Using the same magnificent technique as was used to create stained glass windows, Hewlett Packard has begun to utilize an evolved version of the same technology. This new transformation in custom labeled discs is called Lightscribe. So, what is HP Light Scribe? It is a process that involves a pulsating laser that turns on and off at the appropriate time while disc rotates. After the process is complete, a pattern of these marks is produced creating the customized image that makes every disc a unique work of art.

This remarkable technology, called LightScribe, uses a compatible recorder and software, to form visible marks on face of CDs and DVDs. These special discs have a thermal-sensitive coating of leuco dye on their top that causes a reaction when they become exposed to infrared radiation. Through an amazing chemical reaction, you can now burn a disc, then flip it over, and put it back into the recorder to create customized designs. All this is easily performed by the same exact laser that is inside your DVD recorder.



Lightscribe discs are about the same price as the name brand media on shelves today. The speed at which the print is made ranges between 6 minutes and 30 minutes, based on the quality and complexity of the design. HP has also promised that the speed will increase as much as 50%, within the next year. This is said to be accomplished with newly developed coating on the face of the disc to maintain compatibility with previously released Lightscribe devices.



Many of the current laptops and desktops come fully-equip with Lightscribe enabled recorders. They are available through a variety of different companies, and are no more expensive than the current DVD recorders available today. It is an incredibly convenient labeling system and there is always a guarantee that your recorded media will work, unlike the often defective quality of cheaper compact discs.

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