LightScribe external DVD burner vs. DVD labels

[hark]

Does anyone know of a good external LightScribe DVD burner that is less than $100? My LG LightScribe burner blew 2 of my USB ports.

Alternately, I am also considering using regular DVDs and putting DVD labels on them. Do you have any suggestions which brand of labels are good? For the high school theater photos, I burn them to a disc so the drama department can archive them. I've read where DVD labels are different from CD labels due to their getting hotter and require labels that can withstand heat. I can understand that for a movie, but when it involves photos, do you think CD labels will last? Any suggestions on which labels to use if I can't find a LightScribe external burner? Thanks!

 

[weebee]

I don't trust labels, I had a CD with a home made label on it that peeled up a bit and got stuck in my drive. I use markers that are made for cd/dvds

 

[fotojack]

As for Lightscribe burners, you might want to look at LG burners. I have an external one, and it rocks! I also have a built in one in my PC.

 

[BackdoorArts]

I wouldn't trust labels either. Personally, I have an Epson inkjet printer that will print directly on a DVD/CD. They cost me about $.15 ea for the CD's and $.25 for the DVD's. The printer is also a great photo printer so it's a win-win. Mine is an old Epson R280, which I believe is out of production, but I know they still make printers that will do that. I believe the "Artisan 50" is the current name of what looks to be almost the exact same printer.

 

[weebee]

Backdoorhippie, do these printers require a special cd or dvd to print on?

 

[hark]

As for Lightscribe burners, you might want to look at LG burners. I have an external one, and it rocks! I also have a built in one in my PC.

The LightScribe burner I've been using is made by LG. The last time I tried to connect it, it blew 2 of the USB ports. When I inserted it into a 3rd port, the computer won't recognize it as hardware so I can't use it. I've tried to find a replacement by LG, but I don't think they make external ones now. I really liked this LG one, too.

I wouldn't trust labels either. Personally, I have an Epson inkjet printer that will print directly on a DVD/CD. They cost me about $.15 ea for the CD's and $.25 for the DVD's. The printer is also a great photo printer so it's a win-win. Mine is an old Epson R280, which I believe is out of production, but I know they still make printers that will do that. I believe the "Artisan 50" is the current name of what looks to be almost the exact same printer.

Hmm.... Didn't know any printer had the capability of doing that. I read some of the reviews on Amazon for the current model, and they don't sound too good (has to do with the replacement ink cartridges). Maybe I will search and see if there are printers by other manufacturers which offer printing directly onto DVDs/CDs. I'd pay more than $100 if I were going to get a printer with this capability. Thanks for the info, Jake!

 

[hark]

And does anyone know if perhaps I need to download a new driver? If so, what type of driver would I be looking for? I can get the burner connected to a 3rd USB port without it blowing the port, but my computer won't recognize the burner. I downloaded and reinstalled all the LightScribe software, but that hasn't made any difference. Is there some type of Windows driver that I need to replace? Thanks for any help!

 

[jrleo33]

Are your ports USB 2 or 3? I have USB 3 on my PC, and plugged a USB 2 Flash drive in, and it caused the whole PC to shut down.

John

 

[hark]

Are your ports USB 2 or 3? I have USB 3 on my PC, and plugged a USB 2 Flash drive in, and it caused the whole PC to shut down.

John

They are all USB 2. It used to work fine when I plugged it into my tower. By mistake I plugged it into my monitor's USB ports instead of the tower's USB ports. Now neither of my monitor's ports work, but the ones on my tower work. The computer just won't identify that the burner is connected.

 

[BackdoorArts]

Backdoorhippie, do these printers require a special cd or dvd to print on?

Yes. There are several brands available, from generic Staples/Office Depot types to HP and possibly others. Just search Amazon for "inkjet printable dvd".

Hmm.... Didn't know any printer had the capability of doing that. I read some of the reviews on Amazon for the current model, and they don't sound too good (has to do with the replacement ink cartridges). Maybe I will search and see if there are printers by other manufacturers which offer printing directly onto DVDs/CDs. I'd pay more than $100 if I were going to get a printer with this capability. Thanks for the info, Jake!

I've had no issue with mine with either Epson brand ink or 3rd part refills from Amazon. Like a lot of printers the ink will dry up if you're not using it, but I would do runs of 50-70 Christmas CD's every year, with covers, and not have an issue running out. Can't vouch for the new one. It's a 6 cartridge system, but the photos I get from it are great. I went to Amazon and read the review and it seems that the ink cartridge issue is related only to the latest model since someone mentions "breaking out the old R280 and putting the ink in there". There have to be others that work well, either by Epson or another manufacturer.