Fast, Safe and Professional….
© 2013 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
“The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated”. Sound familiar?
Mark Twain said it well, but in this case it applies to CD and DVD media. It
seems Apple has taken a position that such media is history, when no practical
replacement exists. Note, I said practical! In my opinion CD’s & DVD’s will
coexist when new practical storage formats evolve. To eliminate reader/writer
disc drives from computers is a big mistake, but this is a topic for another
article.
Label printing breaks down in two general categories; paper labels or
direct media surface printing. Either is generally accomplished with specific
label design software that is often included with a printer capable of printing
on discs directly, or other printers that can only print on paper label stock.
(TIP: The use of paper
labels, such as those made by a program known as CD Stomper, should be avoided.
While they can produce beautiful labels, they can easily peel off over time due
to the heat generated in the player or jam in the playback device and thus
cause serious damage to the player. Address labels should totally be avoided as they can cause an
imbalance of the disc resulting in playback issues. Of course, there is always
the felt tip marker, but how professional does that look?)
If you purchased a multi-purpose printer capable of
printing on the disc’s surface, label creation software was probably included.
My experience with such software supplied by Canon and Epson for example, left
much to be desired. While you can create and design basic labels, the process
is crude and can be time consuming to say the least, not to mention the amateur
appearance. After much testing and hundreds of labels later, I found DISCUS, a dual platform
program, created by Magic Mouse Productions, to be an excellent alternative to
printer manufacturer supplied creation software.
DISCUS offers drag/drop and paste
capabilities. It offers quick access to a library of commonly used symbols and
a wide variety of backgrounds, and offers a large library of fonts. It also
includes commonly used logos such as the DVD symbol. Size and position
adjustments are quickly accomplished with the use of the cursor. Numerous
effects are possible. Even a crosshatch design is provided that offers
assistance in positioning graphics and verbiage. Label creation literally is
fast. Changes are equally as quick to accomplish. Compatibility is limitless as
it works with most printers and label stock, and you can easily adapt files to
other printers since numerous models are supported. I will discuss printer
results in next month’s article. Naturally, you can incorporate files from
Photoshop and Printshop, too.
(TIP: Print settings on
most printers is not what you think it should be. While simple when known, can
be a frustration if you do not go to the DISCUS web site shown below for the
explanation and exact settings.)
Label printing is a great way to maintain organization
of your media library. If you produce software the end results are most
professional in highlighting and promoting your programs. DISCUS is an
outstanding software program. Stateside email supported by the creator results
in a quick response. Domestic phone support is also available, but is provided
on an “as time permits” basis.
(TIP: DISCUS is available
as a download from the Magic Mouse web site. An optional disc copy is also
available at time of purchase. I always make it a rule to purchase such backup
discs in the event future availability disappears and you need to restore the
program. DISCUS is not available in stores. It is, however, sometimes supplied
with the purchase of certain printers.)
MSRP: $39.95 (incl. shipping) $5.00 for a disc copy
(downloadable, FREE demos available)
GADGETEER’S
RATING: *****
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not
represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are
solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer
generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other
compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he
feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason
for many superior ratings.
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