CD and DVD printers?

[Celebration]

I'm really confused by the number of choices on printing CDs and DVDs. Yes, I'd like to be able to print graphics or pictures on them (directly of course, not labels), but it wouldn't be awful not to have full color if that saves money.

Is anyone happy with a particular printer that directly prints CDs and DVDs in a basic home type printer? I already have a 3 in 1 regular home printer that I use. It works. Well, it works most of the time.

I'm actually probably going to sell a video CD slideshow, having to do with meditation, but I have a feeling the demand for it will be limited, LOL. So speed probably is not a factor. I would insert the person's picture into the slideshow, and it would be nice to put that picture on the video CD, (since each video meditation CD will be customized for each person)even if it was in "coloring book" form (black and white).

Suggestions? Really, I am not out to spend a bundle.

It would also be nice to send people CDs of pictures, of course, with a customized picture on it.

[JeffR]

1. I bought a Canon iP4500 recently.

I needed a new document printer, but found it also does a good job with photos and printable disks. It was about $75.

[Celebration]

2. Sounds great, but ugh look what I found!

http://www.cameratown.com/articles/canon_cd_printing.cfm

The other day I decided to do a Google search to see if any of the new Canon printers could print directly on CD/DVD media and was amazed at what I found. Many Canon printers that have been manufactured in the past few years actually have this capability but Canon, most likely for patent infringement reasons, have disabled this feature for the U.S. market. Since the printers in the U.S. still have this feature - though disabled - it is a fairly simple task to enable this capability. Basically, all you need is to purchase an inexpensive Canon CD tray ($16-$20 on eBay), a letter opener or flat-head screwdriver to easily remove a plastic 'door' that hides access to the CD feeder, and CD-Labelprint software (a free download from Canon).

This stinks. No wonder I am having problems. Guilty until proven innocent I guess. I'm not at all sure that I am excited about the Ebay/screwdriver option.

Did you buy it in the USA?

[JeffR]

3. No, in Toronto

And the Canon CD tray was in the box.

[Celebration]

4. the only other cheap option for full color printing on CDs

at a reasonable cost is Epson 280, and it gets pretty terrible reviews. Well, some people say it is good for CD printing, but they keep it turned off for everything else. And they have to move the CD tray when they turn it on!! Plus it seems it can't recognize it's own printer ink if you have it for awhile. I might think about Ebay/screwdriver, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/review/product/B000SDU7ZW/ref=cm_cr_pr_link_1?%5Fencoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=0

[JeffR]

5. If there's a patent dispute, Ebay & a screwdriver might be your only hope.

I've worked on some patent disputes, and they often take years to get sorted out.

[bvar22]

8. Or mail order one from a non-USA source.

:shrug:

[regnaD kciN]

9. FWIW, if you check out various photography sites...

...you'll find the R280 has a great reputation. Of course, like all inkjet printers nowadays, it goes through (expensive) ink at an alarming rate, but that's the nature of the system. If you want lots of 4x6s, and don't require the ultimate quality, you'd be better off uploading them to your nearest Costco, because the price you'll pay there is much less than the paper-and-ink (not to mention time!) costs for doing it yourself.

I use Costco for my 4x6 and 5x7 work (tweaking the image using their profiles, with generally gets good results). I only use my own printer for 8x10 and above.

[ccinamon]

6. I have an epson rx700...it prints cd and dvds

I don't think they make it anymore, but you might be able to find it refurbed or on ebay....I print a CD/DVD about once a week for the past year, and haven't had any problems...I'm pretty happy with it.

[Celebration]

7. Okay, I did just that!!

Bought from an individual on EBay who is going to go Wi-Fi.........he claims it works great. Hope so.