User manual IMATION PRINTABLE MEDIA BROCHURE

[. . . ] Imation Printable Media CD-R DVD-R, DVD+R Changing the face of CD/DVD Media Create a lasting impression with Imation CD/DVD Printable Optical Media The appearance of a company's digital creative is as important as the look of its business cards, annual reports and other corporate materials. The more professional their duplicated CDs or DVDs look, the better the company or organization is portrayed. [. . . ] And today most CD/DVD-capable printers are comparable in cost to inkjet printers. Less time consuming -- On larger print runs, a significant amount of time can be spent positioning labels on discs. On most CD/DVD- capable printers, alignment is automatic so there are fewer mistakes. Reduced likelihood of drive or player damage -- Over time, labels can sometimes peel or curl and damage drive and player mechanisms. With printable media, images are printed directly onto the surface of the disc so drive damage is less likely. A more professional appearance -- For the highest quality results, Imation Printable Media is the only choice. The difference between inkjet and thermal transfer printing With Imation Printable Media, you can professionally customize your DVD/CD creations using either inkjet or thermal printers. What's the difference between the two?The following comparison will help you decide. Inkjet printing In inkjet printing, the ink solution is sprayed onto a disc surface that is specially designed to receive, hold and absorb the ink droplets. The technology produces photographic quality results for sophisticated, multi-color, high-resolution graphics and images on your DVDs and CDs. Inkjet printing offers a higher dpi level than thermal printing--up to 2, 400 dpi, depending on the printer--and ink cartridges cost less than thermal ribbons. But expect a lower throughput than when using thermal ribbons (about 300 discs per inkjet cartridge vs. Also, inkjet images are more susceptible to smudging and thus require time to dry (however, clear spray coats and laminator-type machines can easily seal inkjet printed surfaces). In short, if photographic quality and cheaper supply costs are important to you, you don't expect to print large volumes of discs and you can factor in some drying time or sealing process, then inkjet printing could be right for you. Thermal transfer printing Basically, thermal printing employs a heat transfer ribbon that bonds the images to be printed directly onto the thermal printable DVD or CD. Thermal ribbons cost more than inkjet cartridges, but the trade-off is that you can print more discs per ribbon. Plus, the print surface is more durable--with less risk of smudging--than with inkjet printing. [. . . ] 5/05) Imation and the Imation logo are trademarks of Imation Corp. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. [. . . ]