CD-DVD Disk Labels

D

Dave C.

A while ago there was some caution about using stick-on labels for CD's and
DVD's in that they could have some effect on the data. I have some Avery
labels I wish to use on some backup data DVD's.

What is the latest opinion on the use of labels?

Also, what is the latest opinion on using felt instant markers?

Regards, Dave C.
 
M

Mike Walsh

Dave C. said:
A while ago there was some caution about using stick-on labels for CD's and
DVD's in that they could have some effect on the data. I have some Avery
labels I wish to use on some backup data DVD's.

What is the latest opinion on the use of labels?
Click to expand...

It is recommended that you don't use labels because they can cause vibrations especially with newer drives that can spin at 10,000 RPM. I have several disks with labels that were applied perfectly centered and they don't shake.
Also, what is the latest opinion on using felt instant markers?
Click to expand...

I have been using sharpies for eight years and have never had any trouble with them.
 
D

Dave C.

I understand. It is a matter of the vibration of labels that might be
slightly off centered rather than the adhesive chemistry effect. That makes
good sense. I do have a fixture that applies the labels, hopefully
centered, but for critical things, I'll continue to use sharpies.....just
checking.

Thanks,

Dave C.
 
R

Rod Speed

Dave C. said:
A while ago there was some caution about using stick-on labels for
CD's and DVD's in that they could have some effect on the data. I
have some Avery labels I wish to use on some backup data DVD's.
Click to expand...
What is the latest opinion on the use of labels?
Click to expand...

Hasnt changed, they arent a great idea.
Also, what is the latest opinion on using felt instant markers?
Click to expand...

They fine, I use sharpies myself.

You can also get printers that print directly on them for peanuts too.
 
D

Dave C.

Rod Speed said:
Hasnt changed, they arent a great idea.


They fine, I use sharpies myself.

You can also get printers that print directly on them for peanuts too.
Click to expand...



Thanks, Dave C.
 
K

kony

A while ago there was some caution about using stick-on labels for CD's and
DVD's in that they could have some effect on the data. I have some Avery
labels I wish to use on some backup data DVD's.

What is the latest opinion on the use of labels?

Also, what is the latest opinion on using felt instant markers?

Regards, Dave C.
Click to expand...


As already mentioned, labels can possibly make the disc
imbalanced. IF you can get a full circumference label on
evenly, such that it's balanced, that should be ok.

As for markers, on CD-R the top layer is exposed, only
covered by a coating. Some hard tipped markers can damage
the data layer, or in theory the market ink might react with
the chemistry of the protective layer or the data layer.

With DVDs, this is not an issue because there is a
polycarbonate layer on top as well as on the bottom.
 
R

Rod Speed

kony said:
Dave C. <myaddress.net> wrote
Click to expand...
As already mentioned, labels can possibly make the disc
imbalanced. IF you can get a full circumference label on
evenly, such that it's balanced, that should be ok.
Click to expand...
As for markers, on CD-R the top layer is exposed, only
covered by a coating. Some hard tipped markers can damage
the data layer, or in theory the market ink might react with
the chemistry of the protective layer or the data layer.
Click to expand...
With DVDs, this is not an issue because there is a
polycarbonate layer on top as well as on the bottom.
Click to expand...

Wrong.
 
J

Jan Alter

Well when looking at the physical characteristics of a CD vs DVD from the
description of them on this website below it appears to indicate that there
are two substrates on a DVD in comparison to only one on a CD. The drawings
seem to clarify that point as well.

http://www.teamsolutions.co.uk/tsdvd.html
 
E

ElJerid

kony said:
Feeling verbose today?
Click to expand...

Rod Speed is right !
Many markers contain alcohol, which dissolves plastic composites. That's the
reason why special CD/DVD markers are available.
Concerning the labels, there's another important potential issue. Many
CD/DVD readers become very hot, and this dissolves the glue of the label,
resulting in air bubbles between label and disc. In that case of course, the
disc becomes unreadable. I' ve encountered this problem with many label
brands, except one, which is Neato. They're more expensive, but work fine.
The best solution is to print directly on the disc (Canon or Epson inkjet
printers). However, be careful with the inks you use, as many (replacement)
inks can smear, even after a few months.
 
J

Jan Alter

That's for dual layer DVDs, not what the OP was actually talking about.
Click to expand...

It says in the chart that there are two substrates for either a single or
dual layer DVD.
This chart is from the website I published earlier.


CD DVD
Disc diameter 120 mm 120 mm
Disc thickness 1.2 mm 1.2 mm
Disc structure single substrate two bonded 0.6 mm substrates
Laser wavelength 780 nm (infrared) 650 nm & 635 nm (red)
Numerical aperture 0.45 0.60
Track pitch 1.6 um 0.74 um
Shortest pit/land length 0.83 um 0.4 um (0.44 um double layer)
Reference speed 1.2 m/s CLV 4.0 m/s CLV
Data layers 1 1 or 2
Data capacity Approx 680 MB 4.7 GB (single layer)
8.5 GB (two layers)
Reference user data rate 153.6 KBps (mode1)
176.4 KBps (mode2) 1108 KBps (nominal)
 
K

kony

Rod Speed is right !
Many markers contain alcohol, which dissolves plastic composites. That's the
reason why special CD/DVD markers are available.
Click to expand...

No, alcohol does not dissolve polycarbonate.

Concerning the labels, there's another important potential issue. Many
CD/DVD readers become very hot, and this dissolves the glue of the label,
resulting in air bubbles between label and disc.
Click to expand...

Heat melts, not dissolves. Any properly made label should
not come off from being in a drive, but that doesn't prevent
anyone from not properly affixing it to the disc.

In that case of course, the
disc becomes unreadable.
Click to expand...

You think a bubble on a label makes a disc unreadable?
Seems pretty far fetched.
I' ve encountered this problem with many label
brands, except one, which is Neato. They're more expensive, but work fine.
Click to expand...

I don't discount the possibility that some labels are junk,
there are many junk products made only towards lowest cost.

The best solution is to print directly on the disc (Canon or Epson inkjet
printers). However, be careful with the inks you use, as many (replacement)
inks can smear, even after a few months.
Click to expand...

IMO, the best solution is not to label them at all, except a
tiny index code in the center.
 
R

Rod Speed

It says in the chart that there are two substrates for either a single or dual layer DVD.
Click to expand...

Not with the writeable DVDs the OP was talking about it doesnt.
This chart is from the website I published earlier.
Click to expand...
CD DVD
Disc diameter 120 mm 120 mm
Disc thickness 1.2 mm 1.2 mm
Disc structure single substrate two bonded 0.6 mm substrates
Laser wavelength 780 nm (infrared) 650 nm & 635 nm (red)
Numerical aperture 0.45 0.60
Track pitch 1.6 um 0.74 um
Shortest pit/land length 0.83 um 0.4 um (0.44 um double layer)
Reference speed 1.2 m/s CLV 4.0 m/s CLV
Data layers 1 1 or 2
Data capacity Approx 680 MB 4.7 GB (single layer)
8.5 GB (two layers)
Reference user data rate 153.6 KBps (mode1)
176.4 KBps (mode2) 1108 KBps (nominal)
Click to expand...

Irrelevant to what was being discussed.
 
R

Rod Speed

kony said:
No, alcohol does not dissolve polycarbonate.



Heat melts, not dissolves. Any properly made label should
not come off from being in a drive, but that doesn't prevent
anyone from not properly affixing it to the disc.



You think a bubble on a label makes a disc unreadable?
Seems pretty far fetched.


I don't discount the possibility that some labels are junk,
there are many junk products made only towards lowest cost.



IMO, the best solution is not to label them at all, except a
tiny index code in the center.
Click to expand...

More fool you.
 
K

kony

Not with the writeable DVDs the OP was talking about it doesnt.
Click to expand...


.... I have to wonder if you've ever seen a writeable DVD?
Pretty obvious just looking at one.
 

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