DVD Printing at DVinfo.net

Jonathan Schwartz · April 6th, 2007, 08:07 PM

Not sure if this is the right place for this thread. I run a Mac system with FCP and DVDSP. We produce roughly 1000 DVD's per month. Currently I am still using stick on NEATO labels for the DVDs. I looked at the new microboards GX-1 but was told by their tech support that my output is more than the GX-1 is designed for. They recommended the Print Factory but that is a PC only model. What are you using for your mac system to design and print direct to DVD?

Jonathan Schwartz
Owner, CA Video Productions

Bill Anciaux · April 7th, 2007, 03:54 AM

Jonathan,

Not sure if it's okay for me to do this (post links to vendors), but here's one you might consider for the Mac platform.

http://dvcreators.net/primera-dvd-duplicator

Also, B&H carries a wide range of duplicators for the mac platform. I would think some could handle the quantity you're talking about.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

Sorry, I haven't used any of these models but would be interested in hearing from others on this topic too. How many DVDs will a SuperDrive burn before it croaks? How do you factor this "wear and tear" into your product price when burning a large order?

Thanks,

Bill Anciaux

Patrick Moreau · April 7th, 2007, 07:39 AM

I had the GX1 with my mac and had nothing but problems with poor print quality, alignment that wouldn't work etc. I now have a primera Bravo SE and it works great, although it is for smaller runs than what you do. I would look for something from primera though as they do have mac support for many of their printers and they seem to work much much better than microboards.

Timothy Harry · April 9th, 2007, 01:58 PM

I too have a Bravo 2, and I actually use it with a 4 year old PC stuck over in the corner. the PC software it came with is much easier to use than creating a disc template in Photoshop and attaching it to the disc on my mac (I also wanted to find something for my old PC to do since I spent weeks of time modding the case 4 years ago). The primera system is great, but the ink is freaking expensive, and I would not suggest trying to refill the cartridges. 37 bucks for a new color cartridge that lasts somewhere around 80-100 discs is not the best life, and makes your cost go way up. With your print volume I would seriously look into a system that does thermal printing (I have heard of people having awesome results with Rimage). You will burn up a bravo or any other entry level duplicator in the first year with your level of output. Check with ProAction Media, they are who I use for all of my media and duplication projects.

Patrick Moreau · April 9th, 2007, 02:07 PM

For injet printers, Primera is right at the top with cost per disc in terms of ink. I am very happy with the value and quality out of my Bravo SE. I would agree that athermal is probably better with high quantities.

Jeffrey Butler · April 9th, 2007, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonathan Schwartz

Currently I am still using stick on NEATO labels for the DVDs.

Gack! That's horrible. I'm glad you're changing. Stick-on labels are the worst for their (lack of) fit and they're ability to add too much thickness to the dvds....just a royal pain.

I think you're talking about some gear I'm not so sure of, but direct on disk printing is the way to go. The Epson Stylus Photo 900 I use is only for one-offs and couldn't keep up with your quantity (maybe, but fulltime), but I've been printing direct to CD/DVDs for a while and am really happy with it. It's no dye-sub or thermal printer, but it works for archive and client one-offs. There's a great print package, again not for bulk, and probably not for use with a duplicator, but it's called Disc Cover.

If you're talking about going with a duplicator that prints on the discs, then what I'm talking about may not help. But if you're talking about printing onto discs after they're burned, then I suppose that's different and Disc Cover may help. It will certainly, when used w/ a print-on disc printer, work nicely.

April 6th, 2007, 08:07 PM	#1
Jonathan Schwartz Major Player Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ocean Springs, MS Posts: 211	DVD Printing Not sure if this is the right place for this thread. I run a Mac system with FCP and DVDSP. We produce roughly 1000 DVD's per month. Currently I am still using stick on NEATO labels for the DVDs. I looked at the new microboards GX-1 but was told by their tech support that my output is more than the GX-1 is designed for. They recommended the Print Factory but that is a PC only model. What are you using for your mac system to design and print direct to DVD? Jonathan Schwartz Owner, CA Video Productions

April 7th, 2007, 03:54 AM	#2
Bill Anciaux Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Posts: 37	Jonathan, Not sure if it's okay for me to do this (post links to vendors), but here's one you might consider for the Mac platform. http://dvcreators.net/primera-dvd-duplicator Also, B&H carries a wide range of duplicators for the mac platform. I would think some could handle the quantity you're talking about. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ Sorry, I haven't used any of these models but would be interested in hearing from others on this topic too. How many DVDs will a SuperDrive burn before it croaks? How do you factor this "wear and tear" into your product price when burning a large order? Thanks, Bill Anciaux __________________ Bill A

April 9th, 2007, 01:58 PM	#4
Timothy Harry Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Odessa, TX Posts: 93	I too have a Bravo 2, and I actually use it with a 4 year old PC stuck over in the corner. the PC software it came with is much easier to use than creating a disc template in Photoshop and attaching it to the disc on my mac (I also wanted to find something for my old PC to do since I spent weeks of time modding the case 4 years ago). The primera system is great, but the ink is freaking expensive, and I would not suggest trying to refill the cartridges. 37 bucks for a new color cartridge that lasts somewhere around 80-100 discs is not the best life, and makes your cost go way up. With your print volume I would seriously look into a system that does thermal printing (I have heard of people having awesome results with Rimage). You will burn up a bravo or any other entry level duplicator in the first year with your level of output. Check with ProAction Media, they are who I use for all of my media and duplication projects. __________________ Tim Harry Bandwagon Media Odessa, TX www.bandwagonhd.com

April 7th, 2007, 07:39 AM	#3
Patrick Moreau Still Motion Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,186	I had the GX1 with my mac and had nothing but problems with poor print quality, alignment that wouldn't work etc. I now have a primera Bravo SE and it works great, although it is for smaller runs than what you do. I would look for something from primera though as they do have mac support for many of their printers and they seem to work much much better than microboards.

April 9th, 2007, 02:07 PM	#5
Patrick Moreau Still Motion Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,186	For injet printers, Primera is right at the top with cost per disc in terms of ink. I am very happy with the value and quality out of my Bravo SE. I would agree that athermal is probably better with high quantities.