Labeling CD-Rs and CD-ROMs

[Bill Hartzer <XBJH%mimi -at- MAGIC -dot- ITG -dot- TI -dot- COM>]

From: Bill Hartzer               XBJH

Subj: Labeling CD-Rs and CD-ROMs


Brad G. wrote that he is looking for a label printer for CDs.  I'm not sure
whether Brad is looking for a label printer for CD-R (Compact Disc
Recordables) or CD-ROMs, so I'll offer advice on both.

To properly label a CD-R (usually done in very small quantities from your
desktop) there are two ways:  one is to purchase sheets of labels that you
run through your laser printer or inkjet printer one at a time and then
use a special plastic labeling device that allows you to make sure that
the label is put on properly (so it lines up, etc.).  There are several
manufacturers that make these labels (and I don't think Avery is one of
them).  You can also buy the plactic device that helps you stick labels
on the CD-R; it costs about $79.

The second way to label a CD-R is to purchase an inket CD-R label printer,
which allows you to print directly onto the CD-R.  It uses special ink,
and can print up to 256 colors...you usually only can print from a bitmap
or a .pcx file.  The printer comes with software (you can create the
.bmp or .pcx in Corel Draw! if you prefer) that is required.  Also, it
is recommended that you use very basic-looking graphics and text, as the
inkjet printer is only capable of printing something like 170 dpi or
the equivalent.  This printer costs about $250-300, and hooks up to any
windows-based compatible PC.  The only drawback?  It only prints on CDs or
the cardboard templates/testers that it comes with.

Printing on a CD-ROM is an entirely different story.  Professional
silkscreening on CD-ROMs is almost always included in the price of
manufacturing CD-ROMs, which includes 2 colors for free.  You need
film (the type produced for professional printing) produced, and that
must be provided when you manufacture the CD-ROMs.  Manufacturing of
CD-ROMs are done at multi-million dollar plants, of which there are only
6 in the entire United States.  Don't be fooled by companies claiming
that they do CD-ROM manufacturing.  They're only acting as middle men
between the manufacturers and you, which almost always means a higher
price for you.  Deal directly with the plant for the best service and
faster turn-around.  Manufacturing of CD-ROMs can take 10 days for a
normal (cheapest) turn-around time, while copying of CD-Rs can take a
few minutes to record.  CD-ROMs can cost up to $1.00 each to produce in
quantities of 500 or more and CD-Rs can cost up to $25 each.

For the latest info on CD publishing and companies that sell CD services
as well as the label printers and label/labelers I've mentioned, see the
latest copy of CD-ROM Professional magazine on your newstand or contact
me directly.

Regards,
Bill Hartzer     or       Bill Hartzer
Contract Tech Writer      President
Texas Instruments, Inc.   Highfield Marketing Group, Inc.
Dallas, TX USA            Irving, TX USA
xbjh -at- msg -dot- ti -dot- com           Highfield -at- aol -dot- com

"Highfield Marketing Group, Inc. is the proud makers of the CD-ROM
TalentBank(tm), an electronically searchable resume database full of
quality professionals in the computer, high-tech, and technical writing
industries.  Never a fee for applicants.  Employers and recruiters
can search thousands of resumes electronically on their desktops while
applicants can reach thousands of employers with their resume."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Post Message:	TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
Get Commands:	LISTSERV -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU with "help" in body.
Unsubscribe:	LISTSERV -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU with "signoff TECHWR-L"
Listowner:	ejray -at- ionet -dot- net