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Frequently Asked Questions

KODAK CD-R Ultima Thermal Printable White Media

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) were last updated on 14 February, 2002.

For answers to general questions about KODAK CD-R media, see FAQ1630 .

1. What applications are suited for KODAK CD-R Ultima Thermal Printable White media?
   With our Thermal Printable White media you can customize the content of your CD and create its label. Label content can be in the form of multi-color* text, graphics and/or logos. We recommend this product if you want to thermally print barcodes on your media. Use this product if you want to thermally print your CDs and prefer the look and contrast of a bright white disc. You can also write on our Thermal Printable White media using felt-tip markers. KODAK CD-R Ultima Thermal Printable White media can be screen printed. *in a RIMAGE-type environment.
   
   
2. Do I need a special thermal printer to print CD-R media?
   Yes. Only specially designed thermal printers can print directly on the surface of thermal printable CD-R discs. You can not use a thermal printer designed to print paper media for CD-R discs.
   
   
3. Why should I use KODAK CD-R Ultima Thermal Printable White Media?
   Our thermal transfer media has our proprietary INFOGUARD Protection System. This proprietary system includes one of the most stable dye layers available today along with a super-tough overcoat to help protect the surface of the discs from scratches and fingerprints. In addition, the added-gold reflective layer of KODAK CD-R Ultima discs provides enhanced stability compared to media that has a reflective layer made of pure silver.
   
   
4. Does KODAK CD-R Ultima Thermal Printable White media work in a production "lights out" environment?
   Yes, because CD Thermal printers can be connected to a robotic handling system and to a CD writer(s) for "lights out" recording and printing. The discs are stackable as they come out of the printer.
   
   
5. What is the difference between inkjet printing* and thermal transfer printing?
   Inkjet printing and thermal transfer printing are commonly used for customizing the surfaces of CD-R discs, however each uses different technology to place inks on the printing surface of the discs. It is important to remember that inkjet printable and thermal printable CD-Rs are not interchangeable.

   In inkjet printers, inks are sprayed, via droplets of an ink solution, onto a specially designed surface material on the disc. This special material, the inkjet receiver layer, is intended to hold the ink droplets in place while absorbing the liquid components of the ink.

   In thermal transfer printers, a print head that contains resistive elements in a linear array heats ink-coated films (ribbons). The head is in direct contact with the uncoated side of the ribbon and the ink-coated side of the ribbon is in direct contact with the disc's printable surface. The ink is heated, causing it to melt and adhere to the printing surface. Specially formulated materials are used for the printable surface of the disc to enhance high ink transfer efficiency and adhesion.
   
   

6. How long will the data last on KODAK CD-R Ultima Thermal Printable White media compared to silver-only media made by other manufacturers?
   The projected data life on all KODAK CD-R Ultima products exceeds all other silver-only media that Kodak has tested. Our testing shows that our Ultima media outlasts all other brands tested by significant margins (in fact, up to six times longer).
   
   
7. How long will the printed image last?
   Thermal printing on a CD withstands frequent use and handling, and it remains intact when proper storage, handling and shipping methods are employed.
   
   
8. At what speeds can I record?
   You can record at speeds of 1X to 12X to create discs that comply with the following standards: CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA and CD I. Kodak most recently released CD-R Ultima 80 Thermal Printable White product that is 24X compatible.
   
   
9. Does KODAK CD-R Ultima Thermal Printable White media work in all CD writers and CD readers?
   Yes. With this product, Kodak continues to provide media that work great in all leading writers and readers.
   
   
10. What is the warranty?
    All of our Ultima products that have the INFOGUARD Protection System carry a lifetime warranty. If any disc is found to be defective in manufacture or packaging, it will be replaced.

    *Kodak makes no representation with respect to the freedom to use this product with inkjet printers in the U.S.A.