DVD Type and write speeds & Labeling methods

[RobertCarpentier]

Hello Members,

Would like to hear current thinking on best DVD compatability with consumer players in the U.S. (RENO+ with Arabesk 4.1e, Pioneer 111-D, Firmware 1.29. Project settings are 16:9 Anamorphic.)

I'm used to having success with Verbatim 4.7 GB DVD-R 16x media - but I've always set the write speed at 8x.

I'm considering buying an Epson Artisan 810 printer which has DVD-Hub-Printable capability, and the media would be Verbatim 4.7 GB DVD-R 8x White Inkjet Printable. The procedure would, of course, be to burn the DVD in Arabesk first then slip into the Epson afterwards.

Any comments or suggestions about the Epson vs other printers (or other methods of labeling) would also be appreciated.


Thanks!

Bob Carpentier

[flvideo]

Hey Bob.
I have used Falcon media for years and have had maybe 4 failures out of maybe 5000
Disc's and I have used Epson printers for years to print them I think I am on my 5th Epson. I am currently using an R380 and have an R280 still in the box. The ink is expensive but the results are stunning. I hope tat helps. Bob.. Good name by the way...

[CasablancaExpert]

Hello Robert,

I have used the Casablanca Caladan software to create DVD label artwork, and have more recently been using both the Epson Print CD for simply layouts and Adobe Photoshop Elements for my more complex projects. I only print direct to disk, no longer use any labels).

I use a CAM Audio 1:3 duplicator and have an Epson Stylus Photo R280 for my single, small jobs. But I use the services of CAM Audio for duplication & printing for my larger runs. I find it much more efficient and even cost-effective to use an outside provider like this -- I can concentrate on my production work, business activities instead of either baby-sitting a duplicator/printer or laying the capitol expense/maintenance fees for my own higher end duplicator/printer gear.

Anyway - that's my 2¢

Regards,
Chet

[Billy]

I am on my third Epson Printer. The first two went south with ink pad problems. When the ink pad goes bad, it is cheaper to replace than to repair. The first one lasted about two years, the second (Artisan 800) lasted 13 months and I just bought an Epson 710. I do not do a lot of printing so I am disappointed. I used an ink caddy on both of the earlier ones. Could this be the problem. I am not going to use a caddy on this one just stay with the expensive cartridges.

[RobertCarpentier]

Thanks for the input from everyone - and Chet, the Caladan solution was also on my mind a couple years ago, but I shyed away from it because at that time it was still a "labeler," which I already had - Acoustica software and Neato CD/DVD labels.

But recently I had a kind of epiphany: What if the problems with DVD playability that I have attributed to Arabesk and / or blank media type were actually being caused by the DVD label ?? Reason for suspicion: In the every case I would test all newly burned DVDs in my 4 different DVD players, get satisfactory results, then LABEL THEM AND SEND THEM OFF. Am I an idiot or a genius? Both, I think.

Am conducting further tests and getting closer to confirmation of this theory. Could be the recent batch of adhesive lables from Neato, but I think I will purchase the Epson and some printable disks and TOSS THE NEATO LABELS once and for all.

Happy Editing,

Bob C.

[craigpeer]

Ya, I used to use Neato labels, but now that I'm burning Blu Ray disks I'm too paranoid to use them. I think printable disks are the way to go.

[Billy]

It is my understanding that most experts do not recommend adding a label to the dvd. I put labels on almost a hundred family dvds to only have them not play. I used a solution and peeled them off and they played correctly. The small print in my recorder booklet said, in small print, to never place an add-on label. I can attest to that.

[CasablancaExpert]

Robert,

I would cement what others have suggested here, the general wisdom now across the board is to avoid using labels (add-on/sticky) and go with print on disk. This is also true of audio CDs as many CD players that have an auto-insert tray (slot for the disk) will often times hang-up on _any_ label, even very thin.

The issue with unsuccessful playback/problems on a DVD apparently has to do with the out of balance issues that are caused by a label that is placed even a very teeny-tiny bit off-center. The disk will then not spin correctly, causing a read error.

Another thought for those who have Caladan software, is the ability to export the graphic/label as a JPEG. I have created the DVD label using Caladan and exported the JPG onto a thumb drive and printed that from my computer and or Printer (I had a printer with a USB slot to allow this).

Regards,
Chet