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@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. > > > 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.
