LightScribe

Just few days ago I bought a new DVD Writer to replace my current one that is starting to wear down. Although it still working... barely, it’s now having a hard time reading most of my CDs/DVDs and since I always use it to burn all of my video files, I guess because of that, its beginning to reach its limit. For those who are not much of a “Techie”, let me explain.. all our devices that we are using have lifespan (yeah, they do have one). Whether you take good care of it or not, they will eventually wear down and die at certain point. So, now I have to replace my DVD-Writer right away because its one of the devices I mostly use in my PC especially when burning data.

But the new one I got has an add-on technology called LightScribe. Now, this LightScribe isn’t something new, in fact it’s already been around for 6 years, I think. The thing is I haven’t tried using one before. I’ve heard it before but I don’t pay much attention since I don’t own one. So, now that I have one, which is pretty nice at least I could able to try using it, but for information sake, what exactly is a LightScribe?

LightScribe basically allows you to create direct-to-disc label using the Disc Writer itself. To be able to do this: (1) of course, the Disc Writer must be LightScribe support, (2) any burner software that has LightScribe features to be able for you to design label image for the disc. The Installation disc along with the Disc Writer would probably already have it and (3) the CD/DVD to use must be specially designed for LightScribe. Don’t use regular disc for LightScribe. But nonetheless, Disc Writer with LightScribe support can still do regular disc burning.

LightScribe discs are specially coated to laser-etch images on the top-face of the disc. The method is somewhat similar to the way the data is written to the disc. You can do LightScribe before or after you burn the data. You must turn the disc over and insert it with the top side is down (meaning, the face-side of the disc is in the bottom). Once you already labeled a disc, you can’t anymore replace the image that was put in it but you can add additional designs in the current image by repeating the labeling process in the same image.

Unlike regular discs, LightScribe discs have some special precautions on how to store to prevent it from fading. But because in some cases that these precautions weren’t observed well, some experienced label image of the disc were easily fading and sometimes’ been discolored because of some chemicals that accidentally poured into. This drawback makes LightScribe discs not suitable for continuous handling. But they say it’s purely superficial and do not affect the data stored in the disc.

Personally, I’m not much interested on LightScribe discs. Practically, do note that LightScribe discs are much more expensive compare to regular discs. So, if you were just basically archiving data’s just like me then LightScribe is not necessarily at all (unless you wanted to make your disc more special looking) and there’s no reason for you to pay much just for a disc. Also, considering the precautions I have to follow, I’m not really sure if I could handle that well. BUT I would still recommend you to buy it, anyway. Nowadays, Disc Writers are pretty much cheaper than before and the price of both LightScribe and non-LightScribe Disc Writers are almost the same. So you might as well pick the LightScribe Disc Writer. The LightScribe feature may not much of a use but it’s a plus, anyway.

LightScribe Disc Writers of any brand are very much available to most major computer stores. I got mine at Asianic for a decent price of P1,500.00 but just go to any stores of your pick. ;)

LightScribe technology was developed by HP (Hewett-Packard) For more information about LightScribe, go to their official website.

Until then!

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