What is a robotic autoloading DVD/CD Publishing System?

A DVD/CD Publishing System is a device that is a disc duplicator, disc recorder and a disc labeler built into one unit dedicated to making as many disc copies as you need, each with custom printed disc labels. A robotic autoloading publishing system loads discs into the disc recorders automatically for unattended operation.

What is the 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS?

The 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS combines 20x DVD recording and LightScribe direct to disc labeling technology with advanced robotic disc handling. Since you can duplicate or label 3 discs simultaneously per cycle and the1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS automates disc handling, disc production time is reduced.

What kind of printing supplies will I need?

Really “none” is the answer. Most publishing systems require proprietary supplies, especially expensive ink cartridges or ribbons and most desktop label solutions require difficult to handle adhesive labels. With the 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS there are no expensive ink cartridges, no messy markers or adhesive labels. All you need is easy to use LightScribe DVD or CD media.

The 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS is value priced, compact and lightweight with a desktop footprint. Most publishing systems are complex, bulky and expensive. How does the 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS work?

The 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS combines proven system elements; the Aleratec robotic disc handling mechanism, LightScribe DVD/CD recorders, and the Aleratec Disc Publishing Suite for a system that automatically duplicates or labels discs with no operator intervention required. Just load it with a blank LightScribe media, use your PC to select the disc image or label you desire with the powerful Aleratec Disc Publishing Suite and it can automatically produce up to 200 DVD/CD copies or clearly labeled discs unattended. If you choose to duplicate discs first, load as many blank discs as needed with the recording side down in the input bins and click “record”. The robot automatically loads the discs in the recorders and copies your selected disc image on up to 200 discs. Simply flip the stacks of recorded discs over to laser burn silkscreen quality labels on the label side of the LightScribe discs. The robot will again load the discs in the recorders and burn LightScribe labels on each disc. When I want to print a label, how does the machine know I want to print or just write more data to the disc? LightScribe media has a special label side and a data side. You simply load the input bins of your 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS with LightScribe media, label side down. The LightScribe printer will not attempt to print on the data side of a LightScribe disc or on either side of a non LightScribe disc.

Does 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS require a PC?

The 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS is a PC connected autoloading disc publisher. There is a USB 2.0 port for connection to a PC for use as a duplicator or a LightScribe Labeler.

What are the minimum system requirements for a 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS?

Minimum configuration

Recommended configuration

Can I connect more than one 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS to a PC?

No, the Aleratec DVD/CD Disc Publishing Suite bundled with the 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS allows the use of one robot at any one time.

My recording speeds vary, is this normal?

Recording Speeds may vary substantially from disc to disc depending on the quality of the recording media or the quality of the original file or original disc.

How about the quality of 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS's printed labels?

The 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS produces very clear silk screen quality labels.

My labels are very clear, but they look somewhat gray. Is a way to increase the contrast?

Yes, the contrast of your labels can be increased with a LightScribe special utility. Go to http://lightscribe.com/support/index.aspx?id=306 and follow the instructions on your screen. Once installed when you select “Best” quality, your labels will have increased contrast. Note: Increased contrast labels take longer to burn. The increased contrast feature can be turned on and off.

Does the 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS require special media?

Yes, LightScribe media has a special label side and a data side. The label side has a special dye coating that reacts to the same laser in the LightScribe-enabled DVD/CD recorder that writes data to the data side, producing a remarkably clear, high quality, disc label.

Can I “print only” with the 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS?

Yes, you can ”print only” by using the Aleratec Disc Publishing Suite included. Just attach your 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS to your PC with the USB 2.0 cable provided. This is especially useful in preparing discs with labels, eg. your company logo, to be used later for writing data.

Can I add to a LightScribe label I’ve already burned?

Yes. If you decide to add content later, it will be correctly aligned with existing titles and images. What types of labels can I burn on a LightScribe disc? Text or graphics or both. The Aleratec Disc Publishing Suite comes with a variety of backgrounds to help you create great-looking labels, or you can import digital photos, or your own images.

Does LightScribe print in full color?

LightScribe labeling is available in grayscale. However, LightScribe media with colored backgrounds are now available.

Will the LightScribe image cause imbalance when the CD or DVD is spinning in the drive, the way a paper label can?

No. A LightScribe disc is as evenly balanced as any high-quality CD or DVD, and it spins evenly within the drive. Burning an image onto the disc does not change its balance, nor does it impede the disc’s ability to spin properly.

Can I use my computer for other things while the LightScribe label is burning?

Yes. The labeling runs in the background, so your computer can be used for other tasks while the process is underway. Can I leave my computer unattended while the LightScribe label is burning?

Yes. LightScribe labeling doesn't require your presence during the burning process. In addition, a LightScribe system will not go into sleep or power-save mode while it is burning a label. With the 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Publisher LS, you can leave the machine unattended during the copying or labeling of up to 200 discs.

Can I rewrite or erase a LightScribe label?

No. Current LightScribe technology is not erasable. Once the image is burned, it’s permanent. It will not smear, rub off, or fade (unless exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods). The Aleratec Disc Publishing Suite is designed to preview the image onscreen before it is burned—you can accept or make changes to that image before moving forward, so unplanned or undesired images will not be sent to the disc for burning.

What happens if I forget to flip the disc before burning the label side?

The LightScribe system recognizes whether or not the disc is label-side down, and it will not try to write a label to the data side, nor will it attempt to burn data to the label side. If the wrong side is presented for either data burning or label burning, your disc will be ejected and a software message will be displayed.

What if I make a mistake and try to burn a label on a non-LightScribe disc; will non-LightScribe discs work in a LightScribe drive?

The data side will work. But the software will not send a label image to a non-LightScribe disc, so no label will be burned if it is not a LightScribe disc.

Will LightScribe discs work with non-LightScribe drives?

Yes. The data side will work as it always has. But LightScribe discs cannot be labeled in a non-LightScribe drive.

Does the additional use of the laser in a LightScribe-enabled drive shorten its life?

Under typical labeling circumstances, there is no significant reduction in laser life.

Do slot-loader players affect the coating of LightScribe CDs and DVDs?

No. Scratch testing has shown that the coating on LightScribe CDs and DVDs is robust and should not be affected by slot-loader players.

I have noticed that, after awhile, some of my labeled discs get a whitish powder on them. What is it?

The white powder you may see on some labeled discs results from crystallization of the label-side coating. It is not harmful and can easily be removed with a water-dampened cloth. Wiping the disc with a damp cloth will not harm the label.

How should labeled discs be handled and stored?

To ensure maximal life for both data and label, hold discs on the outside edge or through the center hole to prevent fingerprints. Keep discs away from extreme heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. Ideally, you should keep discs on a spindle, in a disc sleeve, or in a jewel case, and then store them in a cool, dark place. And be sure to use polypropylene disc sleeves rather than PVC sleeves; PVC sleeves will cause images to degrade over time, while polypropylene does not adversely affect the coating or images.

Do the same suggestions apply to handling and storing unlabeled discs?

Yes, to ensure the longest life, store unlabeled discs in a stack or paper sleeve, and keep them away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Handle them as suggested above.

Can LightScribe discs be recycled?

Yes. CDs and DVDs contain polycarbonate and metal films that can be recycled.

Is the LightScribe disc hot or dangerous to handle immediately after the label is burned?