On 22/10/06, Anne Wilson <cannewilson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> 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. Dotan Cohen http://what-is-what.com/what_is/love.html
