Whats Next for Disc Labeling?
For anyone who wants to safely label newly burned discs, the task remains a chore. With the introduction of the Hewlett-Packard Development Company’s LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling technology two years ago, however, disc labeling got a little bit easier. Now, the technology–as well as the tools to use it–is maturing. Kent Henscheid, HP’s LightScribe marketing manager, gave me some insights into what users can expect from the technology in the next six months. LightScribe’s approach starts with the drive itself. LightScribe-enabled drives can etch a label into specially coated CDs and DVDs, employing the same laser that burns data to a disc (just using the laser at a lower power). Since LightScribe debuted, HP has attained a critical mass of licensees for its technology, with many of today’s drive makers–including Hewlett-Packard, LG Electronics, Lite-On, Memorex, and Samsung–offering LightScribe support. This is not to say that every drive maker offers a LightScribe drive; notabl