LightScribe - How To Make It Work
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Computers base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" data-original="https://usercontent2.hubstatic.com/506361_100.jpg" class="lazy" alt="Steve Nelson profile image" title="Steve Nelson profile image"/>Steve Nelson moreContact Author With LightScribe You Can Do This...
How LightScribe All Began
LightScribe was unveiled in the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2004.
It was the brainchild of Daryl Anderson, a Hewlett Packard engineer in Corvallis, Oregon, and exposed to market with the joint design efforts of HP's imaging and optical storage divisions.
Anderson also notes the direct-burn method avoids label clutter.
"There are not any consumables like ink or ink jet cartridges; the one consumable would be the disc itself, Anderson says. "The discs possess a thin, laser-sensitive layer around the label side from the disc."
So, will this out-of-the-box answer to disc labeling mark the final to the sticky labels forever?
Well, its several years since that initial launch although LightScribe may be adopted using a forward thinking few, it's still to be recognized by most as the easiest way to label your discs.
The factors behind this I believe are fourfold and they're:
1: LightScribe images are just mono, not colored.
2: LightScribe media is frequently more expensive than standard blank DVDs and CDs.
3: Getting the LightScribe software to operate has proven for most, myself included, an excellent problem. Understandably, people want technology which is easy to use therefore we have become used to things being ‘plug and play’.
LightScribe unfortunately will not fit this category. This I am certain has delay all but probably the most determined.
Five years back when I first started using LightScribe, there is little or no information available outside HP’s official LightScribe site; Consequently the procedure was frustratingly tricky to understand and utilize.
This not enough information prompted me to set up an out-of-the-box software solution called The LightScribe Kit.
This undergone 9 upgrades finalizing on January 2015 in The LightScribe Toolbox 2015 the Best LightScribe Software
4: LightScribe Labeling technology, although standard in HP and Compaq systems, will not be promoted by computer retailers for instance PC World, Comet, etc.
Until this case changes almost all of people will remain not familiar with the great great things about LightScribe approaches to use LightScribe.
You, however, when you are reading this article, are one forward thinking few and then for this I congratulate you.
I have spent the final 9 years looking to promote the benefits on the LightScribe labeling technology. I believe it for being vastly superior on the alternative, namely sticky labels. I also think that it is just a couple of time ahead of the present drawbacks will probably be overcome, then LightScribe will assume its rightful place as being the world’s leading labeling technology.
The LightScribe Toolbox 2015
ARE YOU READY FOR LIGHTSCRIBE?
So you're to trash your nasty sticky labels and wish a piece in the LightScribe action, have you been?
STOP RIGHT THERE!
Just when you throw your labels towards the shredder, will your personal computer be up towards the task of running LightScribe?
“But”, I hear you say, “my PC includes a DVD writer and yes it’s not too old, so surely it are going to be up towards the job, won’t it?”
Not so quick, I’m afraid. If you remember through the introduction, LightScribe was invented in 2004, and I know that’s several years ago now but HP like a forward looking company wouldn't concern themselves with systems that far pre-dated that period.
Having declared that, in the final 8 years I have had few people who desire to use LightScribe have been running Windows 98, for example.
With no further ado, just what do you should have for being able to consider utilising LightScribe?
Although Mr Gates and friends would really like us all to get using a PC and running Vista you'll find alternatives and that we shall look in the three main platforms/os's in turn.
1: A Windows based PC.
Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP (32-bit as long as you have a very machine using a reasonably recent OS to the type of system you happen to be using then you've successfully passed Step One.
Now we could move on to assembling the remaining aspects of your LightScribe System.
This are going to be covered next four steps.
LightScribe Hardware - Get the Right Kit!
One in the questions I have already been repeatedly asked is:
“Can I use my existing DVD Drive to print LightScribe labels?”
I’m sorry to say, no you can’t.
There are just four components to some LightScribe installation and perhaps they are:
The first requirement can be a DVD drive that is specifically designed make use of LightScribe Labeling Technology.
Nearly all DVD drive manufacturers now produce a minumum of one LightScribe Enabled drive; for instance ,:
Asus, Benq, Candy, Freecom, Gericom, HP, I/OMagic, Lacie, LG, LiteOn, Maddog, Philips, Samsung.
By strategy for an example, my first LightScribe drive would have been a LITEON.
Adding a LightScribe Drive in an existing system.
External/Internal CD/DVD Drives.
If you've already got a pc, you can include LightScribe capabilities by 50 % ways:
1: Get another LightScribe-enabled DVD drive that connects to your laptop.
These can connect via USB or Firewire; are both supported.
2: Get an enclosed drive which will replace your present CD/DVD drive.
This is by far by far the most popular method, and also the cheapest.
A relevant question I have already been asked, in reality the question I happen to be asked above all, is:
“How can I determine if my drive can be a LightScribe Enabled Drive?”
1: Desktop PC.
Printed around the front from the drive (around the drive tray) are going to be the LightScribe Logo.
2: Laptop PC.
Slimline drives will not have enough space to get a LightScribe logo for the drive tray, but a LightScribe logo sticker must be affixed to all or any LightScribe-enabled notebooks.
To ensure that, the presence in the disc encoder sensor can verify that your drive is LightScribe-enabled.
Looking straight down around the spindle following your drive tray is opened, look with the presence of the LightScribe disc encoder sensor as a possible indicator of LightScribe capability.
Up up to now the problems are few, however that can not be said products follows. Hang on for your hat; it’s time for you to tackle the program.
LightScribe Software - Now the Fun Begins!
So why the dire warning?
Is the application required to make LightScribe work so all challenging install and rehearse?
The answer depends on the indisputable fact that no operating-system, even ones that permit LightScribe to figure, have built within them drivers that recognize you employ a LightScribe enabled drive installed on your personal machine.
Herein lies the challenge. Unlike upgrading one DVD writer with another comparable drive, upgrading to LightScribe can be a different matter entirely.
We have covered be simple bit, namely choosing and installing a different physical drive. What we can be covering next two steps is going to be choosing, installing and configuring the many parts define the necessary LightScribe software installation.
LightScribe System Software
This could be the software that allows your laptop to 'talk' for your LightScribe drive.
LightScribe Labeling Software.
We shall now cover the simple and easy selection of labeling software. I say relatively easily, because don't assume all proprietary LightScribe labeling software works out with the box as being the manufacturers might have us believe.
As in the matter of hardware, you can find a number of manufacturers who produce software make it possible for LightScribe labels to become printed. These include:
Acoustica, Cyberlink, Droppix, Intervideo, Lacie, Nero, NTI
Roxio, Smile, Sonic, SureThing, Targetcast
Please Note:
Some names you might recognize and many you may not. HP also produces two simple labeling programs which we shall come back with a little later.
It may be the very undeniable fact that this can be so faithfully that led me to make The LightScribe Toolbox
When I started, I was sent Nero 6.6 with my drive. Armed with whole process almost, I had no reason at all to doubt that I can have my LightScribe drive working in a few minutes of installation.
The reality couldn't are already further on the truth.
I spent the subsequent 72 hours searching the web for the solution, after installing and uninstalling various updates. I came on the conclusion that Nero 6.6, without treatment at least, hasn't been up on the job.
I eventually discovered the call to have installed prior on the labeling software, what is known LightScribe System Software, or might know about may call LightScribe system drivers.
I subsequently found, as much others have, that Nero is notoriously tough to configure for LightScribe label printing. I found in the conclusion that I needed an alternative labeling solution.
Please usually do not misunderstand me; I happily use Nero burning all my data and music.
However, even though upgrading to Nero 7 Premium I have still not been capable to get Nero cover designer, which could be the labeling part in the program, to understand my LightScribe Drive as being a LightScribe Drive!
My personal solution, the aforementioned LightScribe Toolbox that I build, and make use of myself, includes all the essential system software and allows someone to set up and be printing labels within just 10 minutes.
The ease of use is remarked upon by many with purchased it.
With having said that and done, let's look in Step Four at all of the components necessary for the successful LightScribe installation.
Installation - Putting the Pieces Together.
As said previously, you'll find four basic components to some successful LightScribe installation
1: A LightScribe Enabled Drive.
2: LightScribe System Software.
3: LightScribe Labeling Software.
4: LightScribe Media.
We have become going to examine order during which these parts needs to be installed/used.
Although it will seen obvious because some hardware needs its associated software installed first, nothing the following is assumed or assumed.
1: However, one thing to do is in fact to set up your new LightScribe Drive.
2: The second thing, which is most critical, may be the installation with the system software.
This is necessary to enable the LightScribe Drive being recognized not only to be a DVD/CD writer, but also like a labeling device from the LightScribe software you choose to fit.
2a: Although not specifically mentioned previously, incorporated in it software is usually a facility to boost the contrast of the finished labels.
This goes far to address the problems of poor contrast inside finished LightScribe label.
3: Now you can install your selection of labeling software.
4: You have become ready to print a LightScribe labels. LightScribe Media is unlike ordinary blank media.
Remember you can’t print LightScribe images onto normal blank DVDs/CDs
That neatly brings us to Step Five, LightScribe Media.
LightScribe Media - Not All Discs are Created Equal.
When is really a DVD not really a DVD, when it’s a LightScribe DVD?
These come in:
CDR, DVD+R, DVD-R and DVD+R DL
So which are the difference between a normal Disc along with a LightScribe Disc?
1: A thin dye coating for the label side of LightScribe discs absorbs laser light, which triggers a chemical a reaction to give you a silkscreen-quality reproduction of the artwork, text or photos.
2: The discs are Gold in color, and also the image formed is a lot like a greyscale or sepia photograph.
The manufacturers of LightScribe Media include:
Aleratec, Benq, HP, Imitation, Infiniti, Memorex, Omega, Philips, Platinet, Primeon, SmartTrack, TDK, Verbatim
LightScribe Media Version 1.2
Second generation discs have become available from most manufacturers as well as the advantages are:1: Faster Labeling.
Full CD label now approximately 16 minutes vs. 23 minutes for media version 1.1.
2: Lighter Gold Background.
Allowing a greater contrast image
But keep in mind, if you wish maximum storage and they are not so worried about GREAT Labeling, you might have to keep with ordinary Dual Layer discs.
However, if you wish a terrific image on the label and don’t have the call to Max your storage opt for LightScribe discs each and every time.
What about COLOR? I hear nicely ask. - Now, that’s an incredible question.
The Future’s Bright - The Future’s COLOR
The LightScribe story up to now.
1: LightScribe Technology (now with the appearance of 1.2 second generation media) will make a full face label (in the entire surface in the disc) in approximately 16 minutes.
2: LightScribe Media has become available in Color.
These are Single Color discs and provide labels which can be still MONO. The image is a greyscale image; it is just the background colour is currently not restricted to Gold.
What does the near future hold for LightScribe?
Well, for the purpose its worth, this is my wish list:
1: Faster Labeling - I want the speed to label a disc to become comparable towards the time taken to shed the data.
2: Cheaper Discs - The present tariff of discs is prohibitive. I know manufacturers must recover their Rheight:75px" class="thumbphoto">Audio height:75px" class="thumbphoto">Expert Help for Computing10 Things Every Tech Person Should Have
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sendingAUTHORSteve Nelson
My pleasure Colleen, and we appreciate you getting a copy from the LS Toolbox 2015.
Have fun...
Thanks! That looks exactly like what I need.
3 in years past from Holt, Norfolk in England
Hi Colleen,
Just so that you don't feel disappointed, none in the LightScribe drives have LightScribe Software - For some reason nobody mentions that :)
My LightScribe Toolbox 2015 work with Win 10 and contains all it you should create some good LightScribe Labels.
For around date home elevators LightScribe and Windows 10 in addition to take a take a look at my LightScribe Toolbox 2015 take a check out my LightScribe Software website: http://lightscribesoftware.org
Colleen
I found a classic light scribe drive on amazon. 8x if you possibly could believe it. It didn't include the light scribe software but an existing dvd authoring computer software. Useless!
The drive seems being connecting to my windows 10 laptop good enough. Is your package dealing with windows 10, have you any idea?
Hi Barry,
Thanks to your question.
It is challenging to diagnose the issue without slightly more information but like a first step I'm about to suggest put forth my website http://lightscribesoftware.org and download the LightScribe diagnostic tool.
HP created this to get and fix configuration issues.
http://lightscribesoftware.org/lightscribesupport/...
Have you tried uninstalling Audio Label since it has eradicated?
Give that your go first, if that doesn't work, try the diagnostic tool.
If that doesn't work check out my website directly via the send me a email page on my own site...
All my best.
Barry
I have a very LG GGW-H20L burner with lightscribe. I have used the two lightscribe labeling system along with a free trial of audiolabel and was capable of lightscribe on many DVD disks. Since the trial edition has expired, I cannot lightscribe on any labeling program like the lightscribe labeling program that worked before. I am going crazy with spending days looking to find the perfect solution by surfing the online world to fix the issue. So far no luck. What you know what the situation would be. I would appreciate any help you could give me. Thanks, Barry
Hi Sandra
I sent an email for the address used with the payment "DEANNA2....." so that are going to be in the inbox for your email account.
If you wish me to deliver another to some different email contact me from the website not here as it will probably be private like that :)
You can install the software program and add your drive later it isn't going to matter...
Hope that can help Sandra...
Let me know (via my website please... ) if you would like any further help...
All my best
Hi Steve
I purchased the toolbox yesterday for my employer Marlow Peterson. However, I would not download it because I don't possess the LG external drive and I wasn't positive that I needed it first before I downloaded the toolbox. Now I will not know how to download the toolbox ever since the computer got deterred. I don't use a link or perhaps an email for getting me back towards the download button. Can you please identify if I have to wait with the drive for getting her before I download or do I download after you inform me how to go about downloading the toolbox since it's already been taken care of but the button has disappeared?
4 years back from Holt, Norfolk in England
Hi Sandra,
I suggest you attempt Amazon.com and obtain an LG External drive. I use one on my own Win 8 Laptop (and XP and Win 7 desktops...)
Also get Verbatim LightScribe discs likewise... (those are the best...)
Any External LightScribe drive is fine with my LightScribe Toolbox...
If you could have any other questions, post them here or go to my website: http://LightScribeSoftware.org and get in touch via the get in touch page...
Thanks Sandra...
Best regards.
sandra
Do I ought to purchase another drive for your hp windows 8 desktop?
(We don't know how to set up an internal one). If so where will we get it and what style is best that can work with the Lightscribe toolbox?
Thanks Gofaster1000...
The swirling lines you mention occur to get a number of reasons.
1: Media
Make sure you're using the most effective lightscribe discs possible - I always recommend Verbatim.
2: Image
If you've got large blocks of black with your label image this tends to result in swirling, it is better to keep your label design open... without large regions of single 'colour'.
DVDs tend to be more prone to this than CDs because the burning pigment is thicker...
Software:
Some labeling software program is better than others...
The software I have around my Lightscribe Toolbox is very effective http://LightScribeToolbox.com
Finally...
LightScribe Drives:
Again its not all are as effective as each other...
Sorry this isn't a... simple fix, Lightscribe is compared to that :)
However the fist as well as thing to try is usually a redesign of the label, but as you might be saying that you are getting this on no more than 10% I think maybe a examine your discs and software can help.
Thanks again for a terrific comment...
Gofaster1000
Hi Steve -
Great article. I am relatively to lightscribe however I really prefer it over non-LS DVD's. Question I have is this fact, what may cause the label to become a band of swirled lines instead on the image I was seeking to burn? Out on the 100 I started with, I had a fail rate within the label side around 10%. The media side worked fine.
Hi, and thanks on your question...
Firstly in order to clarify, you can not actually burn colour images with Lightscribe.
The technology only allows burning in greyscale.
What that can be done however is use coloured lightscribe discs so instead on the regular gold colour you could have:
Yellow (similar to your gold)
Green
Blue
Red
Orange
The best colour discs for Lightscribe (inside my opinion...) are Verbatim.
Take a check out:
http://lightscribetoolbox.com/LightScribe-Media.ht...
for more details about LightScribe discs.
I hope that explains everything about LightScribe colour labeling.
Thanks again,
acesrun
hi i'd been just attempting to clarify there's specific discs to bur color images
Hi Paul
It's not too LightScribe would cause this problem it is only that there were a conflict between it and Nero (commonplace...)
You see I guess before installing Nero 11 you might play DVDs and LightScribe ended up being there all along...
Lightscribe isn't unfortunately, even with all this time, an effective plug n play technology.
If you ever wanted to utilize it, you will discover ways to isolate and connect such problems - Learned from painful experience, both mine as well as the 10,000 possibly even customers I've had...
Thanks again Paul for the question, I’m sorry there exists no simple answer.
paul3157
I recently installed Nero 11. When I went along to play a typical DVD on my own computer I received this error message - "Windows Media Player cannot play this DVD because there is really a problem with digital copy protection relating to the DVD drive, decoder, and video card. Try installing an updated driver on your video card."
There were no motorist available. I then attended msconfig and under "services" saw Lightscribe which I had never been aware of before and so disabled it. Voila! The DVD played as normal. Why is it that Lightscribe wouldn't allow me to play an advertisement DVD?
6 in the past from Holt, Norfolk in England
No there is certainly nothing intrinsic wrong with Memorex discs. The problem you're having maybe something more important.
Contact me directly at: steve(at)lightscribetoolbox(dot)com and I go through along with you a systematic method I use to get to your bottom of lightscribe issues.
All my best,
John Skinner
I used Lightscribe several in the past on my Presario and was impressed. I'm seeking to use it again now, and yes it won't recognize any on the Memorex Lightscribe cds I am looking to label. This could be the second pack that I've tried. Has there been a difficulty with discs?
Hi James...
I sent an e-mail yesterday on the address you used whenever you bought the LightScribe Toolbox.
If you've got not received this please send an email at:
steve(at)lightscribetoolbox(dot)com
James Bullard
How do I reload Lightscribe Toolbox
7 in the past from Holt, Norfolk in England
Jeremy I understand your frustration.
That's what prompted me over 5 years back to create my LightScribe Toolbox as a treatment for mine yet others continued issues with LightScribe and achieving it to figure.
I are going to be please that may help you sort out your problems but we are going to need to communicate via email to make it happen.
Go to my LightScribe Software site:
http://LightScribeToolbox.com and get in touch via the contact page - I look forward in your email.
Jeremy
honestly I think this lightscribe is really a joke i bought all of the stuff plus it will not print a label whatsoever nothing we've done works
kevin
nov 2010 perhaps there is any updates/newer things happening we are new to burning base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" data-original="https://usercontent2.hubstatic.com/506361_100.jpg" class="lazy" alt="Steve Nelson profile image" title="Steve Nelson profile image"/>AUTHORSteve Nelson
Hi Pat
Thanks to your great comment, I try to complete my best ;)
In answer on your question - Not in any way, I have burned over 5000 LightScribe discs and still have never had an issue using them in non-LightScribe drives.
In fact because i produce in my business Audio books these are generally most often utilised in Non LightScribe drives by the those who buy them.
Have fun with LightScribe Pat, but watch it which you don't become an 'addict' as i am...;)
Pat
Great site! Very informative. Are there any difficulty with playing LS discs in non-LS drives, once the info's been burned?
Hi Sean
It will be hard to help you properly by posting on here because I will need more information on what you've done, what software you've got tried, discs that you are using, along with your PC setup etc...
So I am planning to suggest you email me directly at:
questions(at)lightscribetoolbox(dot)com
I enjoy helping you solve this concern..
All the top
seanbhoy31
i still can't get my light scribe burning images all i could do is burn the light source small distinctive line of words tried all sorts of software but it doesn't help what am i to try and do short of selling the drive and just receiving a label printer?
kind regards sean
Hi Pedro
Thanks for ones question...
It strikes me when your girlfriends drive reads 'normal' CDs alright then a problem is really a firmware one as there may be no intrinsic difference between The data side of any lightscribe and normal disc.
I have researched HP in your case and found this site of downloads, you may just have to input the right OS to acquire the best ones.
Go to:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/D...
Please tell me how you can get on - And of course when you need any further help please check out my website again.
All the very best,
Pedro Matos Rito
My girlfriend produce an HP 530 laptop which has a DVD drive that does not have lightscribe facilities.
When I recorded an Audio CD by using a lighscribe disc, her PC simply doesn't recognize the disk.
When I insert it during my HP DV6-2160ep (lightscribe enabled), it reads it and not using a problem. So my question for you is, your skill for her PC to get able to read lightscribe discs (either CD-R or DVD-R)? Is there any driver update anywhere? Because on HP site there's no.
AUTHORSteve Nelson
8 in the past from Holt, Norfolk in England
Thanks for the thoughts Lady_E
If you might be interested remember to take a check out my website there exists loads additional information there...
I'm always accessible to answer any queries you may have.
Take care,
Elena
8 years back from London, UK
First time I've been aware of it - very sophisticated software.
Thanks for that info.
kenbellis@cox.net
Your article above states "LightScribe Technology (now with the appearance of 1.2 second generation media) will create a full face label (in the entire surface from the disc) in approximately 16 minutes." My understanding with the terminology "full face" is which the printing will go each of the way for the center hole, but I can buy no LightScribe discs with this description. Is there such a thing?
