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OT: Print direct to DVDs
This is off-topic but thought I’d ask… alas my old Epson R340 Inkjet has given up the ghost. This was what I’d use to print labels directly to DVD’s, especially mini-DVD’s as clients like to hand those out at B2B events, etc. Thought I’d get a replacement from Epson online…holy smokes!! Prices have really jumped since I got mine for $79 about 3 yrs ago.
So does anyone have any leads on “less-costly / more affordable” inkjets with DVD/Mini-DVE print capability? A buddy of mine has a Primera SE auto-printer but after checking with Primera Tech Support…they indicate they no longer provide the “mini-DVD/Biz Card Adapter kits” that were available for the earlier Primera 1,2 and pro series.
I really haven’t found much online to meet this need. Guess I got so used to my Epson R340 with a CISS inksupply. Used to be able to go to Ebay and find new/unopened boxes of the Epson Photostylus printers for under $100 that offered DVD/CD print capability. Now everything is at least $300 or more and that’s usually refurbed or used. 🙁
Sooo… any suggestions? I know most folks go webmedia but like I said… clients like to hand out stuff at tradeshows, sales demos, etc. Nothing helps you be remembered more than a bag of swag.
Thx…
Chaz
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4 Replies
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I use the R280. There’s some on eBay for $125 and up.
Apparently, there’s some patent issue that keeps other inkjet disc printers out of the USA. You can buy dedicated disc printers but they tend to be more expensive than Epsons.
Steve Mann
MannMade Digital Video
http://www.mmdv.com -
Thanks for the reply. After a little more searching online, I went the amazon route and ordered a new Epson Expression XP-600 Wireless Small-in-One Color Inkjet Printer for $99 plus free S/H in 2 days thanks to my Prime account. It allows me to copy/scan/print/wi-fi and direct-to-CD/DVD printing.
I had an R280 awhile back and it was a good machine. But it too gave up the ghost, that’s when I got the R340. The thing about the Epsons with the CD/DVD caddy is that the tray seems to not want to feed after a certain period. I did the WD-40 trick on the guide switch and buffed the tray bottom to get more traction on the rollers. But this problem did seem to occur more frequently as time went on. Not sure what else to do about that.
Hopefully this printer will meet my needs for the next 2 to 3 years. Maybe then I won’t need to label as many DVD’s as they may go the way of the VHS.
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I bought an R300 and an R220 on craigslist for $20 each. They are both in excellent condition and I also use CIS system. I also use the SSC service utility to shut off the counters. I suspect that is the reason they were for sale because they quit working.
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HP made a printer with 5″-round-shiny-thing print capability for a short while. It sucked, and couldn’t print full bleed on a disc. I’m not sure if they gave up because they sucked or because of a lawsuit with Epson.
I used to have an R300, which was kind of a bad printer, but ok I guess for discs. That was kind of a panic replacement when my Photo 960 died suddenly. These days I use an Epson Photo 1400… hardly new, but my primary photo printer — I have a separate Canon “SOHO” type printer for “business stuff”.
I have heard tell that the Canon PIXMA MG5420 and some of their others do CD/DVD/BD printing. This is a current model that can be had for under $100. I know Canon had CD printers outside the USA for years, so could be something in the law changed, like a patent expiring. Canon’s not one to spend an extra $0.10 for a license if it can be avoided — like their 29’59” limit on video recording in the USA, due to taxes in other countries that shouldn’t affect the USA even slightly.
Still have Epson for my main printer, but I’ve been frustrated with every Epson printer I’ve owned and their inability to feed paper of any kind. But once you get the paper to feed, the results are good. Had a set of frustrations over a decade ago with a Canon printer, swore them off for awhile. I had a number of really reliable HP printers for business, but the last one was a mess, so that got going back to Canon (won’t even consider the drek Lenovo makes), and I’ve been really happy with their multis, though mine does not do CD/DVD/BD (and didn’t need to, because of the Epson). Might even consider Canon for photo printer, next go ’round.
-Dave
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