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LightScribe.com: FAQ: What You Need
WHAT YOU NEED

Click on the questions below to toggle the answers on and off.

Q: What do I need for LightScribe labeling?

A: To create a LightScribe label, you'll need the following things:
  1. A LightScribe-enabled optical drive. Although LightScribe technology makes use of existing hardware, additional hardware and firmware components are required to enable LightScribe labeling.
  2. Software. This consists of two applications that may need to be loaded on your computer separately.
    • LightScribe System Software; this is very similar to a device driver but is specific to LightScribe commands. Each hardware manufacturer will provide the optimal version for their systems, but universal versions are also available in our Downloads section for Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. Please note that in some cases, the LightScribe System Software may need to be loaded separately from the Labeling applications.
    • Labeling application. This is the program you use to create your label content and send the commands to the LightScribe drive. It may have been included with your hardware, or it can be purchased separately. See our list of qualified LightScribe labeling applications here.
  3. LightScribe media. These are CDs and DVDs with the LightScribe coating on the labels of the disc that responds to the laser energy from the drive. These are sold separately at most computer and office supplies stores as well as available online.

Q: What are the computer requirements for LightScribe?

A: Windows Vista, XP, and 2000 are supported for PC applications. USB2.0 and IEEE1394 (Firewire) interfaces are supported for drives sold in external configurations. Mac OS X 10.3.9 and later are supported via the LaCie DVD +/-RW external Double Layer drives and DVD+/-RW internal drive, and Linux x86 (requires kernel 2.6 and RPM, validated on SuSE 9.x, 10.0).

Q: Where can I buy LightScribe CDs and DVDs?

A: In order to keep consumers informed about when and where they can find the latest LightScribe products, updates on availability will be posted on the “Media" page and the “Products ” section of the LightScribe website.

Q: What Operating Systems are supported by LightScribe?

A: LightScribe is available on Windows (Vista, XP, 2000), and supports Mac OS X 10.3.9 via the Lacie DVD+/-RW external Double layer drives and DVD +/- internal drives. Linux x86 with kernel 2.6 and RPM is supported through the LaCie Linux Labeler.

Q: Will LightScribe support the Microsoft Vista operating system?

A: All Windows Downloads on this site should be Windows Vista compatible.

Q: Can I install a LightScribe enabled drive in my Mac?

A: LaCie is a Licensee providing a complete hardware and software solution. Also, SmileOnMyMac, an Independent Sofware Vendor, provides Mac compatible Labeling Software. Their contact information can be found in our Products page. Please also see our Downloads section for downloadable software.

Q: Can I install an internal LightScribe drive in an aftermarket external drive case?

A: Only LightScribe drives sold as a complete external drive are currently qualified and supported. Many third party aftermarket external drive cases have shown problems supporting LightScribe labeling.

Q: Do I need a new computer to get LightScribe? Can I just buy a LightScribe DVD drive and connect it to my computer?

A: LightScribe-enabled optical drives are available as peripherals and plug-in replacement drives for your existing computer. Or you can buy a new computer with a LightScribe-enabled optical drive. There is no consumer kit to convert a non-LightScribe optical drive to a LightScribe-enabled drive.

Q: Will LightScribe discs work with non-LightScribe drives?

A: Yes. The data side will work as it always has. But LightScribe discs cannot be labeled in a non-LightScribe drive.

Q: When do I need to update my LightScribe System Software?

A: LightScribe-enabled software can detect when an update is needed, and will prompt you to get one. Your hardware or software provider may have the latest downloadable system software on their website. As an alternative, universal versions are also available in our Downloads section for Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms

Q: How can I tell if I have a LightScribe-enabled drive in my Desktop computer?

A: There is an easy way to know if your CD/DVD writer has LightScribe capabilities. If the drive shelf that opens, closes and holds the disc has the LightScribe name/logo on it (the word “LightScribe” is part of the logo), then your drive has the LightScribe capabilities. If there is NO logo on the CD/DVD writer then your drive does not have the LightScribe capabilities.

Q: How can I tell if I have a LightScribe-enabled drive in my Notebook computer?

A: Slimline drives may not have enough space for a LightScribe logo on the drive tray cover, but a LightScribe logo sticker should be affixed to all LightScribe-enabled notebooks. To make sure, the presence of the disc encoder sensor can verify that a drive is LightScribe-enabled. Looking straight down on the spindle after the drive tray is opened, then look for presence of a LightScribe disc encoder sensor as an indicator of LightScribe capability.

Q: How can I tell if I have LightScribe-enabled CDs or DVDs?

A: CDs and DVDs with the LightScribe label coating are indentified by the LightScribe logo printed at the center hub of each disc as well as marked on the packaging.

Q: What optical media can I use to create a LightScribe label and what formats are available?

A: A current list of available LightScribe Optical Media is on our web site and is constantly updated.

Q: Can I upgrade my existing DVD drive to work with LightScribe?

A: Special hardware is required for LightScribe-enabled drives, and non-LightScribe drives cannot be upgraded with LightScribe capability.

Q: What labeling programs can I use to label a disc?

A: A list of qualified software providers is available on our web site with available links. Examples of a few popular Labeling programs are the LightScribe Simple Labeler, SureThing, Nero Coverdesigner, Sonic and Roxio Express Labeler, Accoustica, LaCie Labeler, SmileOnMyMac DiscLabeler, and Droppix.

Q: I just purchased a bare drive, how do I install it?

A: Follow these steps to install and use a bare drive. For additional information visit the LightScribe Getting Started section.
  • Install your drive by following the manufacturer's installation instructions. The following can be referenced as an example: HP DVD and CD-Writer Drives - Hardware Installation Instructions for an Internal IDE model 
  • Download and install the latest LightScribe System Software. This will allow your software to recognize your LightScribe drive and optical media. Universal versions are available in our Downloads section for Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms.
  • Install the labeling software. View a complete list of LightScribe labeling software. You may also find downloadable Labeling software in our Downloads area (Windows, Mac, Linux).
  • Purchase LightScribe media at your favorite office or computer supply stores. They're also available through some discount stores such as Walmart or online. A list of the LightScribe media is available for reference. Additional brands are constantly being introduced as more media manufacturers are licensed.

Q: Can I use more than one LightScribe drive at the same time to burn multiple labels?

A: The ability to work with multiple drives depends on the capabilities of your Labeling software. Droppix, Accoustica, SureThing5, and LaCie are a few example software packages that can accomodate multiple LightScribe drives. Aleratec offers an integrated multi-drive duplicator hardware solution.