Inkjet Printable DVD Media

If, like me, you make a few DVDs or CDs and print the the round labels to stick on them - then make a mess of centering the label or getting kinks or ripples on the label yuk!

Now have a thought about a better way.

 Printing directly to the surface of your DVD-R inkjet printable offers certain advantages over using labels:

It?s generally cheaper to buy printable inkjet media than to buy both media and labels. While the printer might represent an additional expense, you need a printer to print labels anyway; a media-capable printer actually costs about the same as a better inkjet printer.

It?s much easier than placing labels on many discs, since most printers have easy-to-use disc alignment. Labels can peel and cause damage to drive and player mechanisms; because the inkjet surface is part of the media, drive damage is less likely, regardless of storage conditions. Inkjet media is also safer in slot-loaded optical drives.

Printers

Companies like Canon, Epson, Hewlett Packard, offer printers designed to print on DVD inkjet printable media.

These printers are available in a wide range of prices (starting at about ?70) and are designed for either home or commercial use. Most can be used for more than just printing media, they will print digital images, presentations, cards, and other projects. Some specialized units feature automated burning and printing for multiple CDs/DVDs.

Look for printers with easy-to-load CD/DVD trays, and consider the costs of the ink refill cartridges as part of your purchase if you plan to use the printer regularly. Be sure it includes the software required to print the media, and that the software is compatible with your computer operation system. If you will need to print more than one discs at a time, look for a printer that will accept multiple discs per print job.

Selecting & Burning Inkjet Printable CDs & DVDs
Inkjet-Printable CD-R, Inkjet Printable DVD-R and DVD+R Inkjet Printable media all comes in two base colours: Silver and White. White is great for most applications, although some people prefer a silver base to print digital photos and other images to disc. When printing to disc, be sure to use only media specifically designed for the purpose, as ?regular? media isn?t designed to accept the ink and can make a mess!
The only difference between ?traditional? DVDR media and the inkjet printable DVDR is the top surface, or protective layer. The inner layers ? where the data ?lives? ? are identical to those in other blank CD/DVD media.

Storage & Handling
As with any blank DVD discs , you should always handle the discs by grasping their outer edges or centre holes. Avoid exposing discs to direct sunlight, excessive heat or humidity. Inkjet printed discs are especially vulnerable to smudging in high humidity situations, or when handled by damp fingers. Inkjet printed DVD Media should not be stored or shipped in soft plastic or paper envelopes ? the chemicals used to keep the package materials supple may soften the inks, causing the disc to stick to the sleeve and potentially damage the disc when removed.

It is best to use jewel cases or other containers that don't come into direct contact with the printed surface.

To print on DVD/CD media

1. To print on DVD/CD media, first you need the following item:
   
   -DVD inkjet printers such as Epson R200/R300/R320/R340
   -Inkjet Printable DVD/CD Media
   -Software to design printing images or texts (usually bundled with printers).
   

2. Use the software to modify images and texts that you want to print. Beware of the difference between hub printable (also called full face printable) and non-hub printable DVD/CD media.
   

3. Insert inkjet printable DVD/CD media face up into the printer?s CD/DVD tray and print. (You may need to switch the paper feed of your printer from auto to manual.) Many DVD/CD printers are able to handle printing on mini DVD/CD media as well.

4. After printing, don?t touch the printing surface until the discs dry up.  

Shopping for a CD Printer and Printable CD/DVDs

Not all printers are created equal. To work with printable media, you need a CD/DVD printable printer. Whether you plan to print on CDs frequently or once in a while,

Regular CDs or DVDs do not have the finish required to produce successful inkjet prints. Depending on the finish of the printable layer, you will get different results from the same designs. For example, the silver inject printable media will exude a shiny reflective surface, where as the white inkjet printable will be more like printing on paper.