Philips Adds Personal Touch To Disc Storage

Staff On Mar 21 2005 - 8:00am

Consumers can make their own personalized DVD and CD labels with the first Philips DVD writer and disc media featuring LightScribe technology. The double-layer DVD disc writer, DVDR16LS, is a DVD writer and label printer in one.

Lightscribe is said to make disc labeling quick and convenient, using laser technology that burns the data itself to create professional-quality labels on blank optical disc media. All the user does is burn the data, flip the disc and then burn the label — all inside the same drive. There is no need for handwriting with a pen or struggling with adhesive labels.

Philips is said to be the first supplier to offer both a Lightscribe compatible double-layer 16x DVD writer, with a capacity of up to 8.5GB per disc, and the specially coated Lightscribe disc media. The system, which will be launched during the first quarter, will be available in DVD+R, DVD-R and CD-R formats. The product will be sold in five-pack DVD jewel cases and 10-pack CD jewel cases. Three CD-R discs will be included in the drive package.

Philips expects to introduce the LightScribe package, comprising a DVD writer, Nero6 disc burning software and three CD discs for a suggested $127.