I am thinking about getting this printer to print on images for my final copies.

Photo Inkjet Printers - Photo Inkjet Printers - PIXMA Pro Professional Inkjet Printers - Photo Printer - PIXMA iP5200 - Canon USA Consumer Products (http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=184&modelid=11993)

What do you guys use to make the product look presentable?

The printer you linked to doesn't print ON a CD/DVD... that's the first trick, I use an HP, many others use Epson. Not sure if Canon even offers a printer with the special tray and print path needed?

I've tried the printable stick on labels, and while it's POSSIBLE to make them look good, it's a PITA to get them on the discs without wrinkles/bubbles and that presents potential problems galore, the least of which is aesthetic...

I've gone to printable discs and an HP printer (I think they offer two currently with the CD/DVD print feature), and that's the ONLY way to go if you want to deliver a professional looking result. I made up a template in my photo editor so I can make a custom full color label, which I then just drop into HP's printing program (their stock DVD printing features are horrid, to put it mildly... my workaround "fixes" the inherently limited software). The printed discs are available in white and silver (maybe other colors too?), and I've had good results printing either type. Finding printable discs can be a problem, not a typical "big box" store item... if you buy 100 spools, it's cheap enough that way.

YouTube - iP5200 disc printing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxUbEMBTysM)

Isnt it printing directly on the disc?

I use the Epson RX580... I'm totally happy with it. It was pretty cheap and does a good job for my standards at least. I usually only fill up half the DVD with the image and fade it out into the original color of the DVD (white). It uses less color this way and looks more professional and then on the blank side I place the text and logo.

What do you guys use to make the product look presentable?

I use an Epson RX595. While I didn't think any software could be as brain-dark than the Epson CD/DVD printing lump, it sounds like the HP software might just beat it.

The way I get around this shortcoming is to do all the graphics in Photoshop. I made a template there at about 5.5" @300dpi and kick everything in there. Once done, I save it as a .bmp and drag it into the Epson software as a background image. The only thing I'll add in the Epson software is the copyright notice and part number, which can be easily arced to anywhere from the hub to the outside edge.

Here's a cheap and cheezy one I did early on. I've gotten a lot better since then but I don't have access to it right now.

What do you guys use to make the product look presentable?

I use an Epson RX595. While I didn't think any software could be as brain-dark than the Epson CD/DVD printing lump, it sounds like the HP software might just beat it.

The way I get around this shortcoming is to do all the graphics in Photoshop. I made a template there at about 5.5" @300dpi and kick everything in there. Once done, I save it as a .bmp and drag it into the Epson software as a background image. The only thing I'll add in the Epson software is the copyright notice and part number, which can be easily arced to anywhere from the hub to the outside edge.

I'll try to upload an example later. The list currently refuses to let me upload my photo right now.

I use the Bravo SE... does 20 at a time & I couldn't be happier with it.
Best thousand bucks I've spent.

Epson R-1800, print directly on printable discs. No problem getting quality results using the Epson software.

I use the Epson RX580... I'm totally happy with it. It was pretty cheap and does a good job for my standards at least. I usually only fill up half the DVD with the image and fade it out into the original color of the DVD (white). It uses less color this way and looks more professional and then on the blank side I place the text and logo.
Which software do you use to realise this? I also use the Epson RX580 and the software that came with it. But that has no options for realising what you describe.

I use a Canon Pixma IP4500 wich does a really great job at dvd and photo (dvd-cover) printing.

YouTube - iP5200 disc printing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxUbEMBTysM)

Isnt it printing directly on the disc?

Sure enough it is, special tray and print path and all... VERY strange the Canon site makes no mention whatsoever of the feature! Normally a manufacturer would make mention of such a handy and not necessarily "standard" capability! I didn't find anything on the page you linked... or I missed it? I even went back to the link again, and other than the one tab that doesn't load, can't find the mention of CD/DVD printing, the necessary tray in the "included" list, or anything else to indicate this rather cool feature is available... strange

Looks like others have to kludge their way into the good looking graphics too - it's pretty much like in that video, though I made up a template with the exact dimensions of the DVD so I can make sure all the graphics are where I want them, then import it into the HP software and print. The included software is just slightly better than a sharpie... but if you've got a halfway proficient photo editor, it's not that hard to make incredibly good looking discs!

I use a Canon Pixma IP4500 wich does a really great job at dvd and photo (dvd-cover) printing.

I'll second the Canon.. excellent printer..

I had all sorts of problems with Epson, and their inexistant guarantee and crap after sales service.

cheers
Gareth

I use a Canon Pixma IP4500 wich does a really great job at dvd and photo (dvd-cover) printing.

I used to have an HP printer, but it gave me grey hair and I got myself a Canon IP4500 and never looked back. Excellent printer!

Stelios

I'm currently using an Epson R380 and love it! Amazing prints and color for the price . I use watershield dvd's so I get a beautiful glossy finish. I also create all of my dvd prints in photoshop at a very high resolution prior to printing them but as far as the printer itself, I'm happy with it!

Matt

can someone tell me who owns the cannon if the disc prints are likes ones u get form blockbuster????

this is what i use, pretty cool devise but dam expensive


CD & DVD Label Printing, CD/DVD Printer | DYMO DiscPainter (http://global.dymo.com/enUS/DiscPainter/default.html)

can someone tell me who owns the cannon if the disc prints are likes ones u get form blockbuster????

Disks from the major studios use a completely different printing process that's akin to silk screening. There's really no way you're going to get the same results from an ink jet printer. Thermal printers might get closer but I've not seen any of those.

this is what i use, pretty cool devise but dam expensive


CD & DVD Label Printing, CD/DVD Printer | DYMO DiscPainter (http://global.dymo.com/enUS/DiscPainter/default.html)

I saw a thread on this board at one time in the past... It's damn cool. Wish it was in my budget. How long does the ink last?

this is what i use, pretty cool devise but dam expensive


CD & DVD Label Printing, CD/DVD Printer | DYMO DiscPainter (http://global.dymo.com/enUS/DiscPainter/default.html)

My concern is the cost per disk for ink. The website doesn't seem to provide any info, except the cost of the cartridge...$39. Any idea how many disks you get per cartridge?

Is a continuous ink supply available?

i usually get around 100 disc prints per cartridge. it uses only few colors so blacks are not jet black but black enough for me and other colors seems vibrant. its fast and so so so so easy to use. And its good fun to watch. Ocasionally u get round circles ( very very faint ) where the ink has printed but these can be be deducted by trying various discs and various settings ie matte or glossy or color disc. quality is good but im keen to see what this cannon pixma is like. And only one disc at a time but i only ever print 8 per wedding max.

Other than that it was a good purchase cause of its ease of use although i do think a little over priced.

Neat little product and perfect for a new business like mine

luke

can someone tell me who owns the cannon if the disc prints are likes ones u get form blockbuster????

Don't be silly! They're screen-printed!

I use my Canon PIXMA Pro9000 for disc printing but I do it from Linux using alternative drivers because the Canon (made for windows only) drivers stink for disc printing The alignment process is a pain in the *ss and trying to print multiples is a nightmare. The one issue I have with it is that it won't print right to the hole. Otherwise, the actual print quality is astounding (as you would expect from a printer of this calibre - and price!)

I use the Primera BravoPro Autoprinter: BravoPro AutoPrinter CD/DVD Printing System by Primera (http://www.primera.com/bravopro_auto_printer.html)

Around $1500, prints up to 100 copies more or less unattended. I use Taiyo Yuden hub printable media-- very reliable and cheap! About 33 cents a piece in quantities of 600 or more.

Negatives: Color ink cartridges are EXPENSIVE (around $40 a piece) and depending on the coverage area you are printing, you will average around 100 or so full color discs per cartridge (YMMV). I have found ways to squeeze the life out of them.

YouTube - iP5200 disc printing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxUbEMBTysM)

Isnt it printing directly on the disc?

Reading through the comments left on this youtube video, apparently only non-US canon printers of this model come from the factory with this option. You've got to hack it a little, and use EU drivers to get this function in the US, and purchase the tray seperately.

page 3 of the comments:
"In the USA there is a patent problem so they had to remove DVD printing from printers to comply with US Law. however by editing the firmware and getting a 3rd party tray US citizens can enjoy DVD printing :D"
and
"Cant wait to try this, Im in the US so I have to wait for my cd tray to come from ebay.
ITs really easy to "hack your printer"

YOu just have to change it from US to Europe,
reinstall the drives(installing the Europe drivers)
and take off the plastic cover"

WELL, that explains why they didn't promote it... I THOUGHT that they would have at least mentioned it.

If you've got to jump through that many hoops to get it to print CD/DVD, sounds to me like getting a printer that's ready to go out of the box would be a better option.

can someone tell me who owns the cannon if the disc prints are likes ones u get form blockbuster????Currently, no printing method will get you those kinds of results. However, you can get close with Taiyo Yuden Watershield disks. They have a very nice glossy look to them, but are about twice the price of standard printable DVDs.

I use a Disc Makers ElitePro2 duplicator for duplicating and printing my disks.

I have used the R200 with great results, probably put through 1000 or so DVD's through that printer. I now use the Epson RX680, with about 600 discs through this one with great results as well. The RX680 is an all in one as well, printer, scanner.

OK. Finally got around to getting an image to upload. The final result on the Verbatim hub printable media is very faithful to the original "art". Color, contrast and resolution are quite good. I'm not all that caught up in glossy finishes to the matte look is OK with me.

Reading through the comments left on this youtube video, apparently only non-US canon printers of this model come from the factory with this option. You've got to hack it a little, and use EU drivers to get this function in the US, and purchase the tray seperately.


Realize bringing up an old topic here but wanted to comment because recently I picked up a Canon Pixma MX850. This model, once hacked, can print to CD/DVD's (please note the newer version MX950 CAN'T print to CD's/DVD's). Plus ink cost are higher (smaller cartridges) the MX850 is an all around better printer. I do believe Consumer Reports rated it the best in class.

I managed to buy the last one from BB, new in the box. I bought a dvd tray off ebay, then followed online instructions and walla, i'm printing beautiful images onto DVD's!

This printer is amazing and highly recommend. Although the Label making software sucks, I was wondering what other people use for Software - photoshop ? Does anyone have a template ?

I use the IP5200 and it prints great images on disk or photos and its fairly quick for this particular price point. Like all printers though the results vary dependent upon what your printing on (disk surface makes a huge difference). Ive had no driver problems and set templates up to print right up to the spindle - full face.

Steve

I use Epson printer with CISS ink system so the printing cost is cheap. Also print to TY watershield DVDs

Amazon.com: Taiyo Yuden WaterShield - 50 x DVD-R - 4.7 GB 16x - white - ink jet printable surface - spindle - storage media: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Taiyo-Yuden-WaterShield-printable-surface/dp/B0015EMZU8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1245684559&sr=8-2)

They are glossy and the output is really amazing.

I use an old Stylus photo 900 Epson with TY watershield and Discus as the labeling program. Great results.

I'll second the Canon.. excellent printer..

I had all sorts of problems with Epson, and their inexistant guarantee and crap after sales service.

cheers
Gareth

I tribble that. also use the canon ip4500 and never looked back. I previously had an HP that gave me gray hairs..lol

Stelios

I'm still running on Epson R220 and it doesn't want to die. It's job is to print DVD's only - nothing else. Maybe Cannon cannot sell it's tray printing mechanism because Epson already has that patent in US?