View Full Version : dvd printers


Brian Luce
November 2nd, 2007, 02:10 PM
What are some good inexpensive DVD cover printers? One that will print directly on to the DVD. I don't like the paper stickers. Are there printers that only print dvd's? Printers not made for documents, just for DVD's.

Don Bloom
November 2nd, 2007, 03:26 PM
Yeah but they can be costly. I've been using 2 Epson R200s since they came out and they have worked nicely. New models have come out since and replaced the 200, I thing they have a 300 now. Also I believe Canon has one. Can't remember the model number but you're right is staying away from labels.
I made a switch to TY watershield DVDs and they look awesome after printing. Nice gloss and great discs as well. Haven't had a bad one yet.
Don

Jim Day
November 3rd, 2007, 06:56 AM
Actually, the R300 and R200 came out about the same time with the R300 having more features and being more expensive. That said, both models have been updated several times. I went from an R200 to an R260 and it is a big improvement, not so much in the output quality (which was very good on the R200), but in the printer features itself.

The biggest problem I had with the R200 was the DVD/CD transport tray--it had thin plastic guides on the end which would bend easily and caused problems with the tray being automatically taken into the printer. It also required a lot of room behind the printer since the DVD tray would "travel" quick a ways out the back of the printer. The R260 has a better designed tray that works much better and does not go beyond the rear of the printer when printing discs.

Don Bloom
November 3rd, 2007, 03:14 PM
yeah there's been a lot of talk around here about the trays and the infamous Epson Push/Pull ;-) BUT I have to say other than the ink (should get an Ink Caddy but...) I have no complaints about the Epsons. I've run literally thousands of DVDs and CDs thru them and the printer really do a great job. A bit slow perhaps but nothing I can't live with.
Don

Gints Klimanis
November 3rd, 2007, 04:40 PM
I made a switch to TY watershield DVDs and they look awesome after printing. Nice gloss and great discs as well. Haven't had a bad one yet.
Don

Don, how would you compare the look of the TY watershield DVDs to the usual Verbatim or TDK printables ?

Don Bloom
November 3rd, 2007, 04:58 PM
No comparison. I used verbatim printable for a long time and was happy with the quality of the face and the disc but since I switched to the TYs-I've gotten some great compliments on the look of the DVD face. Glossy and oh so pretty ;-)
Seriously, the TYs just look so much better at least to my eye.

Don

Brian Luce
November 3rd, 2007, 06:29 PM
does the Epson 300 include a labelling software for the DVD and the case?
Is it user friendly?

Don Bloom
November 3rd, 2007, 08:54 PM
The 200 includes a rudimentary software for faces not covers. However you should be able to set up some sort of template in Photoshop or any other graphics editor. I do some pretty extensive case inserts in photoshop and have even used it to do DVD faces. Sometimes it's just easier to do the design work there.
Don

Andre Tira
November 19th, 2007, 04:38 PM
go lightscribe

Gints Klimanis
November 19th, 2007, 05:09 PM
go lightscribe

From someone that bougth into that hype, don't go LightScribe. The look is horrible, and each burn shortens the life of your DVD burner. If you're printing only a handful of DVDs over your lifetime, LightScribe makes perfect sense.

Bill Rankin
November 24th, 2007, 11:19 PM
Has anyone tried the ink tanks for Epson DVd printers? They are called CISS on Ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/CIS-Ink-Refill-Kit-Combo-Set-for-Epson-R200-R220-T048_W0QQitemZ310000965728QQihZ021QQcategoryZ14303QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This would significantly reduce ink cost...if it works for the long term.

Don Bloom
November 25th, 2007, 07:44 AM
I unfortunately have not tried the ink caddy type system yet and I have 2 epson200s running :-(
I do however know a bunch of people that do use it and swear by it. No individual ink carts, long run times between fill ups and less cost per disc due to quanity etc.
Looks like I may finally break down and get at least one for next year.
Don

Bill Rankin
November 26th, 2007, 08:42 AM
Thanks for your responses...

This ink caddy is supposed to last thru 7-8 cartridge replacement...if the caddy works properly that would be a significant savings...

Thanks again...