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Frequently Asked Questions

KODAK CD-R Ultima Inkjet Printable* Clear Media

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) were last updated on 14 February, 2001.

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

1. What applications are suited for KODAK CD-R Ultima Inkjet Printable* Clear media?
   With our Inkjet Printable* Clear media you can customize the content of your CD and create its label. Label content includes multicolored text, graphics, and logos. Use this product if you want to inkjet print* your CDs and prefer the look of a silver-colored disc. You can also write on our Inkjet Printable* Clear media using felt-tip markers. KODAK CD-R Ultima Inkjet Printable* Clear media can not be screen printed.
   
   
2. Do I need a special inkjet printer to print CD-R media?
   Yes. Only specially designed inkjet printers can print directly on the surface of inkjet printable CD-R discs. You can not use an inkjet printer designed to print paper media for CD-R discs.
   
   
3. Why should I use KODAK CD-R Ultima Inkjet Printable* Clear media?
   Our inkjet 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 silver and gold alloy in the reflective layer of KODAK CD-R Ultima discs provides enhanced stability compared to media that has a reflective layer made of pure silver.

   Additionally, KODAK inkjet media has an average dry time of less than 60 seconds and is stackable at system output.
   
   

4. Does CD-R Ultima Inkjet Printable* Clear media work in a production "lights out" environment?
   Yes. A CD inkjet printer* can be connected to a robotic handling system and a CD writer 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 but each uses different technology to place inks onto 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, holds the ink droplets in place while absorbing liquid components of the ink.

   In thermal transfer printing, 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 material of the printing surface, and to transfer to the printing surface of the disc. Again, specially formulated materials are used for the printing surface to enhance high ink-transfer efficiency and adhesion.
   
   

6. How long will the data last on CD-R Ultima Inkjet Printable* Clear media?
   The projected data life on 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?
   Inkjet printing* on a CD withstands frequent use and handling, and it remains intact when proper storage, handling and shipping methods are employed.
   
   
8. What recording speeds can I use with CD-R Ultima Inkjet Printable* Clear media?
   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 Inkjet Printable Clear product that is 24X compatible.
   
   
9. Does KODAK CD-R Ultima Inkjet Printable* Clear media, work in all leading CD-R readers and writers?
   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.