Help and FAQs!
LightScribe

What is LightScribe?

LightScribe is an innovative technology that uses a special disc drive, special media, and label-making software to burn labels directly onto CDs and DVDs. Because the labels are laser-etched (not printed) there's no ink, no smudging, and no peeling. Your labels can be whatever you want them to be. Create one-of-a-kind designs with your own photos, text, and artwork using Nero Coverdesigner.

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On which discs can I use the LightScribe printing?

You can only print using LightScribe when the discs have the LightScribe Logo (see above). You can not use LightScribe to print on normal discs or on discs which are foreseen for InktJet printing 'printable discs'.

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Can I print twice on the same disc?

Yes, you may print more then once on a disc. It is also possible to print twice the same picture/text. The drive will see the alignment of the previous printing and will adjust itself so that the new printing will be aligned with the previous one. However, you can not wipe out any printed area (just like printing on paper).

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I have problems printing with lightscibe. How to solve?

1. Make sure your drive is up to date. Download the latest firmware (if available) from this website. + Get the latest updates automatically with the Philips Intelligent Agent 2.2 2. Update your Nero software to the latest one. + How to update my Nero 7 software? + How to update my Nero 6 software? 3. Update your LightScribe System Software to the latest one. + Direct download

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Why do labeled LightScribe DVDs look different from LightScribe-labeled CDs?

The difference in appearance of labeled LightScribe DVDs and CDs stems from the difference in how CDs and DVDs are made in general. DVDs have a second plastic layer, which CDs don't have, that creates a kind of 'plastic sandwich' around the reflective layer on which data is burned. This additional plastic layer separates the reflective layer from the LightScribe coating on the surface of the disc. When you view a labeled LightScribe DVD, you are looking through that additional plastic layer, which creates a three-dimensional effect. In our testing, we have found that many people think the dynamic appearance of LightScribe-labeled DVDs is especially suited to media which store videos and creative content.

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Can I improve the contrast when printing on DVDs?

Yes, download and install the Extended Label Contrast Utility from the LightScribe Website. This will improve the contrast on your LightScribe DVDs. The printing time will be approx. 50% longer. This utility will not improve the contrast on CD. After updating the lightScribe software (eg. as in question 4), you have to download and install the Extended Label Contrast Utility again.

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Which Windows versions so support LightScribe printing?

LightScribe printing is possible on Windows 2000 and Windows XP. Older versions like Windows 98 Second Edition and Windows Millennium Edition can not be used for LightScribe printing. Burning CDs and DVDs on these older versions is however no problem.

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Where can I read more on LightScribe?

Visit the LightScribe Website.

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Your LightScribe drive is still not recognized after going through all steps from above?

There is a chance a registry setting is not correct. You can correct this by following these steps (only for experienced users only as the registry is one of the most important files of your computer. A mistake in the registry can prevent your PC for working normally again.!!): 1. Backup valuable data on eg. CD or DVD. 2. Click 'Start' and choose 'run'. 3. Type 'regedit' and choose 'OK'. 4. Make a safety backup of your registry by choosing 'File', 'Export' and give the file a well-chosen name. Remember the location of this file. In case a mistake happens, you can use this file to restore the registry. 5. Double click on 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE'. 6. Double click on 'SOFTWARE'. 7. Double click on 'Microsoft'. 8. Double click on 'Windows NT'. 9. Double click on 'CurrentVersion'. 10. Click on 'Winlogon'. 11. Check the value 'allocatecdroms' (in the right column). If this is '0', it’s OK (leave the registry editor without changing anything).      12. If it is '1', double click on 'allocatecdroms', and enter '0' like in the screenshot below:      13. Click 'OK'. 14. Leave the registry editor. 15. Restart your computer.

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