Creating Disc Labels on Your
Notebook Using LightScribe
Document Part Number: 383416-001
February 2005
© Copyright 2005 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The
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Creating Disc Labels on Your Notebook Using LightScribe
First Edition February 2005
Document Part Number: 383416-001
Creating Disc Labels on Your
Notebook Using LightScribe
LightScribe is a direct disc-labeling technology that provides a
simple way to create precise silk-screen-quality labels for discs.
All you have to do is burn, flip the disc, and then burn again.
Creating a label uses the LightScribe-enabled optical drive of
your computer with enhanced disc-labeling software, and
specially coated CD or DVD discs (sold separately).
A LightScribe-enabled optical drive uses an optical laser to burn
an image into the thin dye coating on the label side of a
LightScribe disc. There is no ink to smear, no paper to curl, and
no sticky adhesive to cause problems. LightScribe discs are
identified by the LightScribe logo on the retail packaging and on
the inner area of the disc itself.
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Creating Disc Labels on Your Notebook Using LightScribe
Frequently asked questions
■ How do I know if I have a LightScribe drive?
It will display the LightScribe logo (shown above).
■ Can I upgrade my current DVD-RW drive to work with
LightScribe media?
You cannot upgrade your current optical drive to be
LightScribe capable.
■ What do I need to use LightScribe?
Burning a label with LightScribe requires three things:
❏ A LightScribe-enabled optical drive
❏ LightScribe-enhanced software
❏ LightScribe discs (sold separately)
■ How long does it take to burn a LightScribe label?
The time required varies according to the image mode (Draft,
Normal, and Best) and the surface area setting (narrow band
with curved text, medium band with curved text, or the full
disc surface). Using Draft or Normal imaging modes provides
a shorter burn time, but also results in a lighter label. In most
cases, the less area you use, the less time it takes to finish
burning the label.
When beginning the burning of the label, the LightScribe
software provides the estimated amount of time it will take
complete the label. A progress bar shows the remaining
to
time during the burning process.
■ Where are LightScribe discs sold?
LightScribe discs are available at major computer and
consumer electronics retail outlets, and through online
shopping.
■ Can LightScribe burn a color label?
Currently, LightScribe technology creates a grayscale image,
similar to a black-and-white photograph.
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