While some consumers who print labels on their DVDs have some sort of label printer, one drawback is that the printer is not very portable, such as for those who are on the move. Well, Toshiba has unveiled a slim Lightscribe DVD recorder that fits into slim drive bays such as on laptop computers.
By using Hewlett-Packard's Lightscribe technology, their drive can print the label just by flipping the disc over after the recording process has completed, like with a PC based Lightscribe compatible drive. The drive is compatible with existing Lightscribe software applications.
The drive's features include 8x DVD-ROM and 24x CD-ROM read performance, 4x DVD±R/RW, 24x CD-R and 10x CD-RW write performance and has a height of just 12.7mm (1/2"). While shipping has already started earlier in May, unfortunately it is intended for PC vendors and will not be available directly to consumers.
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Lightscribe allows labels to be etched onto blank discs using the drive's laser. To use the technology, users will burn data onto a blank disc as normal and then flip over the disc and reinsert it to etch the label on the reverse side. Several software applications are compatible with the technology, which is also used by other drive makers and supported by several blank media makers. The SD-R6572M supports DVD+/-R write and DVD-ROM read at speeds up to 8X, DVD+/-RW write at speeds up to 4X, CD-R write and CD-ROM read at speeds up to 24X and CD-RW write at speeds up to 10X. The drive measures 12.7 millimeters high and is suitable in slim drive bays such as those in laptop computers. |
While Lightscribe seems like a handy way to label a disc, it does have the drawback that it is a fairly lengthy process to actually 'burn-in' the image. Then again, for professionals who are on the move, it is a lot handier than lugging a printer about and having a printed label gives discs a more professional look than hand written print.
Feel free to discuss and find out more about Lightscribe technology on our DVD Recorder forum.
Source: Computer World
