Have new VAIO...no LightScribe...Alternatives Anyone???

Hi All-

I have a new VAIO laptop. As you all know, Sony doesn't offer LightScribe option. Vaio has a DVD/Blu-Ray RW drive. I want to place neat, beautiful labels on the DVDs and Blu-Rays I write. I need some ideas as to how I can achieve this.

I did read in a previous thread that said one shouldn't use stick-on DVD/CD labels. If I understood correctly, they (stick-ons) can corrupt disc or effect the balance. I'd like to avoid that if possible, so posted in Hardware hoping there would be other means via. external hardware.
I'm looking for the best alternative.

Thanks

 

Thanks for responding plodr. I'm also currently using a Sharpies for hand writing on the DVDs and Blu-Rays I burn.

I was hoping someone would know about the types of external hardware avaliable "out there", and could recommend something.
I don't even know if I can purchase an external DVDRW drive that can perform the LightScribe. I have seen a few things (I think) that actually paint/print ink on the DVD/CD, but again I do not know much about this type of hardware and reliability.
I was hoping for some quick advice from those with much more experience in this subject area. Opinions/experiences of others save so much time or at least give you insight to what works and what is a waist of time.

Hand written labels just don't give justice to a Blu-Ray you've just burned...if you know what I mean.
Also, have little ones who can't read and pictures on DVD and Blu-Rays would help them identify which case to place disc in when they switch to new move...assuming it isn't dropped and left on the floor.

 

Hi Bee,

The labels that are bad are the small rectangular ones like address labels. They unbalance the disk. The round disks the shape of the CD/DVD disk made with Nero, Roxio, CD-Labeler etc. are OK.

Luck, Jim

 

Personally, I would invest in an Epson printer that can print directly onto an inkjet printable CD or DVD. I have 2 of them and will never go back to the round labels or using a marker. The printers are only about $55 for a refurbished one on the Epson site.

 

Thank you Puppywunder58. This seems like the way to go. I'll check out these printers that print directly to DVDs & CDs.
Are the printable DVD/CDs a lot more expensive than regulars?
Is Epson the best to use for this and are the refurbished reliable?

-Liz

 

I have some of the DVD labels and will try them out.
I was just reluctant to even use after I read they could cause problems. Glad they won't go to waste.

Thanks to jlphlp for clearing up that issue.

 

Where did you read about this glue issue and what exactly did it cause on the CD? The thread here that I read did not give any detail like that.

Until I can get a printer for CDs/DVDs/BDs, I guess I'll be using the Sharpie again...
Thanks Again
-Liz

 

Hi All,

I've been using Disk Labels from several makers for years and neve had a problem with them. True, the data is actually in the silvery coating on the top surface of the disk but, it's pretty sturdy. Just don't scratch it. Also use an applicator to attach the label to the disk. It will assure alignment.

Luck, Jim

 

Thanks for the links. You've permanently detoured me from applying any type of stick-on label to any disk.
I hope ink from a Sharpie marker won't cause problems later for me.

 

I've been using Sharpie's for a couple years without issues, and I also have a Memorex felt tip that came packed with some DVDs I bought a while back. It's weird, but the Memorex pen smells real bad, like REALLY BAD, like raw sewage. Seriously. I have read that not all felt tips are created equal, and that some are considered too acidic to be used on CDs and DVDs. However, I think that if Sharpies were bad for discs, we would have heard something a long time ago. The way the web moves info around, we would have known if Sharpies were corroding our movies and music years ago. Especially when you consider how popular Sharpies are. We all use 'em!
:-D