Creating Disc Labels with LightScribe

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In this document:
Frequently Asked Questions

Tips & Tricks

Installing or restoring LightScribe software on a notebook PC



This document pertains to HP and Compaq PC with a LightScribe-enabled DVD drive.

LightScribe is a direct disc-labeling technology that provides a simple way to create precise silkscreen-quality labels for discs. All you have to do is burn, flip the disc, and then burn again.



NOTE: If you are experiencing media or software detection problems with a LightScribe drive in your notebook PC, go to www.hp.com/go/techcenter/lightscribe (in English) and download updated LightScribe software.If you are experiencing media or software detection problems with a LightScribe drive in your HP Pavilion, Presario, or Media Center desktop PC download the latest LightScribe System Software Update (in English).

Creating a label uses the LightScribe-enabled DVD drive of your computer with enhanced disc-labeling software, and specially coated CD or DVD discs (sold separately).

A LightScribe-enabled DVD drive uses an optical laser to burn an image into the thin dye coating on the label side of a LightScribe disc. The LightScribe labeling system has no ink to smear, no paper to curl, and no sticky adhesive to cause problems.

LightScribe discs are identified by the LightScribe logo on the retail packaging and on the inner area of the disc itself.



Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my PC has a LightScribe drive?

If the drive door has the LightScribe name or logo on it, your drive is LightScribe capable. If the logo or name is missing, your drive is not LightScribe capable.

Some LightScribe-enabled slimline drives do not have enough space for a LightScribe logo or name on the drive tray cover, but a LightScribe logo sticker (see above) should be affixed to all LightScribe enabled notebook PCs. In addition, the presence of the disc encoder sensor indicates that a slimline drive is LightScribe enabled.

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Can I upgrade my current non-LightScribe DVD drive to work with LightScribe media?

You cannot upgrade your current optical drive to be LightScribe capable.

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How do I get LightScribe to appear in the Disc Label menu?

If LightScribe is not an option in Disc Label menu of Sonic Express Labeler or iTunes, the LightScribe software is not properly installed.

For notebook PCs, go to www.hp.com/go/techcenter/lightscribe (in English) and download updated LightScribe software.

For Pavilion, Presario, and Media Center desktop PCs, download the latest LightScribe System Software Update (in English)

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What do I need for LightScribe labeling?

Creating a LightScribe label requires the following four things:


A LightScribe enabled drive.

LightScribe system software. This is pre-installed on your LightScribe-enabled desktop or notebook.

Labeling software - this is software to create your label content and to send the label image to the LightScribe drive for burning. Examples include Sonic Express and Intervideo DiscLabel that are shipped with some systems.

LightScribe media - CDs and DVDs with a coating designed to respond to the laser from LightScribe-enabled drives.


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How long does it take to burn a LightScribe label?

The time required varies according to the image mode (Draft, Normal, and Best) and the surface area setting (narrow band with curved text, medium band with curved text, or the full disc surface). Using Draft or Normal imaging modes provides a shorter burn time, but also results in a lighter label. In most cases, the less area you use, the less time it takes to finish burning the label.

When beginning the burning of the label, the LightScribe software provides the estimated amount of time it will take to complete the label. A progress bar shows the remaining time during the burning process.

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Where are LightScribe discs sold?

Lightscribe media can be purchased from many online shopping sites and from local computer and office supplies stores. To purchase Lightscribe Media from HP, please refer to HP's How to buy site.

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Are LightScribe compatible Dual layer high capacity DVDs available?

Although most LightScribe enabled drives can read and write data to Dual Layer (DL) DVDs, there are no LightScribe enabled DL DVDs available at the time of this writing.

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Can LightScribe burn a color label?

Currently, LightScribe technology creates a grayscale image, similar to a black-and-white photograph.

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Can I use my PC for other things while I am burning a LightScribe label?

Yes. LightScribe does not require your attention during the label burning process. You can continue using your computer for other tasks while the label is being burned.

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Will the LightScribe image fade or darken over time or with exposure to light?

LightScribe discs are optimized to ensure that the label surface lasts. Some minor fading may occur over time. To ensure the longest life for both the label and data, keep optical discs out of direct light.

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Is the LightScribe surface/coating safe to handle?

Yes, LightScribe discs are safe to handle, like other optical discs.

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Can I re-do a LightScribe label?

The LightScribe label is permanent and not erasable.

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Why does my LightScribe drive not recognize the LightScribe discs I purchased?

If you are not using a LightScribe disc, the LightScribe disc is dirty, or if the LightScribe disc contains updated burning capabilities, you may receive an error when attempting to create a label:

This is not a LightScribe disc.

Cannot create LightScribe label.

LightScribe Engine Error: A communication error has occurred with the LightScribe drive. Please restart your PC and try the label again.

Make sure that you are burning labels with gold discs containing the LightScribe logo.



The disc must have a clean surface, free of smudges (especially around the center of the disc).

Sometimes, when new LightScribe discs are used, the firmware for your LightScribe drive needs to be updated. Updated firmware enables the LightScribe drive to be able to read more types of blank discs.


For Notebook PCs, go to www.hp.com/go/techcenter/lightscribe (in English) and download and install updated LightScribe software.

For Pavilion, Presario, and Media Center desktop PCs, download the latest LightScribe System Software Update (in English)


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What happens if I forget to flip the disc over before burning the label?

The LightScribe software notifies you that the disc is not recognized and prompts you to flip the disc over. The disc must be placed label side down in the optical disc tray.

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Why am I prompted to update my LightScribe System Software?

LightScribe System Software contains settings that help optimize the labeling speed and image quality for different drives and media. When a new LightScribe media is not recognized, the labeling software prompts you for a LightScribe System Software update that contains optimized settings for new media. HP recommends updating the LightScribe System Software whenever prompted.

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What is generic mode printing?

Generic printing is a labeling mode you can use to create a label when new LightScribe media is being used without updating the LightScribe System Software. The LightScribe system software can be updated at a later, more convenient time. When using generic mode printing, speed and image quality may not be best.

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My DVD labels appear faded. Is there a way to increase Contrast?

An Extended Label Contrast Utility is available for download at the LightScribe Website (in English). Using this utility can result in higher contrast, but with longer label burning times.

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When attempting to download the LightScribe System Software update from the LightScribe website, nothing happened when I clicked the "update" or "download". What do I do?

You must have administrator privileges before making system changes to your PC. If you do not have administrative privileges, log onto an account that does have these privilages, or contact someone with administrator privileges to your computer to help you.

In some cases, the settings in security software or the Internet browser may interfere when downloading and installing the update. Temporarily disable anti-virus, spyware or pop-up blocker programs. Make sure to accept and proceed with any messages that may appear. Security software programs typically have small icons in the lower right corner of your desktop, next to the time. Temporarily disabling security software may help. Right-click the security icon for the firewall or antivirus software and select disabled. Remember to re-enable them after the update is complete. If the PC is behind a Firewall, check your Firewall security settings before attempting the download or contact the system administrator for directions.


Tips & Tricks
Before you begin, take a moment to review these helpful suggestions.

Choose a design that fits your needs. The LightScribe software that came with your PC has a number of pre-designed templates for any occasion.

Use your own text, photos, or designs. Open your favorite graphic design application, create your artwork, and save it in .bmp, .tif, or .jpg format. From your LightScribe software, select the file as a background and complete your label by adding any desired text.

Make each CD or DVD a work in progress. You can add new text and pictures (for example, more song names or file names) to a previously burned label. Simply load the label design you originally used to burn the label, clear the existing text and graphics to avoid duplicate information being burned, then add the new label information and burn again.

Preview your label. To make sure the label is exactly the way you want it, use the Print Preview function (if available) or print the label out on paper to see it before burning.

Cut down on your label burning time. Switch from Best to Normal mode: you’ll burn fewer tracks per inch which takes less burn time but creates a lighter image. Or use the Title or Content templates instead of Full Disc. Because LightScribe burns from the center of the disc to the outside edge in concentric rings, Title and Content templates save time by confining your label to a narrower band. For the same reason, using circular text instead of straight text can also speed up burn times.

Go for contrast. A high-contrast photo or graphic stands out better than a picture in mostly soft middle tones. Use your software’s preview feature to see how the graphics you use look on disc.

Keep using your PC. While the label is being created, you can continue to use your PC for other activities. The LightScribe software indicates the time remaining to burn the design.

Avoid sudden shock or vibration. While the disc is labeling, avoid any sudden shock or vibration to the PC.

If you are using a notebook, avoid sudden loss of power. While the disc is labeling, keep your notebook AC adapter and power cord plugged into a working electrical outlet.


Installing or restoring LightScribe software on a notebook PC
Before you can create a LightScribe label using your notebook PC, you must install the required software. To install or restore the LightScribe software, insert the HP DVD Writer disc, found in the "Required for Setup" bag that is included with your notebook. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.


Creating a LightScribe label
Burning a label with LightScribe is a separate process from burning data, music, or pictures onto a disc. Depending on the LightScribe software you use, you can create a label before or after you burn files onto the disc.



NOTE: To burn the label after burning disc content, you must flip the disc over and place it label-side down in the optical drive tray.

Labels can be a simple title with a contents list, or you can get more creative by adding backgrounds and images.

You can design and create the label with InterVideo Disc Labeler, Sonic Express Labeler, or iTunes (available with select versions of LightScribe software only). The following sections provide instructions for creating LightScribe labels

With InterVideo Disc Label.

With Sonic Express Labeler.

After burning a disc with iTunes (available with select versions of LightScribe software only).



Using InterVideo DiscLabel to create a LightScribe label


Click Start, All Programs, InterVideo DiscLabel, and then click InterVideo DiscLabel again.

Select a template style from the Template menu and click Apply.

Double-click the title text box, if present, or click Add Text.

Type the text into the Rich Text Edit window and then click OK.

With the text box selected (click the box once), use the Text toolbar to modify the font, color, and other text properties.

Double-click the list text box, if present, or click Add List to add a list of contents to the label.

Click Add to add a row to the list.

To enter text for a list item, move the cursor over one of the item boxes (Title, Artist, or Length); click the box; and then enter text.

Repeat steps 7 and 8 for each item you want to add to the list of contents.

Click OK when you are finished with the list.

Select a background for the disc label:

Click the Theme menu and choose one of the provided theme images. Click Apply.

Or

Click Edit Background and then click Change Background to add a background image to the label. Follow the onscreen instructions to browse and select an image file. InterVideo DiscLabel supports .jpg, .bmp, and .png image files.


NOTE: If you use a color image or theme, LightScribe burns it as a greyscale (monochrome) image.

Click Add Image and follow the on-screen instructions to browse to and select an image file.

Click and drag the image to the desired area on the label. You can resize the image by clicking and dragging the sides or corners of the image.



NOTE: To remove an image from the label, click the image and then press Delete on your keyboard.

When you are satisfied with the appearance of your label design, click LightScribe Print.

Click Print, insert the LightScribe disc (label-side down) in the disc tray, and then click OK. The estimated time to complete the label is displayed, along with a progress bar. You can continue to work on your PC while LightScribe is burning the label.




NOTE: A sudden bump or vibration of the computer during the labeling process may affect the quality of the label.



Using Sonic Express Labeler to create a LightScribe label


Click Start, All Programs, Sonic RecordNow!, and then click Express Labeler.


NOTE: You can also open the Express Labeler from within RecordNow! by clicking Label Disc.

Make sure that Disc Label is selected in Step 1: Select Project.

Click Disc Titles to display the Edit Disc Title window. Enter text for the title and subtitle.

Click Tracks to display the Edit Tracks window. Click New to display the Track window. Enter text to identify the first track or file (you can optionally enter artist and date, or length), and then click OK.

Repeat step 4 for each track or file on the disc.

Click the left or right arrows next to Layout and Background to select design elements for the disc. The selections you make are previewed in the disc window.



NOTE: If you use a color image, LightScribe burns it as a greyscale (monochrome) image.

When you are satisfied with the appearance of your label design, insert the LightScribe disc (label-side down) into the disc drive tray and then click Print.

From the Disc Label menu, select LightScribe 12cm Disc.

Select a Contrast Level and then click OK to begin burning the label. The estimated time to complete the label is displayed, along with a progress bar. You can continue to work on your PC while LightScribe is burning the label.





NOTE: A sudden bump or vibration of the computer during the labeling process may affect the quality of the label.


Creating a LightScribe label with iTunes


iTunes works with Sonic Express Labeler to conveniently burn labels on a data CD or audio CD from iTunes. The playlist you create in iTunes to burn a disc is automatically imported into Express Labeler so that this information is available for you to use on your LightScribe label.

NOTE: To use Express Labeler from iTunes, the data or music tracks in the playlist your are using must fit on a single CD.
Click Start, All Programs, iTunes, and then click iTunes again.

Burn a data or audio CD with iTunes. When the burning process is complete, click Yes on the Create LightScribe Label window.

Make sure that Disc Label is selected in Step 1: Select Project.

Select a label template by clicking the left or right arrows next to Layout and choosing a layout.



NOTE: The various layouts show different amounts of playlist information. Some show only the playlist title, others show the playlist title and track names. You can edit the playlist information by clicking Disc Title to open the Edit Disc Title window.

Click Tracks to display the Edit Tracks window. Click New to display the Track window. Enter text to identify the first track or file (you can optionally enter artist and date, or length), and then click OK.

Repeat step 5 for each track or file on the disc.

Click the left or right arrows next to Background to select design elements for the disc. The selections you make are previewed in the disc window.



NOTE: If you use a color image, LightScribe burns it as a greyscale (monochrome) image.

When you are satisfied with the appearance of your label design, insert the LightScribe disc (label-side down) into the disc drive tray and then click Print.

From the Disc Label menu, select LightScribe 12cm Disc.

Select a Contrast Level and then click OK to begin burning the label. The estimated time to complete the label is displayed, along with a progress bar. You can continue to work on your PC while LightScribe is burning the label.