Q: What does DVD stand for?
A: Digital Versatile Disc
Q: What are printable DVDs and CDRs?
A: TDK Life on Record offers a range of discs that have a printable surface to allow you to create personalized labels for your discs. You will need to have a printer that supports direct disc printing (e.g., Epson Photo Stylus R200). Some printers may have accessories that can add this functionality; check with the printer manufacturer for more details. Please note: TDK Life on Record printable discs are not suitable for thermal printing.
Q: What are printable labels?
A: These are labels on which you print first and then apply to the surface of the DVD. This method of applying labels is not recommended as they can create unbalanced disc spin. A suggested method of labelling a non-printable disc is to use a CDR/DVD marker pen.
Q: Is there a difference between the cheaper and more expensive discs?
A: Yes, cheaper discs contain a high rate of failure and are not reliable to deliver a consistent level of quality.
Q: How many times can you write on DVDs?
- DVD-R, DVD +R writes one time only.
- DVD-RW, DVD +RW can re-write 1,000 times.
- DVD-RAM can re-write 100,000 times.
Q: Why does my DVD playback sometimse freeze momentarily on my DVD player?
A: With some movies that are recorded over 2 hours long, the data is spread across 2 layers on one side of the disc (dual/double layer). The freeze occurs when the first layer has been read and the player changes to the second layer. It is not a fault with either the disc or the player.
Q: Why can't I play my DVD disc back in my DVD player that is connected to my TV?
A: Many home DVD players can not play back certain burned DVD discs. Whether a recorded DVD will work in a DVD player depends on the player. Multi-format DVD players will likely play all formats except the DVD-RAM cartridges. DVD-R media may have the fewest problems with playback in older players.
Try the following:
- Check to see if the DVD writer can read the disc. If there is DVD player software installed, use that and try to watch the DVD.
- Check with the owner's manual of your home DVD player for media compatibility (the player may not be able to read burned DVDs).
- In addition, check VCD Help to see if others with the same DVD player can read burned discs.
Q: Can DVDs record from TV/VCR etc?
A: Yes, a DVD recorder will allow you to record from the TV or VCR. DVD recorders appeared in the Australian market at the end of 2000 and are now becoming more widespread and affordable. A DVD recorder works like a VCR – it has a tuner and A/V inputs, and it can be programmed to record shows on TV. The difference is that unlike VCR, recordings on a DVD are instantly accessible and can be accessed from an onscreen menu.
Q: What is a dual layer (double layer) disc? Can I use them in my drive?
A:
Dual layer and double layers discs are basically the same however the group of companies that promote the – (dash) format use the term ‘dual-layer’ and the group of companies that promote the + (plus) format use the term ‘double-layer’. TDK Life on Record currently supplies double layer +R disc.
A This type of disc can hold almost double (8.5GB) the storage capacity of a standard single layer disc (4.7GB). This means you can store up to 4 hours of DVD-quality video or up to 8 hours of VHS-quality video.This increased capacity is acheived by creating 2 layers of data on one side of the disc. One layer is semi-transparent so that the laser can read through it to the second layer. When the laser finishes reading the first layer, it switches to the second layer which can cause the video to freeze for a fraction of a second.
Most current DVD models can read dual layer (double layer) discs.
Q: How do I clean or repair my CD or DVD?
A: CDs or DVDs do not require routine cleaning. However, if readability is impaired and surface contamination is visible, follow these steps:
- Do not use strong cleaners, abrasives, solvents or acids.
- Wipe the disc gently in only a radia direction (a straight line between the hub and the rim) using a soft, lint-free cloth.
- For stubborn dirt, use water with mild soap or isopropyl alcohol. If the dirt still isn’t shifting, let peanut oil sit for about a minute before wiping it off.
- Purchase a commercial product that cleans discs and provides protection from dust, fingerprints and scratches.
Q: What is LightScribe?
A:
LightScribe is a direct disc labelling technology that burns text and graphics onto the surface of specially coated LightScribe discs. A LightScribe drive burns data and creates labels using the same drive laser.
Q: How does TDK Life on Record LightScribe media work?
A:
When the laser of a LightScribe-enabled drive irradiates the label side of a TDK Life on Record LightScribe disc, the disc surface undergoes a safe, non-toxic chemical reaction that creates your custom label design directly on the disc.
Q: What components do I need to utilize TDK Life on Record LightScribe media?
A: To utilize LightScribe technology, you need a LightScribe-enabled drive, supporting software and LightScribe-enabled recording media.
Q: What types of labels can I burn onto a TDK Life on Record LightScribe disc?
A: LightScribe-enabled software allows burning custom labels ranging in complexity from title-only, to title and contents, to full graphics designs. You can also choose between circular and straight text. TDK Life on Record LightScribe media is blank recordable media, and does not include LightScribe-enabled label design software. The software may be supplied with LightScribe-enabled drives.
Q: Can I erase and rewrite a LightScribe label?
A: No. Once burned, a LightScribe label is final. While you can’t erase text or graphics from your label, you can easily add more content to a label that is already burned.
Q: Can I add to a LightScribe label I’ve already burned?
A: Yes. If you decide to add more content, you can correctly align it with already existing titles and images.
Q: How do LightScribe discs differ from traditional optical discs?
A: LightScribe media is specially coated to chemically react when a laser beam is applied to it, thus creating labels. The chemical reaction is nontoxic and totally safe.
Q: What colors can I include on a LightScribe label?
A: Current LightScribe technology supports monochrome (greyscale) labelling.
Q: Does LightScribe work on both PCs and Macs?
A: Because of software compatibility, LightScribe direct to disc labelling technology is currently only compatible with PCs using Windows 2000 and XP. You will be able to use TDK Life on Record LightScribe enabled media with Macs when LightScribe-enabled software for the Mac platform is released.
Q: My TDK Life on Record USB data drive is not being recognised in Windows XP?
A:
This is possibly due to conflict with another device, either on, or near that drive letter. Try these steps to have your computer recognise your USB drive;
1) Go to "Start" > "Control panel", double-click on "Administrative Tools" icon.
2) Double-click "Computer Management"
3) On the left hand side of the screen, choose "Storage" then below click "Disk Management"
4) On the right hand side the drive will be showing as “ Disk 1, Removable” or similar
5) Right click on the appropriate disk and choose “change drive letter and path”
6) Then click "Change"
7) Choose the drive letter of choice being careful not to select another letter already assigned to drives or network settings
8) Click "Ok"
9) A Confirm window will now appear stating “changing the drive letter of a volume might cause programs to no longer run. Are you sure you want to change this drive letter?” Click Yes.
Your drive should now be recognised and ready for use.
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