Best DVD Label software/package/system?

[CKDragon]

Hopefully this is the right forum. I debated on General Hardware or this...

With a Christmas goal in mind, I've been capturing and converting my family's VHS collection (~100 tapes) to MPEG2 for the better part of a year. I've finally started burning the Verbatim Dual-Layer DVD+R discs using ULead DVD MovieFactory and they're turning out very well. Now I'd like to label the discs themselves and make nice inserts with family pictures on the front.

I remember about eight years ago I used a product called "Stomper" or something to that effect with limited success. There don't seem to be many reviews for this kind of thing, if I have to buy separate products for each task, then that's fine as well. I would have loved to use Lightscribe media, but then I'd be forced into only a single-layer per disc.

Also, will putting a label on the disc hinder it's usability/shelf life in any way? If so, my dad isn't picky, sharpies still work. 😛

Thanks a lot for any help you can provide.

 

[gsellis]

Because of the spin rate, labels can, if slightly off-center, cause data errors from the wobble.

Since you said 'best'... Vertabim makes printable discs. They are more expensive per copy, about 80 cents more from Meritline vs the regular 2.4-6x DL. Certain Epson printers have the CD/DVD print tray and you print directly on the disc. Meritline also has a very good photo quality insert sheet for DVD jackets. But, if you are near a Fry's, you can get the same package for cheaper there (really, it is Meritline's brand). Meritline has usually offered a free insert printer app, but you need to "Photoshop" JPGs to get max quality. The Epson printers have an applet for printing that works well.

 

[CKDragon]

Thanks a lot for the reply, gsellis.

I will likely put an order in at Meritline.com soon for 50 DVD Inserts. They look like they'll serve nicely. Do you have any software in mind that you would recommend?

I already bought the Verbatim DL media as of my 11/30 posting on Black Friday for $1.50 a disc. (4x 10 discs for $15 at Microcenter). I see that for 40 discs of the printable media it's $110, so despite my request of the "best" method in the thread title, I suppose I'm not willing to pay the $50 premium. Not to mention, my inkjet printer doesn't have the print-directly-on-disc capability. 😛

I have a plan to backup all my source files so that in a year or two I will make a new version on HD-DVD, Blu-Ray, or whatever higher-capacity media comes to dominate the home market. Until then, my family can live with Sharpie-labeled discs.