What's the best printer for printing onto CD's and DVD's ?

By best, I mean

- quality of print
- smudgeproof/waterproof print
- speed of print

Since I also want to use this for normal text documents, graphics and mixed text/graphics, it should also produce good quality documents.

Might help to know where you are at. In the USA, you have only one option....Epson. Unless you are willing to pay double for a UK version of the Canon Pixma printers.

There is no such thing as waterproof injet ink, if you want permanence you need a spray-on finish like clear acrylic.

The Canons are far cheaper to operate than Epson by most accounts, especially if you plan to refil tanks. Consider doing a search here for "printer", this topic has been well covered.

I'm in the UK.

Regarding waterproof ink, I thought the Epson DURABrite ink was wateproof since it's pigment based instead of dye-based (whatever that means ) ?

With this type of ink the print is apparently raised off the paper a bit (ie. you can feel it)

I have to say that I do like the reviews of the Canon Pixma range, with the added bonus they that do duplex printing as standard. Which Pixma would you recommend ?

Ideally I would like to get the NEC 4551 with LabelFlash, and 16x DVD-RAM burning. This wouold be my ideal drive......

I use both the Pixma IP3000 and IP4000, both are fine printers. The 4000 would be my choice for photos, or if I had to choose just one.
Lightscribe (and Labelflash) are pretty worthless for most uses, and very expensive. Mainly just gimmicks with limited use.

Thanks for the info. I will probably just go ahead with the 4550 purchase and get a Canon printer. I might get a multi-functional printer with scanner/copier and possibly fax.

What would be equivalent to the iP4000 but as a multi-purpose ?

Is it best to print on DVD's before or after burning them (or doesn't it matter) ?

If you're sure the burn will be a good one, it doesn't matter. Some folks like to verify a good burn before expending the ink for the print. But whether the disc is printed or not does not impact the burning process.

Hi there,

I am currently using Epson Stylus photo R200 that does dvd/cd's and it does a pretty good job but at times it doesn't show the picture that you are trying to print very well I mean for example I just print a label of the game Far Cry which is 5 cd's anyways, the cd's did not come out as clear as it should've been and the ink is only at 1/2 point on all 6 cartridges.. And I've done everything that you can even think about for cleaning them... and its still not helping at all.. So I was wondering if anyone in here knows on what is another good printer that also prints dvd/cd's? I'm not really worried about the price or anything I just want the best printer that does the job the best way possible..? I've also been told that Canon's printers have where when you change the ink it also changes the cartridges as well is this true and what other printer company does that and also prints dvd/cd's?

Can anyone please help me out with this problem please..

I'm totally fusterated and I don't know on what to do please help!!!!

Thanks

I own an U.S. Canon IP5000 PIXMA printer and have engaged the CD/DVD tray option. The trays are being sold on EBay for about $35.00 us dollars (a rip but necessary if you ask me) and works like a charm. All you have to do is go to Google and look up CD/DVD printing on the IP5000 and you will see a forum for the instruction on how to reprogram the printer. The U.S and European printers are constructed the same, the U.S. just never installed the logic for tray printing. I have been using this to print about 400 inkjet printable DVD's with great results. I use Nero label creator with the axis set to what the forum said to put it to (it will take some tweaking for different discs) and bam perfect results every time. If you have any questions please let me know @ jmaccool2@hotmail.com.

Canon Pixma iP5000 works just fine (all inclusive here in Europe)
I use CD-LabelPrint

BTW, this technology is so fast, cheap and simple I don´t know why anyone would bother with paper labels or Lightscribe.
Newer models are now out so check...

I prefer Epson for true duplication of color.
I also have Canon i900D, but it always prints with a heavy pink overtone, which is especially noticeable with biege and fleshcolors.

Okay, what is another brand in printers that are the best and also does printable dvd's & cd's ? besides Epson & Canon....

I've been using ip4200..just like many others..its economical and good quality..as well as being fast.

Original Ink or ??? I heard IP4200 use uncrackable chip. Is it true ?

I too am searching for the "BEST" printer for CD's and DVD's.
I need it to be pretty good quality but the price of the printer is important as well as the price of the ink.
Ink can eat you out of house and home, so to speak.
I have checked out the the Epson RX595 but am worried about the ink usage.
Any help would be appreciated.
I am not sure I can install the CD tray in a Canon and calibrate it but am willing to do what I need to to get the BEST print for the best cost.

WOW, old thread!

There's lots of information in this forum to read up on. Yes, the Epsons are serious ink hogs and the ink is expensive, though compatibles are around.
The Canon is very easy to mod for disc printing, and the IP4500 is a terrific printer all-around. Buy the tray on eBay from either the seller in SanFrancisco or the one in Denver, and it will come with a CD of instructions on how to do it. If you follow the instructions correctly, it takes about 10 min, then you install the driver and software and you are good to go.

Thanks so much.
I am looking at the Canon Pixma MP970 (All in One)
Do you think that would do what I want out of it?

Do you know if the instructions work for a Mac?

Best single source of info is HERE. Use with a MAC will depends on software and drivers.

Thanks for your help.
I will go order the CD/DVD tray right now.