Lightscribe

LightScribe is a new technology based on optical disc recording that allows the user to obtain laser labels with text or graphics on specially coated, recordable CD and DVD media. It is a registered trademark belonging to Hewlett-Packard and was conceptualised by HP engineer Daryl Anderson in 2004.

This new technology allows the user to burn data inside the CD or DVD drive. Most computers enabled by LightScribe have LIghtscribe drives that have the capability to perform all actions of DVD burning - be it dual layer recording, burning of DVD+(R) and DVD-(R) media. This innovative technology makes ’stick on labels’ and printable CDs obsolete.

Lightscribe does away with the use of messy markers, sticky labels and allows the user to obtain perfectly etched designs on the disc in an easy and uncomplicated manner on lightscribe enabled computers.

LightScribe utilises the laser in a similar manner as when used to write data on a CD. A greyscale picture is etched on the upper side of the disc, which is available in red, blue, green, yellow and orange monotone backgrounds. Initially, the lightscribe colours used for etching the labels on the discs were monochromatic, featuring a grey etch on a gold background.

In 2006, these discs were also made available in colours. The background can now be obtained in different colours but the writing still remains monochromatic. The main function of lightscribe is to enable the user to create direct to disc labels using the optical disc writer. In order to use the lightscribe technology, special LightScribe DVD writers and CD writers along with special lightscribe DVD discs and CDs are required.

Every disk to be etched has a special code, which enables the drive to know the exact rotational position of the lightscribe disks. This feature, together with the drive hardware, makes it possible to know the exact position from the centre toward the edge. This reference parameter allows the disk to be accurately labelled while it rotates at high speed.

For using the lightscribe, the user needs to turn over the disc and insert it upside down, before burning information on the read only side of the disc. The driver then etches the medium on the label side and forms the image.

The present Lightscribe technology prohibits the user from replacing a lightscribe label but it allows the addition of more data. The SATA 20X lightscribe LG black drive is popular for etching content on discs.

Also available are lightscribe external DVD burners from HP and the HP Black HP USB 2.0 External 20X Lightscribe dual Layer DVD+/-W DVD Burner HP 1040VE. Lightscribe 100 Disc Pack is available from Alera Tec and contains hundred units.

With the advancement and innovations in the use of the lightscribe technology, companies like Toshiba have developed lightscribe laptop DVD recorders that are ideal for laptops. This technology has therefore made labelling of discs simpler and more practical. It has almost completely done away with the use of sticky labels, markers and printable CDs.