Print Direct To Cd Or Dvd

Ray Thomas · Post by **Ray Thomas** » 6 Mar 2010 5:34 pm

Just purchased a printer (HP) that can print direct to a disk. Would like to know some of the programs you are using to accomplish this. I do not like the program that came with the printer for this purpose. I understand that a printable type disk has to be used. Any help or recommendations much appreciated.

Bent Romnes · Post by **Bent Romnes** » 6 Mar 2010 8:20 pm

Ray check this thread. Lots of helpful info there
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=176330

John Cipriano · Post by **John Cipriano** » 7 Mar 2010 11:00 am

I don't think anyone mentioned design software in that thread, though.

The top of the line would be Photoshop & Illustrator. Quark used to be used a lot in the industry as well. Microsoft Publisher is pricey, considering that it doesn't do half of what Illustrator does, but it isn't bad. You won't be able to share files with anyone though. All in all I'd say the best value if you're looking to buy is Xara Xtreme, which is $89 right now.

I would recommend trying Inkscape though.
http://www.inkscape.org/

It's free, and it does everything you will need it to do. You might have to spend some time learning the ins & outs, but it isn't bad.

I'm pretty sure Inkscape can open EPS files, which means you can use these templates to get the size right:
http://www.kabaaudio.com/tempcd.htm

If you are doing a lot of work with photos, you may also want a dedicated photo editing program. If you are on Windows, Paint.NET is very nice. There's also the GIMP, which despite the unfortunate name is a pretty good photo editor.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 7 Mar 2010 11:55 am

Discus is a good disc printing program that supports must printers. I have an Epson and the Epson print program is much better than the HP, but the Discus will work well and is relatively inexpensive.

http://www.magicmouse.com/

Cal Sharp · Post by **Cal Sharp** » 7 Mar 2010 3:31 pm

If you're serious about this, and want to get professional results, you would create your graphics in Photoshop and/or Illustrator and then place them in a page layout program, either InDesign or Quark. A CD/DVD template is available here. You would place this on its own (locked) layer in the page layout app and then place your graphics on other layers. Significant investment in software, of course, and if you're just a hobbyist you'd probably want to try one the options mentioned above.

Don Sulesky · Post by **Don Sulesky** » 7 Mar 2010 4:10 pm

When I bought my HP the software was very limited.
It then directed me to the "SureThing CD Labeler Deluxe" program to upgrade my labeling.
I think it was $9.95 at the time.
I like it, but it is not as good as what already comes with the Epson.
Don

Carl Kilmer · Post by **Carl Kilmer** » 7 Mar 2010 7:12 pm

Hi Guys. I've been using Dicus for several years,
and I've never found anything better for the price.
Here are a some examples, of what it will do for you.

Hope this will be of help to some of you.
PS: I quit using Epson. These were printed using an HP.

Carl "Lucky" Kilmer

Greg Cutshaw · Post by **Greg Cutshaw** » 8 Mar 2010 6:35 am

Carl and Jack, thanks for the tip on Discus, I'll be buying that! Carl your CD artwork is truly awesome.

Here's an example of what the Epson software can do:

Greg

Carl Kilmer · Post by **Carl Kilmer** » 8 Mar 2010 7:25 am

Thanks Greg, Glad you like them.
When you order your Discus make sure you get Discus 424.
That is the latest version of it, and handles about every printer.
Once you figure out how to do everything, it's very easy to use.
If you need any help when you get it, drop me a line.

Carl "Lucky" Kilmer
Learning to Steel again. Still

tho.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 8 Mar 2010 11:51 am

424 is the only version available for download for Windows systems. 424 supports the Epson Artisan series.

Cal Sharp · Post by **Cal Sharp** » 8 Mar 2010 1:09 pm

Just an FYI: blank media, once the plastic seal is broken, can go bad in time if you don't burn something on them.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 8 Mar 2010 1:27 pm

I have mine in a CD "dispenser" with a cover that holds 100 discs. I use them so fast, at times, that they don't last long. I did 50 for one guy last month and 30 for another. (I have 5 USB connected CD burners and can burn 5 discs at a time).

Greg Cutshaw · Post by **Greg Cutshaw** » 9 Mar 2010 7:41 am

I just ordered Discus and it ships out of Arlington, VA USPS 1st class so I guess I'll forgo the download of it and hope that they ship me version 4.24. I can always update online within the version.

I've used the Epson software and Gimp and another vector graphics program a lot lately for CD's and it appears that Discus is the best combination of graphic power and speed of completion for the jobs I have to do.

Carl, I was able to get some really great results with a few hours of effort. For now, my search is over!

Greg

Carl Kilmer · Post by **Carl Kilmer** » 9 Mar 2010 9:05 am

Hi again Greg,
No worry, they always ship the last version unless
you ask for an older one. You'll really like this one.
I used to use Surething, but when this came out, I quit
using Surething except for printing mailing labels on
CD label sheets that I quit using several years ago.
One thing I like about Discus, is you can resize and crop
pictures, and merge them together like I did on this one.

Carl "Lucky" Kilmer

Ray Thomas · Post by **Ray Thomas** » 11 Mar 2010 6:38 am

Many thanks for all the info, so far I am considering Sure Thing or Discus, maybe both. Sure Thing is very easy to communicate with by phone. Thanks again to all who responded

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Print Direct To Cd Or Dvd

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