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LightScribe - Laser-etched disc labeling.
LightScribe Frequently Asked Questions
01.   What is LightScribe?
02.   How much extra will it cost?
03.   How fast does it work?
04.   How does the printing work?
05.   Is a LightScribe drive bigger or designed differently from a regular drive?
06.   How many colors can be printed?
07.   How much ink does it use?
08.   Can I use any discs in my LightScribe drive?
09.   Will my printed image wear or rub off?
10.   What software is compatible with LightScribe printing?
11.   What Reflex units can be upgraded to LightScribe?
12.   Can I print on multiple discs at the same time?
13.   Where can I find images that will print using LightScribe?
14.   Does LightScribe require a computer to operate?
15.   Where can I buy LightScribe CDs and DVDs?
16.   Will printing a large number of discs shorten the life of the laser?
17.   What operating system is LightScribe compatible with?
18.   Are LightScribe labels re-writable or erasable?
19.   Does LightScribe require additional cleaning of my drive?
20.   What is the difference between LightScribe and the U-Print Thermal Printer?
 
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Q: What is LightScribe?
A: LightScribe allows users to etch or burn an image into the top of special LightScribe-enabled media. It uses the same laser that burns content onto CDs & DVDs to also transfer black-shaded images onto the top of specially-designed LightScribe CD-R’s and DVD-R’s, combining both a burner and a printer into one drive.
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Q: How much extra will it cost?

A: All Disc Makers Reflex models can be upgraded to LightScribe drives for an $99 flat fee. (This is not a per-drive cost.)
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Q: How fast does it work?

A: Printing time varies depending on content, hardware, media and print mode. Typically for title-only content, one disc takes 2-5 minutes. A more complicated, full-coverage design in Best Quality mode can take upwards of 25-30 minutes. However, Disc Makers Reflex multiple LightScribe drives can burn and print up to 15 discs at a time, keeping pace with most automated and manual inkjet disc printers.
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Q: How does the printing work?

A: LightScribe-enabled drives use the same laser that burns content on your CDs and DVDs to “etch” images on your disc. The laser inside a CD/DVD disc drive with LightScribe technology focuses light energy onto a thin dye coating on the label side of specially designed discs. The light from the laser causes a chemical change in the dye coating and visibly shows up on the disc. With laser precision, the drive renders the text and images that you created for the label. Only LightScribe-specific media has this special coating and is readily available from Disc Makers.
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Q: Is a LightScribe drive bigger or designed differently from a regular drive?

A: No, LightScribe-enabled drives are the same size and weight as regular CD and DVD drives and fit comfortably in our Disc Makers Reflex cases.
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Q: How many colors can be printed?

A: LightScribe is only capable of printing in black/grayscale, similar to a black and white photograph. However LightScribe media are available in standard finish or in packs of assorted color discs.
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Q: How much ink does it use?

A: Since images are etched on to the disc, and not printed, LightScribe drives don’t require any ink to produce images.
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Q: Can I use any discs in my LightScribe drive?

A: No, regular silver or white inkjet CDs and DVDs do not have the same special dye coating on top of the discs that enable LightScribe to work. Attempting to print an image non-LightScribe enabled media in a LightScribe drive will not work and may damage the disc and your LightScribe Drive. LightScribe CD-R’s and DVD-R’s are currently available from Disc Makers.
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Q: Will my printed image wear or rub off?

A: No, since there is no ink involved in the LightScribe process your picture will not smudge if touched or rub off if wet.
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Q: What software is compatible with LightScribe printing?

A: The LightScribe System Software comes included with all Reflex LightScribe units to operate the LightScribe printing from a computer. Also, the LightScribe Template Labeler design software is included with all Disc Makers Reflex LightScribe units and additional materials are available to download for free from http://www.lightscribe.com along with a list of other compatible software.
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Q: What Reflex units can be upgraded to LightScribe?

A: All Reflex units are upgradable to LightScribe drives for a flat fee of $99.
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Q: Can I print on multiple discs at the same time?
A: Yes, you can pull an label created using LightScribe Template Labeler from a disc in your top reader drive and print it on all the remaining drives at once, or you can save your labels to your hard drive* and print using all of your Reflex’s LightScribe drives at once.

*Hard drive not included with the Reflex 1 unit.
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Q: Where can I find images that will print using LightScribe?

A: Using Label Design software, you are able to create your own labels to be printed onto your discs. Also, LightScribe has an online gallery available of extra images: http://www.lightscribe.com/ideas/labelgallery.aspx?id=219.
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Q: Does LightScribe require a computer to operate?

A: You do not need a computer to use the printing and copying functions of the Reflex LightScribe series. However, you will need a computer to run the software required to create and save label designs to be printed using the LightScribe drives.

All Reflex units can be upgraded with the USB 2.0 Connect option. This option allows users to burn and print discs in the top drive of their Reflex LightScribe duplicator directly from their PC.
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Q: Where can I buy LightScribe CDs and DVDs?

A: Discmakers.com carries a complete selection of both standard finish and color LightScribe printable CD-Rs and DVD-Rs
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Q: Will printing a large number of discs shorten the life of the laser?

A: 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 life is well within the design specifications.
The software included with the LightScribe drives along with any downloadable software from http://www.lightscribe.com will be compatible with Windows XP/Vista for PC. Our Disc Makers Reflex Duplicators w/ Lightscribe are compatible via USB with PC Only. Mac users will only be able to create label designs using LightScribe Template software, but then they will need to be burned to a CD or DVD and loaded onto the Reflex Hard Drive in order to burn LightScribe Labels.
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Q: Are LightScribe labels re-writable or erasable?

A: No. Current LightScribe technology is not erasable. LightScribe images are permanent.
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Q: Does LightScribe require additional cleaning of my drive?

A: Under normal use, the LightScribe function does not result in any additional cleaning or maintenance of the drive. Please follow standard Reflex operating procedures.
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Q: What is the difference between LightScribe and the U-Print Thermal Printer?

A: LightScribe-enabled drives are capable of etching a grayscale image, while the U-Print can only print a single color at a time. This way, LightScribe is better at printing detailed images than the U-Print. Also, since your image is etched instead of printed, your LightScribe drives will never need replacement ink. However, thermal images from a U-Print printer are often bolder and sharper than LightScribe-etched labels, giving a more professional look and “true” black printed on your disc. A U-Print would be a preferable option when printing straight text or simple single-color logos on your discs.
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