Disc labeling using LightScribe allows you to burn a silkscreen-quality image on the disc without needing a separate printer. Instead, the disc's special coating and your computer's laser create the text images. This provides greater mobility when using your discs, since it's easy to carry a few LightScribe discs and a laptop or desktop with you when you need to work. In addition, you don't have to worry about running out of ink or having a paper disc sleeve handy.
LightScribe technology uses a special disc coating and a dedicated CD/DVD drive to produce etched labels without printing ink on the surface of the disc. The label side of a LightScribe-specific disc is coated with a dye that reacts to infrared laser light (at 780 nm). When the LightScribe drive's laser beam strikes this layer, it causes a chemical change, allowing the laser to "etch" the desired label pattern onto the disc's surface.
The process is simple: After creating a label design on a computer, insert the disc in your LightScribe-enabled recorder and follow the software's instructions to burn it. The process takes about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the contrast level and the drive compatibility.
LightScribe discs are optimized to last. They should show no significant fading for at least two years. To extend their life, store LightScribe discs in a protective sleeve or jewel case, and keep them away from direct sunlight. Also, avoid touching the data side of a LightScribe disc, as this may degrade the disc's coating and image over time.
