LightScribe technology was introduced to the market by Hewlett-Packard in 2004. At that time there was no technology available that allows you to design laser engraving on the label of an optical disc. DiscT @ 2 was developed and released by Yamaha in 2002, but apart from the LightScribe technology DiscT @ allowed only two people, a design, to burn the unused portion of the data side of a disc. DiscT @ 2 was abolished in 2003, but later in what is now known as developed LabelflashThe technology, which was published in December 2005. Unlike its predecessor, Labelflash technology allows you to burn images and text, both the label and data sides of a disc.
Now LightScribe and Labelflash win in the competition for recognition as the only leader of the Direct Disc Labeling technology. Even if the two could in any way comparable with LightScribe and Labelflash really a lot of differences, the more perfectly than any other evercertain situations.
What is LightScribe?
When LightScribe first time on the market in 2004, there was a phrase of three words strongly associated with the technology - "Burn, flip, burn." The idea was that a person can burn both data and label the parts of a disc with a disc that simply throwing the disc in the process. The introduction of this technology has given people an alternative to the streak-sensitive labels printed on inkjet direct-to-disc printers and labelsthis can cause problems when used with high-speed optical drives or slot-loading.
The labeling with LightScribe technology requires a LightScribe optical drive and the so-called special dye to have a coating on the label. At the beginning of a LightScribe disc media has been available only in sepia color and CD-R and DVD-R formats. However, now you can find records on DVD + R and DVD + R DL formats, as well as an assortment of colors.
If penetrated by the laser, thethe disc goes, the coating is a non-toxic chemical reaction that causes the dye to darken in color. The images are written in concentric circles, starting from the center. Burn labels with LightScribe technology leads to a grayscale image. When burned, the label can not be deleted from the disk. However, since the hub (center) of each LightScribe disc contains a series of bars that make the CD drive of the exact position of rotation of the disc, you can add more than one previouslabel burned or burn it again to sharpen the contrast. Although Hewlett-Packard has reported that the LightScribe label should last the life of the disc, you should always save one of his discs away from heat and direct sunlight, because the brand must begin to fade prematurely.
LightScribe optical drives (internal and external) are widely available in the U.S. and Europe, for Windows and Mac compatible manufacturers of hard disc drives with LightScribeinclude HP, Pioneer, Samsung, LG Electronics and Memorex.
What is Labelflash?
Labelflash was introduced to consumers in December 2005. This project started with Yamaha and Fujifilm implemented technology that was originally released by Yamaha in 2002 under the name DiscT DiscT @ 2 @ 2, you can burn images on the unused portion of the data side of a disc. The main disadvantage of this technique is that the size is often limited, since a large amount of data written. Because ofThis was the project in 2003 to develop the Labelflash, the same technology used to burn images to a disc on the label, even if the possibility of images on the data side of a disc held on abandoned.
Labeling a disc with Labelflash technology, only with a special Labelflash compatible drive and disc, a dye similar to special LightScribe media are exercised. The discs are blue and are only available in DVD format.
UnlikeLightScribe media, the dye on Labelflash discs is easier when penetrated by a laser. The result is a silver, a monochrome image with a maximum of 256 colors and 1000 dpi. The label has a shiny appearance, as the dye is located within a 0.6 mm polycarbonate layer of protection. Consequently, the current image can not be touched directly. Although this may help prolong the life of the brand, there are no specific citations on the life of your labels. It 'a recommended methodmaintain protect discs from heat, dust and direct sunlight.
As a Labelflash compatible drive, you LightScribe disc label and write data to disk. Labelflash optical drive compatible (internal and external) from manufacturers such as Sony Optiarc, Teac, Pioneer and Quanta Storage is available. In addition, some computer models from Toshiba, Acer and Gateway Labelflash compatible drive.
Labelflash drive, for burning images and text dataDVD media (Labelflash compatible or not) because of the DiscT @ 2 functions.
Which is best?
As expected, there is no clear winner in this little cold war technology. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. But it is choosing the right direct disc labeling technology is an important issue that requires a look at the value of time and money, the differences between the resulting disc labels, and the availability and flexibility of hardware andSoftware.
When it comes time to burn a brand that can neither defend nor LightScribe Flash tag for ease and speed of printing labels or simply label a disc with a marker. Set to take full quality, both units in about half an hour or more than one label, to burn a disc. But the two Labelflash tends to burn a little 'faster than LightScribe for about 4-5 minutes.
Another important factor is the media. For those whoCD and DVD labels, LightScribe is the way to go, not as a Labelflash CD label. In addition, Labelflash media tends to be significantly more expensive than from LightScribe, from $ 1.5 media and LightScribe DVD from $ 0.30 per CD and $ 0.60 for DVD. However, allowing the DiscT @ 2 features Labelflash These texts and images on the data side of DVD media, regardless of whether Labelflash-compatible, which can be an entire function of some to burn.
AAnother advantage that supports LightScribe and LabelFlash media is the ability to burn the design time to improve the definition. This is made possible by the way the CD burns the design and the fact that the graphics and text on the CD because of the darkening of ink have been written, while the ink clears LabelFlash discs to create an image and can be just be light. Many still prefer the look shiny silver Labelflash discs.
In terms of software andHardware support is quite an advantage over Flash LightScribe label because of its longevity in the market. Another downside is the lack of negative Labelflash drive supporting the Mac community, even if you can use Labelflash on a Mac from a couple of steps.
Apart from minor technical details and personal preferences of an individual is the availability factor. For many, a better technology than others, just because it's easier to get inWhere they live. This is the case with LightScribe and Labelflash. Labelflash drives and media can be difficult to enter the United States, where as it is very popular in Europe and Asia, but said to be more widely available soon Labelflash coming to the United States.
To sum up ...
Both technologies offer the world something that is innovative and intriguing and has contributed to some of the problems that computer users face every time you solve burnMusic CDs, backup archives, and more. However, the direct disc labeling technology also has its problems to be solved yet. The key question is whether this technology is able to stand the test of time with a good disc labeling methods are available, such as Sharpie resist.
