QUESTION ABOUT USING CD LABELS Options

[unni]

I've been using pre-cut/stick-on/circular disk-size labels to protect the CD surface and also to make it look neat.

But recently I saw printed on a disk-carton cover an advise against putting any labels on CDs. They suggested using a soft-tipped felt pen to write on the CD.

I have noticed that despite taking care to flatten it out, air-bubbles form under the label. I've also noticed that some labeled disks play fine on a home music system, but a car CD player rejects them. A computer tech told me that one of his CDs got stuck in the car player.

The issues are: Sticking a label makes the CD thicker. Does that affect the performance in some players? Then again, wouldn't a label covering the surface protect it from dust and scratches?

As I understand, the data is recorded on the top surface, but read by laser through the bottom surface. If that is the case, even damaging the bottom surface could render it useless. And we never protect the bottom surface which is even more susceptible to damage.

Your experience and inputs are being sought.

[Bawra Jay]

First of all let me clear your one doubt. The laser reads from the same side of the Cd where you actually record it, the other side is completely for label or marking or putting adv purpose only. I have seen a double sided DVD's but none about the CD.

Now there are two type of CD drives , one that is called SLEEVE type where there is no tray and has very less of the space for the sleeve as its mostly used in compact places like CAR ,etc. The second one is traditional CD TRAY one which has more thickness to accomodate your CD.

In Either case the CD labels ( A GOOD BRANDED ONES ) has highly any significant thickness that would compromise the tray or sleeve openings.

I have been using labels since last 3-4 years and never had any problems, but make sure :-

The labels are well branded and meets the necessary thickness requirement.
The labels have good adhesive glueing so that it wont come out due to wear and tear.
Always use the kit to apply labels so that there is no air bubbles or loosely glued labels on your CD.

One thing to keep in mind is after all the custom printed labels are paper, which are more prone to ripp off by daily wear and tear if it comes in contact with water drops , mildew, etc .

I have seen some of the real good plastic coated material labels available now , but are more costly , only good if you gonna preserve your CD for long time.

Hope this post helps.

[myawan]

My Experience: Good branded CD's don't need any protective labels.

[Chitralekha]

Yea I also used to use a kit to paste on the self adhesive labels and kit is very easy to use and there is never any bubbles. I got this one from CompUSA some 6-7 yrs back. A few months back I ran out of labels so I just use a permanent sharpie marker with most fine point to write direclty on CDs, if at all I make any. No labels any more. Plus I keep the CDs in those individual cases or the binder so they are never out sitting eating dust.

[unni]

[Pradeep]

Most of the cd roms have error correction.. hence as long as the cdwriter and the cd is of good quality, the cd will be readeable.