Hi guys.

Wasen't sure where to post this, so I posted here.

What it is. I'm planning on starting a personal dvd/cd collection with copied labeling and covers, problem is..I have no knowledge whatsoever in this area

Guys, can you help me out with a few questions...?

1. What machine do I need to print on discs..and to also print the dvd/cd sleeves?

2. What type of discs do I need to buy?

3. Is there anything else I need..or need to know?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Gun

Movies.com where you can use the pictures to make labels for your backup movies? Memroex cd/dvd labels and a printer. As for media what ever is on sale is the one I buy. You will need to purchase software, I recommend DVDFab, it free for 30 days so goodluck.

1. CD/DVD disc printer like Epson Stylus Photo R***
2. Ink jet printable media.
3. Good en-/recoding software. There are qite many guides in our software section.
*Good luck.

Thanks.

1)I used Canon iP5000 for my CD printing. A plus with this is you can use ink cartridge compatibles on it (£1.99) per colour. You can even refill the empty tanks just make sure you fill the cartridge Upside down. It has a very good software that you can import anything to it.
I imported the entire Nero designers clip arts and picture into it. Fast and not too heavy on ink.
2) I favoured silver top full face printable media for a holographic effect. Just be carefull not to touch it with a wet fingers or sweety hands as it degrade the varnish coating. i used spray fix to protect it.
3) backing up - previuos posts we're more than adequate.
4) For a good site to obtain DVD covers i use
http://www.cdcovers.cc/
5). Most importantly, DON'T be mean on the MEDIA . USE the best like Taiyo Yuden. It your collection, so you want it to last. Use clear plastic envelopes to store them this will protect them from moisture better to avoid corrosion as we all finding out DVD's won't last 100 years. In ten years we all shift to HD and mega capacity disc so don't hold your breath. Advice? keep an old DVD player in the attic so you can play these back ups in ten years time eh.
6) Storage???? Use you shoe box ...........a joke my friend!

Maybe this could be moved to the CD & DVD Printing and Labelling forum? Wealth of info in there such as what's the best printer, best discs etc.

Just a thought

Yes good idea, Arachne... on it's way

Edit: Done!

Thanks Imkidd!

Hi again guys.

Mmmm..still can't decide

After reading stories about ink drying out and smudging on the disc's, I then went on a search for thermal printing machines...talk about expensive

Guys, what price do you think I'll be looking at for the cheepest printer/scanner with thermal dvd/cd printing feature?

Ps, I don't mean to drag this out...a lack of knowledge in this area and not wanting to buy the wrong machine is making me ever so cautious

Bottom line is that if you are having issues with inkjet ink smudging on your discs, then you are handling them wrong. As to drying, there's no issues with any current inkjet printers with correct settings and good printable media. Thermal printing is intended for commercial applications, hence the higher cost. The one advantage it has is that it can be used with most media types, doesn't really NEED a special disc. But thermal is one color, suitable mainly for simple text and graphics. Inkjet is really your only option for full color image printing on discs.

Wow..I have a headache, lol!

Photocopier, scanner, printer...wtf...what's the difference?

Ok this is what I need. A machine that will allow me to import DL'd dvd labels/cover images and then transfer them to the disc and paper. I have a £100 (give or take) to spend on this machine.

Now, you guys are probably thinking..well we've already gave you ideas. But, I am confused as to whether I just need a printer/dvd cd printer, or a printer/scanner/photocopier/dvd cd printer?

I like the looks of the Epson Stylus Photo R280 (which pinto2 recommended) and also the Epson Stylus Photo R290...can't seem to find them in the UK though and also not sure if they'll do what I want. With them only being printers, can they put images from my computer on to disc/paper?

In a word YES they can print your discs and covers. I use the Epson R220 and it prints all of
my discs and covers with no problems what so ever. I use the Epson Print CD software that
comes with the printer to print my discs and Adobe Photoshop to print my covers with.

Ok guys..I think I've found what I'm looking for.

Here it is...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Epson-Stylus.../dp/B000V5COYY

It's an all-in-one machine, decent looking and the price is spot on at £89.99

Now for the other things I need.

Media. Are these ok...?

http://www.dvdshoponline.co.uk/Taiyo...FSiWEgodfDk1ug It's the Taiyo Yuden 16x WaterShield Inkjet Printable DVD-R - Tub 50 (half way down page). Do you know if these are available in +RW's?...I'm bound to make recording mistakes along the way.

Paper. What about this..?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Epson-Qualit...6656372&sr=1-1 I think A4 is the correct size for dvd/cd covers? Also, the glossy finish paper seems to expensive.

Lastly. DVD cases..will these do...?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/100-x-Single...6656983&sr=1-1 There's an offer for 100x single and 25x double for £13.92

Guys, it would be very much appreciated if on of you knowledgeable folk could check my links and confirm whether or not I'm buying the correct items for my needs?

Cheers

Gun

@Gun

Have you considered Canon iP6000? I never used Epson so not sure of the ink consumption, or if you can re-fill its tanks or if you can use compatibles, well...that is if you care about running costs.

I use Navigator 120 grams paper. Available at Tesco and cheap. Silky to touch. You can use also photo paper, buy it from Costco and print ordinary not photo quality otherwise your ink will just go in a flash. Get a good paper cutter a nice one also in Costco, Thurrock

I'm getting my media at DVD shop on line too. Good site and quick delivery. Look at the half size DVD case http://www.dvdshoponline.co.uk/info_1_1815.html they sell too same size as a jewel case- you can save a lot of space than using the full DVD case. I always use Word to print my covers. Using the half size, your image dimensions will be 13.5cmx25cm. Use copy and paste if you are downloading the image or direct to the application using twain.

Media I often buy their un branded TY G03 100 cello wrap http://www.dvdshoponline.co.uk/P1865.html

The choice is yours.

TIP:
And by the way, using Word either 2003 or 2007 versions. Save the first page you did with the right cover dimensions. So next time you want to print a cover. Just open the saved page from where you saved it and "right click" on the image there > click "change Picture" find your image and Print.

Hi guys.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm just about to order..one last question.

Ok, this is dumb...printers do come with ready to use ink cartridges..don't they?

Also, do the DVD-R disc's play in any DVD player?

My Epson R265 did. You can either buy a set in case or take the chance.

And quality DVD-Rs should play in a variety of players (not counting really old ones that won't touch backups). I never had a problem playing TY -Rs or +Rs, but as usual there's always a first time - but you can say that about any media.

Regarding papers etc SVP.co.uk do a great range which I've used myself.

God...I must be the worst online shopper ever..I end up with around 20 IE pages open all at once

Anyways, I just completed my orders. I managed to get everything from 2 shops, this is what I bought....

Amazon

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Epson-Stylus.../dp/B000V5COYY

Digitalpromo

http://www.digitalpromo.co.uk/freeco...er-p-2250.html

http://www.digitalpromo.co.uk/taiyo-...ub-p-1876.html

http://www.digitalpromo.co.uk/plexto...tub-p-496.html

http://www.digitalpromo.co.uk/amps-p...ts-p-1541.html

http://www.digitalpromo.co.uk/inkrit...ts-p-1061.html

http://www.digitalpromo.co.uk/single...box-p-965.html

http://www.digitalpromo.co.uk/double...box-p-967.html

http://www.digitalpromo.co.uk/pressi...il-p-1053.html

Thats a printer, 500gb EHD, 75 disc's, 150 sheets of paper, 50 dvd cases and a can of Pressit Sprayfix all delivered within 2 days. Total cost is £229.92.

So what do you think guys...do you think it's a decent deal?..taking into account there's a 500gbEHD thrown in there aswell

Thank's for all your advice.

Gun

Nice haul ...unfortunately Digital Promo's site doesn't wanna load for me right now though.

I can tell from the links what you bought though, and 2 days for all that is really good. It'll be like Christmas come early hehe.

Do not use any sprays on TY Watershield discs, ever. It's perfect just as it is. In fact, I'd suggest that for a novice, you stay away from sprays completely. You'll wind up ruining more discs than not, and stink up the place in the process. If I was to use any sprays, it would be only on flat-white media and only if it was going to be handled by kids.