Something else I'll throw into this thread. You know how everyone says that you shouldn't use labels on DVDs? I tried it a few months ago, and found that, with an applicator like Stomper, the labels go on centered and the disk works fine. Then, a month later, the disk won't work!

What could it be? I figured the adhesive couldn't permeate the top plastic layer. I guessed it must be that the paper layer must somehow be shrinking, due to adhesive curing, or relative humidity, or something, and that was causing the disk to warp slightly. I put the disk in a clean cotton shirt, and gently flexed it back and both along several axes. Shazam! Now it plays again!

I don't know if this trick will work every time, but it seems to work more often than not. I guess the theory is that, by flexing the disk, one is stretching the paper label, taking out any tension that might be causing the warping.

The really cool setup would be to use inkjet-printable DVD-Rs, but that would mean buying a new printer. Perhaps most inkjet printers a few years from now will have some sort of tray that allows one to print on either paper or disks.

I use labels without problems. How do you store your CD's and DVD's?

They should NOT be stored flat. Best is each in a jewel case and vertically.

I don't have a DVD burner so I cannot speak about DVD disks quality like some other can do.
But one thing is for sure: I don't want to use stamps as there's always the risk of getting it off center and if they are centered there's always the risk of wrong paper mass distribution. Disks prodution take this in account.
About storage, if they cannot be stored horizontally, what would happen when you get one in a hot summer day inside a car? They surely must take this kind of treatment without loosing data. Or are we getting problems like we had in vinyl days, when we have to be cautious about their handling??

JP
Portugal

Good for me that I read this today about labeling DVD´s or not.
Was just going to label 10 DVD´s I´ve just finished.
I´ve labeled CD´s without any problem to use them but have´nt tried DVD´s yet.
Is this true ?
More comments on this subject are welcome
Aje

in 3 months i haven't had any problems with labeling on my tdk and pioneer dvd's
in fact, i haven't had problems with any labels
just playing my cheap dvd's in my laptop
tdk--$4 per--i will search to get cheaper
pioneer---i will search today to get cheaper
if anyone knows a good place to get either dvd's i am all ears--thnx very kindly
i will post my findings later
cheers
sbsbsbsbsb

Fuji DVD-R works well in everything I have tried. I belong to the BJ's Wholesale Club warehouse. (similar to Costco and Sam's Club). I get it there for $14.00 a five pack.
In terms of the issue with labels on DVD's.....they work, but they have to be perfectly centered and the discs have to be handled so that you don't scratch the BACK of the disc. The recordable area is just barely protected by a very thin back surface.

John

I've burned a couple hundred DVDs on my A03. I have come to the following conclusion -- Results vary.

But I did see some patterns.

You almost can't go wrong with the $4-5/each name brand (Pioneer,TDK,etc.) If you look and feel closely, you can tell that these DVDs are produced with higher quality standards. Smooth edges, not sharp or rough spots. With these you can usually get away with adding a regular CD-type label (BUT I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND IT)

The DVD's that I had the MOST problems with are the "Pro-types" for $2-3/each. These are often mistaken for the "Generic" versions of the brand names, because the coloring & packaging are usually made to look identical. I'm convinced that these companies do it purposly. I'm not sure why they don't work well. My guess is that the thick coating causes them to become unstable easily, because after burning at 1x or 2x, both my Home DVD players & Computer DVD players encountered errors usually half way through.

Most of the Cheaper DVD are very sensitive to balance issues after a REGULAR CD/DVD label is attached. The only labels I have found to work well are the "Wobblefree" labels from www.americal.com. They are tricky to print & apply, but boy they look nice. They are as thin as onionskin, they are translucent, so if you do buy the Brand Name DVDS, make sure you get the Plain white surface versions. The labels absorb the ink well (make sure it's completely dry first-- I set mine on top of my monitor for 5 minutes. It feels very smooth almost like Matte Scotch tape.

BY FAR, MY BEST RESULTS, and the only DVD-Rs that I currently buy now are the $.79/each unbranded Silver tops. Burn it at 2x and add a wobblefree label (man they look cool). I have had a total of ZERO fail.

BUT Since results may very, a suggest buying a "Sampler pack", so once you find a brand that works. Stick with it. If you prefer not to go through the hasstle, then just by the Brand name ones, just be prepared to pay $$$.


jeffy82@aol.com

Agreed....

I buy ultra-cheap dics.... and they work everywhere I've tried. Ok, that's only about 1 dozen players, but still. I've burned close to 50 dvds, and every single one has been perfect. Your mileage may vary.

The Url for the place I use?

http://cd-dvd-supplies.com/

Kinda crappy website, but hey, their profit margin must be razor thin! :^)

And check out the DVD-RW's... around $2 each! If you have a good player (oh, say Pioneer 434), then they work great... makes proofing very cheap and easy.

Chrisf

craftech:
You're thinking of CD disks when you mention that the top surface is delicate. On CDs, the laser looks through the entire thickness of plastic to the burned or plated surface, which is on the top of the disk and is usually protected by just a coating of something.

DVD-Rs are very different construction. The disk is made up of two platters of equal thickness, so the recording surface is actually in the very center of the sandwich (this is how you are able to buy double-sided DVDs). You could take a penknife to write on the top surface and it wouldn't affect the recording surface (though not recommended).

I've labeled several DVDs without trouble so far. I have a spindle of cheap discs (under $1 each) that I use for data backup and playback in my own DVD player, and then a shorter stack of more expensive discs I use when sending video to others. I've used labels on both.

I never rented a dvd that didnt work. All dvds from the video store or shopping store all have some sort of label or print on them.

The companies that make movies have to burn millions of dvds and I seriously doubt that they pay 4$ a disk. They are probally getting them for around 1 penny. We just need to find this manufacturer on the internet and order some. They cannot discriminate against your company (xyz home movies inc.) and only sell to hollywood it is illegal. They are out there...just have to look.

Once we get good quality blank dvds for cheap I would use a printer design for printing blank dvds. This is what hollywood does for years now and it works. If your in business I heard somewhere that a decent printer is around 3200$...buy it and write it off..if you just make some home movies then the better quality dvds (that are yet to be discovered) should work well with the paper labels.

I agree about not trusting cheap dvds, but I am sure we could find quality dvds for cheap...hollywood found them....now it is our turn.....my 2 cents.

I've been using media from Americal.com for the past year and haven't had any problems. I burn with a Pioneer A04 and use DVD-R media with a silver reflective layer. I'd have to say that I've burned at least 200 disks without a problem, and at $1.50 or less per disk, they are very affordable.

Michael