:
> 
>>On Sunday 22 October 2006 19:39, Dotan Cohen wrote:
>>
>>>On 22/10/06, Anne Wilson <cannewilson at tiscali.co.uk> wrote:
>>>
>>>>For years I have applied paper labels to CDs, using an aligning tool, and
>>>>never had a problem.  Around the time I got my first DVD burner I read
>>>>that, because DVDs have a denser ring population, they are less tolerant,
>>>>and one should not apply labels, but use only a pen.
>>>>
>>>>ISTR that a couple of months ago someone on this list remarked that this
>>>>is nonsense.  Does anyone care to share their experiences with me? 
>>>>Thanks
>>>
>>>That information is backwards. In regular 650MB-700MB CD's, the
>>>recorded layer is very near the label side (not laser side) of the
>>>disk. Therefore, scratches on the label side are more dangerous to the
>>>data than scratches on the laser side. DVD's, on the other hand, have
>>>the recorded layer exactly in the middle, so is is protected from both
>>>sides.
>>>
>>>However, you should not apply paper labels to a disk because it will
>>>upset the disk's balance. This might not be a problem n an audio disk
>>>that is spun at 1x speed maximum. However, a data disk that is spun at
>>>x52 speed is very sensitive to balance. Also, the paper could intefere
>>>with the tight tolerances of CD players, notably those found in cars.
>>>
>>>Always use a FELT TIP marker to mark CDs. A regular ball point will
>>>very likely scratch the label side of a CD, thereby damaging the
>>>recorded layer.
>>>
>>
>>Hmm - I have paper-labelled CDs full of photos for years, and never had a 
>>balance problem.  I do think, though, that a proper mounting/aligning tool is 
>>necessary to avoid this.
>>
>>Thanks for sharing your thoughts
>>
> 
> I have used paper labels for years as well.  Using a suitable alignment
> tool seems to be all that is needed, and they are really inexpensive and
> easy to use.
> 
> There can be problems with writing directly on the CD.  A permanent
> marker has solvents in the ink that can damage the thin plastic data
> layer which is on the label side of the disk, and that damage can take
> some time to appear.  Some disks are more susceptible than others to
> these solvents.  Because of this issue, for disks that I intend to keep
> a long time I have always used the paper labels.  
> 
> Now that the prices of printable disks (CD & DVD) has become affordable,
> and the printers for them are available and some even can be used in
> Linux, I have quit buying the paper labels and buy only the printable
> CDs and DVDs.
> 

Recently I acquired an Epson Stylus Photo RX-700. I had to use the CUPS 
driver for the Stylus Photo 700 in order to make it work, but I /did/ 
get it to work. That printer has a guide for printing directly to a 
disk--and now you can get printable disks for about $0.50 US per disk, 
or even less. Paper labels now add too much to the price of 
non-printable (branded) disks to make them worthwhile. Add to it that a 
directly printed disk looks neater and is easier to clear the player.

Temlakos