Lightscribe, yah or neh?

[duragezic]

I really need to get to ordering a DVD burner/combo drive now that my Liteon DVD-ROM is barely reading movie discs, scrathced or brand new, and it sucks in general.

If I don't get lightscribe I'm thinking the Nec 3550a. If I do I'm thinking the BenQ DW1655. Are these the best choices?

Also, whats with DVD-RAM? I notice some new Liteon models have it.

I hear Liteons are good for backing up copy protected discs, is the same true with Nec and BenQ drives? I'm not sure I trust the reliability of a Liteon.


ALso... media.. Theres some decent deals on CD-Rs, Lightscribe CD-Rs, as well as DVD+Rs at Staples until March 18th, plus I have a $10 off $40 coupon (I figure a pack of regular CD-Rs, some LS ones, then the same for DVDs and I'll be stocked up for like $40). They are all HP brand media. How is this stuff? I'm mostly worried about LS quality and long-term quality since a lot of my burned cds that are a few years old are crapping out.

 

[lotust]

I got the LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner W/ LightScribe and 5X DVD-RAM Wrtie Black ATAPI/E-IDE Model SHM-165H6S - OEM I have no idea how to even use lightscribe or the DVD-RAM feature.

is DVD-ram like burn on demand or for backing up daily?

 

[Revolution09]

haha alright here's a noob question for you: what's lightscribe do?
and i'm thinking of getting a 3550a too, so i'm interested to see what people say about it.

 

[eXx08]

Originally posted by: Revolution09
haha alright here's a noob question for you: what's lightscribe do?
and i'm thinking of getting a 3550a too, so i'm interested to see what people say about it.

Burns a Image into the CD.

 

[mechBgon]

Here's a pic of a Lightscribe disc after having its topside burned:

http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press_kits/images/lightscribe-1.jpg

I got the DW1655, seems all right. I've done a few LS burns with it. Don't expect miracles, black comes out dark grey-gold, and white comes out in that "LightScribe gold" color. Also, it can take 25-30 minutes to do a top-quality LightScribe burn on the top surface.

If you buy the BenQ, it comes with Nero 6 OEM suite including the LightScribe dealiebob (it's part of Nero Cover Designer).

 

[duragezic]

According to a 2003 FAQ on the AT FAQs, DVD-RAM was suppose to start gaining share back then first as a data solution but now as a video format for some standalone DVD players. I'm not sure if now in 2006 what format standalones use. I don't have one... So I guess DVD-RAM isn't something I care about, but I haven't decided on lightscribe yet.

Basically after burning your CD/DVD, you flip the disc over and can burn a graphic on to it. Its in black and white and it must be a special lightscribe disc (a bit more expensive than regular CD-R/DVD+-R). Now I seen one of my friends burned from a HP burner and it was pretty impressive. But a thread here showed most people being disappointed by the quality of lightscribe. So now I'm not sure if I should bother spending money on a LS burner as well as the LS media.


edit: See I sort of like that image you got there mechBgon. That's why I'd be buying some media of LS and non-LS since some discs I'd want a nice image on there like a picture disc, or maybe a movie disc, or a burned audio mix.. who knows. That hologram crap in the middle is just retarded though.

 

[lotust]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Here's a pic of a Lightscribe disc after having its topside burned:

http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press_kits/images/lightscribe-1.jpg

I got the DW1655, seems all right. I've done a few LS burns with it. Don't expect miracles, black comes out dark grey-gold, and white comes out in that "LightScribe gold" color. Also, it can take 25-30 minutes to do a top-quality LightScribe burn on the top surface.

If you buy the BenQ, it comes with Nero 6 OEM suite including the LightScribe dealiebob (it's part of Nero Cover Designer).

humm looking in nero 7 and i dont see anyoptions to burn lightscribe. That looks pretty sweet. I guess you need a special CD-r for this?

 

[jdkick]

LightScribe looks interesting but, IMO, it's still too slow to be useful. I believe the ratings are 29 minutes to burn a label at full quality. Hmm...

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: lotust

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Here's a pic of a Lightscribe disc after having its topside burned:

http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press_kits/images/lightscribe-1.jpg

I got the DW1655, seems all right. I've done a few LS burns with it. Don't expect miracles, black comes out dark grey-gold, and white comes out in that "LightScribe gold" color. Also, it can take 25-30 minutes to do a top-quality LightScribe burn on the top surface.

If you buy the BenQ, it comes with Nero 6 OEM suite including the LightScribe dealiebob (it's part of Nero Cover Designer).

humm looking in nero 7 and i dont see anyoptions to burn lightscribe. That looks pretty sweet. I guess you need a special CD-r for this?

You need the special discs, a LS-compatible drive, and my understanding is that you can get the necessary LightScribe software, or API or whatever, from http://www.lightscribe.com, if you don't have it already. I have Nero 6 retail, and simply downloaded the LightScribe add-on from Nero's site myself.

Yeah, I wouldn't bother LightScribing just any taped meeting or whatever (I use it at work). If it's something worth the time investment, then yeah. I think dual-layer LightScribe discs would be nice for the best projects, but they're not available yet.

 

[markkleb]

A big NO to the Lightscribe.

They are way to slow(to print) and the disks are more money. And they dont look so good printed(kind of like the old cowboy pictures)

I would rather get a printer that prints cd's. Thats a much better label.

 

[duragezic]

I think I'm going to get the DW1655. If I decide to back out on LS at the last moment I'll get the 1650 for $5 less. I'm just going to go ahead and get the $0 combo for the 10pk of lightscribe CD-R. Then if I find LS quality to be decent I'll pick up some DVD LS media. But for now I'm right abotu to order the Dw1655 except I gotta compare media deals on Newegg vs. local Staples.

But all staples media is HP. How is the quality compared to TY or Verbatim?

Also, I read the DW1655 is incompatible with an ext. enclosure? What kind of crap is that?

 

[markkleb]

I have always had good luck with Liteon (they are shorter too)

They said the Nec is faster(mabye just a little)

Sony drives have given me probs before.

Look for the best deal, But NO LIGHTSCRIBE!!! LOL

 

[duragezic]

I was browsing cdfreaks forums and I guess some older OEM DW1655s got shady firmware (that can be flashed but you lose you warranty) but they are performing excellent with newer firmware. I also read lightscribe quality got noticeably better with the latest firmware.

I also read Verbatim DVDs are the same as the HP ones available at Staples. I got a Staples ad that says good till March 18th including

HP DVD+R Or DVD-R (your choice) 50pk 8x for $15 (they are $15 online after savings and coupon code)

Your choice for $8.94 each: (all HP brand)
CD-R 48x 50pk
Lightscribe CD-R 25k
CD-RW in slim cases 10pk

Now I don't care much about RW (though it'd be nice to have a few of each for things like document and picture backup that changes often), but I could get the two CD-Rs and one DVD then $7 filler then use my $10 off coupon. I really can't find a deal close to that good online (if the Staples prices are true) plus shipping usually kills it.

Now cause of shipping, I almost don't want to take advntage of the $5 combo purchase. I'd either get the 10pk of LS CD-Rs for free but pay $4 more in shipping (i.e. I get $1 off) or the 20pk of LS DVD+Rs for an additional $28. I'm already buying LS CD-Rs and I'd like some LS DVD+Rs except that I don't feel comfortable buying $28 worth in case I don't like LS.

 

[Janet Reno]

I don't see why people are worried about the time involved in burning a lightscribe CD.

First of all, you won't be buying these things in full out bulk quantities because they're new and cost way way more than normal discs.

Secondly, if someone is so inept to manage time in such a way that they can't possibly find something else to do other than sit there and twiddle their thumbs as they listen and stare at their burner working away, then I don't really know what to say about them.

Here are something you can do while it burns that people do all the time:
-Make food, consume the food for nutrients
-Poop
-Shower
-Homework
-Work
-Clean
-Do anything else on that robust machine that is known as a "computer", such as browse the internet!

 

[markkleb]

There is also the Quality of the photo (it sucks)

Me I prefer to keep busy in other ways....

 

[mechBgon]

I have some Verbatim DVD+R and some HP DVD+R LightScribe discs. The Verbatim are branded Verbatim in the clear plastic at the hub, and the little mystical numbers are different, but physically they appear to be the same other than that.

If you're interested in a photo of DW1655 best-quality output... lessee here...

http://www.omnicast.net/~tmcfadden/LS1.jpg Verbatim LS DVD+R next to a Win95 CD

http://www.omnicast.net/~tmcfadden/LS2.jpg Close-up of a brain graphic at 2cm range

(56k warning, these are large)

Look for the best deal, But NO LIGHTSCRIBE!!! LOL

Let's see, it's your money he's spending. Wait, no it's not! How about you let him decide what he wants.

 

[LiquidImpulse]

lighscribe....a new toy created by man to have a bigger e-penis correct?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse
lighscribe....a new toy created by man to have a bigger e-penis correct?

Looking at the rig in your signature, it would appear you're an expert on the subject :evil:

 

[Ken90630]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse
lighscribe....a new toy created by man to have a bigger e-penis correct?

Looking at the rig in your signature, it would appear you're an expert on the subject :evil:

Ouch. That had to hurt. :laugh:

As far as I can tell, Lightscribe seems like kind of a cool idea to create more 'professional' looking discs. Even if it's not perfected yet and has limitations, what on earth does the technology itself have to do with e-posturing?

 

[IamDonSharp]

I actually have an HP lightscribe drive (it came with a computer I bought) and I've only used the actual cd labling once, with the free disk that came with it. It's pretty silly if you ask me. And I'm not sure if it was just a bad drive that I got, but when I first got it, it would take a long time (like 15 min) to recognize a disk and spin it up. It seemed to fix itself but it still does it on occasion. Also it won't autorun alot of the time, but I'm not sure if that has anything to do with the hardware(i'm pretty noobish still). Don't waste your money on the glitter, it's not worth it.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Ken90630

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Originally posted by: LiquidImpulse
lighscribe....a new toy created by man to have a bigger e-penis correct?

Looking at the rig in your signature, it would appear you're an expert on the subject :evil:

Ouch. That had to hurt. :laugh:

As far as I can tell, Lightscribe seems like kind of a cool idea to create more 'professional' looking discs. Even if it's not perfected yet and has limitations, what on earth does the technology itself have to do with e-posturing?

Hehe, I'm not even going to claim e-posturing is bad, I'm as bad as anyone But I bought my LightScribe burner as a work tool, not a toy. My mere home computer has the Sharpie?-assisted disc labelling system

 

[redbone75]

I just purchased the DW1655 a week ago and gotta say it's pretty sweet. As far as lightscribe I'd say it's a pretty cool option to have. Printable discs are cool but if you ever accidentally spill water on it the image can blur. Not so with lightscribe. Plus, I think it looks rather professional, but that's just my opinion.

 

[Ken90630]

Originally posted by: mechBgon

Hehe, I'm not even going to claim e-posturing is bad, I'm as bad as anyone But I bought my LightScribe burner as a work tool, not a toy. My mere home computer has the Sharpie?-assisted disc labelling system [/quote]

Good or bad, I just don't see how the Lightscribe technology represents e-posturing in any way. Maybe I picked the wrong week to stop smokin' crack. Whatever .... :laugh:


(Okay, yes, I'm kidding about the crack. That's a play on a line from the classic movie Airplane, for those of you wondering, "What the heck is he talking about?")

 

[n7]

If you want Lightscribe, then the BenQ DW1655 = teh drive for you.
If you don't want Lightscribe, then the BenQ DW1650 = teh drive for you.

 

[Jiggz]

Originally posted by: markkleb
There is also the Quality of the photo (it sucks)

Me I prefer to keep busy in other ways....

True, but it does not run! Nor it fades away with time or thru handling worse yet with water. Sure it is not the best looking but it suffice it's goal of labeling permanently. Sharpie's and label makers can do permanent labeling too but it's nowhere near the professionalism of LS.