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• Getting Started
• Using LightScribe
• LightScribe Care and Handling
• Software

Why do labeled LightScribe DVDs look different from LightScribe-labeled CDs?
The difference in appearance of labeled LightScribe DVDs and CDs stems from the difference in how CDs and DVDs are made in general. DVDs have a second plastic layer, which CDs don't have, that creates a kind of "plastic sandwich" around the reflective layer on which data is burned. This additional plastic layer separates the reflective layer from the LightScribe coating on the surface of the disc. When you look at a labeled LightScribe DVD, you are seeing through that additional plastic layer, which creates a three-dimensional effect. In our testing, we have found that many people think the dynamic appearance of LightScribe-labeled DVDs is especially suited to media which store videos and creative content.

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Do I need a new computer to get LightScribe? Can I just buy a LightScribe disc drive and connect it to my computer?
LightScribe-enabled disc drives are available as peripherals and plug-in replacement drives for your existing computer. Or you can buy a new computer with a LightScribe-enabled disc drive. There is no consumer kit to convert a non-LightScribe drive to a LightScribe- enabled drive.

Does LightScribe work on both PCs and Macs?
LightScribe is available on Windows 2000 and XP and supports Mac OS X 10.3 via the LaCie d2 DVD±RW Double Layer drive.

When and where will I be able to get LightScribe?
Starting in early January 2005, LightScribe-enabled products were available at major computer and consumer electronics outlets and via online shopping.
Click on Looking for LightScribe for a list of current LightScribe-enabled hardware, software, and media.
Look for the LightScribe logo on retail packaging to identify LightScribe-enabled products. LightScribe-enabled discs also display the LightScribe logo on the inner “hub” of the disc itself.
Download LightScribe software upgrades from software manufacturers’ websites.

Will I need to purchase a new LightScribe DVD drive when the new media with the speed enhancement is available in the market?
LightScribe has just announced a 50% speed enhancement to be available in the early fall. The enhancement comes from changes made to the discs themselves, and these new media will be compatible with the existing drive. So if you were to buy a drive now, you would be able to take advantage of the faster discs when they are available.

Will there be a firmware or software update required to take advantage of the speed enhancement?
There will be a software update available to take advantage of the speed enhancement and a drive firmware update may be required.

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How do I use LightScribe to label a disc?
To burn a LightScribe label, simply follow your software’s onscreen instructions. If you’re using a data-burning application that’s LightScribe-enabled, the application will ask if you want to burn a label. Then it will gather content to pre-populate a suggested label design and present the design onscreen. You have the option of selecting that label or making changes.

If you’re using stand-alone disc labeling software, simply launch the software and design the label onscreen by typing in the title information and choosing or importing graphics.

In either case, once you’re finished with the design, simply remove the disc from the burner, flip it over, and reinsert it label-side down. Then click “Print” to send the image to the drive. After the label is burned, the disc is ejected and your LightScribe CD or DVD is complete.

What types of labels can I burn on a LightScribe disc?
LightScribe-enabled software comes with a variety of backgrounds to help you create great-looking labels, or you can import digital photos, or your own images from Photoshop. There are three types of backgrounds to choose from—Title, Content, and Full—and each refers to how much radial space is covered on the label. You can also choose between circular and straight text for your label.

Does LightScribe print in full color?
LightScribe labeling is currently available in grayscale.

Will the LightScribe image cause imbalance when the CD or DVD is spinning in the drive, the way a paper label can?
No. A LightScribe disc is as evenly balanced as any high-quality CD or DVD, and it spins evenly within the drive. Burning an image onto the disc does not change its balance, nor does it impede the disc’s ability to spin properly.

Can I use my computer for other things while the LightScribe label is burning?
Yes. The labeling runs in the background, so your computer can be used for other tasks while the process is underway.

Can I leave my computer unattended while the LightScribe label is burning?
Yes. LightScribe doesn't require your presence during the burning process. In addition, a LightScribe system will not go into sleep or power-save mode while it is burning a label.

Can I rewrite or erase a LightScribe label?
No. Current LightScribe technology is not erasable. Once the image is burned, it’s permanent. But software applications with LightScribe capabilities are designed to preview the image onscreen before it is burned—you can accept or make changes to that image before moving forward, so unplanned or undesired images will not be sent to the disc for burning.

Can I add to a LightScribe label I’ve already burned?
Yes. If you decide to add content later, it will be correctly aligned with existing titles and images.

What happens if I forget to flip the disc before burning the label side?
The LightScribe system recognizes whether or not the disc is label-side down, and it will not try to write a label to the data side, nor will it attempt to burn data to the label side. If the wrong side is presented for either data burning or label burning, your disc will be ejected and a software message will be displayed.

What if I make a mistake and try to burn a label on a non-LightScribe disc; will non-LightScribe discs work in a LightScribe drive?
Yes. The data side will work. But the software will not send a label image to a non-LightScribe disc, so no label will be burned if it is not a LightScribe disc.

Will LightScribe discs work with non-LightScribe drives?
Yes. The data side will work as it always has. But LightScribe discs cannot be labeled in a non-LightScribe drive.

When do I need to update my software?
LightScribe-enabled software can detect when an update is needed, and will prompt you to get one. If your software cannot be updated by clicking on the update button, you should contact your hardware manufacturer for support options. For links to LightScribe hardware manufacturers, go to the Support page on this website.

The media packaging I bought indicates I should check with www.lightscribe.com for “optimal use.” How do I know if I need it?
If your LightScribe media has been released with new capabilities since the manufacture of your optical disc drive, the software will automatically guide you through the update process or direct you to a website for additional information.

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Does the additional use of the laser in a LightScribe-enabled drive shorten its life?
Under typical labeling circumstances, there is no significant reduction in laser life. Based on typical use for both data and label sides of the disc, the laser is well within the design specifications.

Do slot-loader players affect the coating of LightScribe CDs and DVDs?
No. Scratch testing has shown that the coating on LightScribe CDs and DVDs is robust and should not be affected by slot-loader players.

How should I clean my LightScribe-labeled discs?
The best way to clean the label side of the disc is with a soft, lint-free cloth. There are cleaning kits available on the market, or you can clean discs with water.

I have noticed that, after awhile, some of my labeled discs get a whitish powder on them. What is it?
The white powder you may see on some labeled discs results from crystallization of the label-side coating. It is not harmful and can easily be removed with a water-dampened cloth. Wiping the disc with a damp cloth will not harm the label.

Does ultraviolet light fade a LightScribe label? How much does the image fade, and over what period of time?
Sustained exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided, both to prevent damage to the data side of the disc and possible fading of the label image. The image will fade under direct sunlight, but the rate will depend on the light's intensity and exposure time.

How should labeled discs be handled and stored?
To ensure maximal life for both data and label, hold discs on the outside edge or through the center hole to prevent fingerprints. Keep discs away from extreme heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. Ideally, you should keep discs on a spindle, in a disc sleeve, or in a jewel case, and then store them in a cool, dark place. And be sure to use polypropylene disc sleeves rather than PVC sleeves; PVC sleeves will cause images to degrade over time, while polypropylene does not adversely affect the coating or images.

Do the same suggestions apply to handling and storing unlabeled discs?
Yes, to ensure the longest life, store unlabeled discs in a stack or paper sleeve, and keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Handle them as suggested above.

Will fingerprints or other contaminants affect the label?
Residual chemicals on your fingers could cause discoloration of the label image. And some hand lotions—those containing polyethylene glycol and vitamin D—have been found to discolor the coating and image on a disc. To ensure maximum data and label life, always handle discs by their edges.

Does the LightScribe imaging process emit any hazardous chemicals?
No. The laser imaging process initiates a chemical change in the disc coating, and no hazardous chemicals are emitted during burning.

Are LightScribe discs environmentally safe?
Yes. A study of the potential for health and safety problems resulting from handling LightScribe-coated discs found no reason for concern.

Can LightScribe discs be recycled?
Yes. CDs and DVDs contain polycarbonate and metal films that can be recycled.

Is the LightScribe disc hot or dangerous to handle immediately after the label is burned?
No. Although the terms “burning data” and “burning labels” are standard in the industry, there is no appreciable temperature change involved in either process. A CD or DVD is safe to touch immediately upon being ejected from the drive.

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When trying to label a LightScribe disc, I get a message recommending that I update my LightScribe software. Is an update really needed?
To get the best labeling quality and speed, LightScribe recommends that you use the latest software. Your labeling application will prompt you to update to the latest version of the LightScribe software. You can choose to label without the latest update but may not get the optimum performance.

I get an error message that indicates an update is required to use my LightScribe labeling system?
In this situation, an update must be done in order to use the LightScribe labeling system. To perform the update, simply click on the update button as prompted by the application. Until the update is performed, you will receive this message every time you try to label a disc.

I tried to update my software and was unsuccessful. What do I do?
The update process depends on the supplier (or brand) of the LightScribe enabled PC or DVD writer you own. If, for some reason, that fails and you are taken to a general support page, you may need to search for the LightScribe update by your hardware product name or model number. If you cannot locate the update, call your LightScribe hardware supplier’s support center. You can get a list of LightScribe enabled hardware products through the LightScribe support page, http://www.lightscribe.com/ls_support.aspx.

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