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@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.
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
