LightScribe: HP's Clever Twist on the CD Burner
Technology Connections・18 minutes read
LightScribe was a technology for burning monochrome images onto CDs or DVDs using specialized drives, taking around 23 to 25 minutes per label. It offered professional-looking labels but had limitations in contrast, alignment issues, and susceptibility to wear.
Insights
- LightScribe was a technology by Hewlett Packard that burned monochrome images onto CDs or DVDs, with slow burning processes and limitations in disc rotation direction affecting label creation time significantly.
- LightScribe discs, while not significantly more expensive, require careful handling as they are durable but susceptible to wear and fading in direct sunlight, with labels needing proper care to last.
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Recent questions
What is LightScribe technology?
LightScribe was a direct-disc labeling technology developed by Hewlett Packard in 2004. It allowed users to burn monochrome images onto the label side of CDs or DVDs using existing optical drive technology.
How long does it take to create a LightScribe label?
The burning process for LightScribe labels was slow, taking around 23 to 25 minutes. However, bending text into a ring on the label reduced burning time significantly, allowing for quicker label creation.
What are the limitations of LightScribe labels?
LightScribe labels lack contrast, especially with images, requiring extreme contrast adjustments for optimal appearance. Text alignment issues are common, with shifting and misalignment noticeable. Additionally, discs exhibit a spiral pattern from the laser's travel in dark areas, considered a flaw.
Are LightScribe discs more expensive than standard options?
LightScribe drives and media were not significantly more expensive than standard options, with discs costing 20-50% more. They are durable but susceptible to wear, fading in direct sunlight or heat, with labels lasting if cared for properly.
How can I make professional-looking labels with LightScribe?
Making professional-looking labels with LightScribe takes at least 15 minutes each, possibly more. Users can select "draft" or "normal" settings to sacrifice burn intensity and resolution, resulting in a lighter image. Additionally, bending text into a ring on the label can reduce burning time significantly, allowing for quicker label creation.
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Summary
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LightScribe: HP's Disc Labeling Technology
- LightScribe was a direct-disc labeling technology developed by Hewlett Packard in 2004.
- It utilized existing optical drive technology to burn monochrome images onto the label side of CDs or DVDs.
- LightScribe drives were modified to determine the disc's exact position for image creation.
- LightScribe discs had a barcode for rotational position detection and label surface information.
- LightScribe DVDs had label coatings sandwiched between layers, affecting label appearance.
- LightScribe labels were created using LightScribe media, a compatible drive, and software like Nero.
- The burning process for LightScribe labels was slow, taking around 23 to 25 minutes.
- LightScribe drives defocused the laser for visible burning, leading to slower disc rotation.
- The drive's limitations in disc rotation direction and burning method affected label creation time.
- Bending text into a ring on the label reduced burning time significantly, allowing for quicker label creation.
12:41
Creating Professional LightScribe Labels: Tips and Challenges
- Making professional-looking labels with LightScribe takes at least 15 minutes each, possibly more.
- Selecting "draft" or "normal" settings sacrifices burn intensity and resolution, resulting in a lighter image.
- LightScribe labels lack contrast, especially with images, requiring extreme contrast adjustments for optimal appearance.
- Text alignment issues are common with LightScribe labels, with shifting and misalignment noticeable.
- LightScribe discs exhibit a spiral pattern from the laser's travel in dark areas, considered a flaw.
- LightScribe drives and media were not significantly more expensive than standard options, with discs costing 20-50% more.
- LightScribe discs are durable but susceptible to wear, fading in direct sunlight or heat, with labels lasting if cared for properly.
