Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
ThetopsurfaceofaLightScribedisciscoatedwithareactivedyethatchangescolorwhen
exposedtolaserlight.LightScribeusestherecordinglasertoetchtextandgraphicsonthe
top surface of special LightScribe media. After the user records the disc, the user flips the
disc over and runs a LightScribe program to transfer the desired design to the top of the
disc. To prevent fading and surface damage, LightScribe discs should be stored in cases
away from light when not in use.
LabelFlash was announced in October 2005 by Yamaha and Fujifilm. LabelFlash is based
on the DiscT@2 (“disk tattoo”) technology originally developed by Yamaha for writing
text and graphics into the unused portion of the data side of a CD-R disc. However, La-
belFlash can also write to the top side of media when the user flips the disc, just as with
LightScribe. The top side of LabelFash media is designed to be more resistant to dam-
age and to produce better image quality than LightScribe because the LabelFlash dye is
0.6mm below the disc surface.
The main drawback of either system is that they take up to half an hour or more to
fully label a single disc. Another drawback is that both LightScribe and LabelFlash re-
quire drives, media, and software that support the specific system. For an updated list
of products supporting these systems, visit the LightScribe (
www.lightscribe.com
)
or La-
belFlash (
http://labelflash.jp
)
website.
Troubleshooting Optical Drives
Failure Reading Any Disc
If your drive fails to read a disc, try the following solutions:
• Check for scratches on the disc data surface.
• Check the drive for dust and dirt; use a cleaning disc.
• Make sure the drive shows up as a working device in System Properties. Check the
drive's power and data cables if the drive is not listed.
• Try a disc that you know works.
• Restart the computer (the magic cure-all).
•RemovethedrivefromDeviceManagerinWindows,andallowthesystemtoredetect
the drive.
Failure to Read CD-R/RW Discs in CD-ROM or DVD Drive
If your CD-ROM or DVD drive fails to read CD-R and CD-RW discs, keep the following
in mind:
