LightScribe is a direct disc labeling technology that burns text and graphics onto the surface of a CD or DVD using the disc drive's laser and a specially coated LightScribe disc. (It's a safe, nontoxic chemical reaction of the LightScribe disc being "etched" by the laser.) A LightScribe disc drive burns data and creates labels using the same device.
Using laser technology, LightScribe's specially coated discs chemically change when a laser strikes the label side, producing titles and graphics created using LightScribe software.
LightScribe is a registered trademark of the Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. LightScribe was conceived by an HP engineer in Corvallis, Oregon, and brought to market through the joint design efforts of HP's imaging and optical storage divisions.
What types of labels can I burn onto a LightScribe-enabled disc?
You can import your own digital photos or images or use LightScribe-enabled software, which comes with a variety of backgrounds. Available background types are Title, Content, and Full, which refer to how much radial space the label will cover. You can also choose circular or straight text.
What if I need to make a label but don't have much time?
Scribe time can be reduced by switching to a faster scribe mode. Instead of Best (which takes the longest), use Normal or Draft (which are quickest, but produce lighter visuals). You can also etch less content on your label by using either the Title Only or Title & Contents label option. And because LightScribe burns in concentric rings, using circular text instead of straight text will also speed up your scribe time.
Can I rewrite a LightScribe label the way some CDs and DVDs can be rewritten?
No. Once burned, a LightScribe label is final. The software's preview screen lets you see what your label will look like before it is burned. While you can't erase text or graphics from your label, you can easily add more content to a label that is already burned.
What happens if I forget to flip the disc before burning the label side?
LightScribe recognizes whether the appropriate disc side—label or data—is presented for burning. The disc will be ejected and an error message will appear.
How do LightScribe discs differ from traditional CDs and DVDs?
LightScribe media is specially coated to chemically react when a laser beam is applied to it, thus creating labels. The chemical reaction is nontoxic and does not produce a chemical smell.
LightScribe is compatible with PCs using Windows 2000 and XP. To use LightScribe with a Mac, you'll need Mac OS X 10.3, a LaCie DVD-RW external double layer drive and a DVD-RW internal drive.
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