How does this Lightscribe gadget work?

Question

On my HP computer, I have this gadget called Lightscribe which apparently will "scribe" titles etc on CD's and DVD's, thus no need to hand write with a marker pen. Sounds good - but does anyone out there know how it works? Do I need to have special discs or some sort of fancy labels?

Answer 1

You need lightscribe discs (not regular cd or DVDs) which cost about 5 times more and then may take 15 to 30 minutes to burn. For now they come in one shade of color for burning

Definition from Wikipedia
LightScribe is an optical disc recording technology that utilizes specially coated recordable CD and DVD media to produce laser-etched labels.

LightScribe was invented by Hewlett-Packard engineer Daryl Anderson, and licensed by HP to numerous hardware manufacturers, media manufacturers and software developers. Although currently limited to desktop and laptop PC DVD/CD drives, HP has ambitions to make LightScribe present in consumer electronics products such as stereo-component CD recording decks and set-top DVD recorders.[1]

The purpose of LightScribe is to allow users to create direct-to-disc labels (as opposed to stick-on labels), using their optical disc writer. Special discs and a compatible disc writer are required. After burning data to the read-side of the disc, the user simply turns the media over and inserts it with the label side down. The drive's laser then etches into the label side in such a way that an image is produced

Mode of operation

The surface of a LightScribe disc is coated with a reactive dye that changes color when it absorbs 780nm infrared laser light. The etched label will show no noticeable fading under exposure to indoor lighting for at least 9 months. Optical media should always be stored in a protective sleeve or case that keeps the data content in the dark and safe from scratches. If properly stored as such, the label should show no noticeable change for much longer than 9 months in real-world application.
Example from HP Press Kit of a first-generation LightScribe printed label
Example from HP Press Kit of a first-generation LightScribe printed label

LightScribe labels burn in concentric circles, moving outward from the center of the disc. Images with the largest diameters will take longest to burn.

Initially LightScribe was monochromatic, a grey etch on a gold looking surface. From late 2006, LightScribe discs are also available in colors for categorization. The "burning" is still monochromatic, but the background colors can now be produced in various colors, under the v1.2 specification. HP has announced its intention to develop the capability to burn full-color images in the future.[2]

Currently it's not possible to rewrite a LightScribe label but it's possible to add more content to a label that is already burned. Support for full rewriting could be added in the future.

The center of every Lightscribe disc has a special code that allows the drive to know the precise rotational position of the disc. This in combination with the drive hardware allows it to know the precise position from the center outwards, and the disc can be labeled while spinning at high speed using these references. It also serves a secondary purpose: The same disc can be labeled with the same label again, several times. Each successive labeling will darken the blacks and generally produce a better image, and the successive burns will line up perfectly.

Answer 2

Well taking into consideration it was not that long ago a COMPUTER was about the size of a house . With Micro-circuits and Touch Screen technology etc . It may well end up the size of a pocket note book ? By the time a computer is sold its nearly outdated before it leaves the shop . So in 10 years all one could ever need or want may be carried in a brief case beside your lunch

Answer 3

You need special disc and it etches whatever you want into the disc itself. Takes quite a while, 15 to 20 minutes a disc but it is permanent.

Answer 4

yup, you have to buy lightscribe DVD/CDs.

Still, it's kinda neat.