DVD+RWs and wipeable pens

Ericthelobster · 19-01-2006, 07:49

Just swapped my old VCR for a DVD recorder (LiteOn LVW 5006) which I intend to use primarily for the same purpose, ie time-shifting TV programmes.

With the VCR I had about 20-odd tapes with plastic labels on the front, which I would write on with a water-soluble marker, then wipe off after I'd watched the programme, for recycling the tape.

Any reason why I can't apply the same strategy to DVD+RWs? I see you can buy expensive DVD/CD writer pens - are these really necessary? (and presumably they'd need more than a wet fingertip to erase?)

Thanks
David

Astaroth · 19-01-2006, 11:56

All the CD pens I have ever seen are perminant rather than erasable.

The theoretical problem with pens is that the solvent used in them could damage the plastic coating on the disk - personally I have never had this problem but there you go

I am not sure how erasable pens would hold up in a DVD player. I know I have written on them with a perminant pen and put them in the player 5 mins later and as the ink wasnt 101% dry (though it felt touch dry) combined with the high spin speeds of a dvd player the ink ran. With the erasable pens less secure fixing to the surface I dont know if it would hold up to the high spin speeds. I personally have a HD recorder for temporary recordings and only use DVDs for perminant storage so it isnt an issue for me.

Ericthelobster · 19-01-2006, 16:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Astaroth

The theoretical problem with pens is that the solvent used in them could damage the plastic coating on the disk

Ah, OK, that's the reason then!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Astaroth

I am not sure how erasable pens would hold up in a DVD player. I know I have written on them with a perminant pen and put them in the player 5 mins later and as the ink wasnt 101% dry (though it felt touch dry) combined with the high spin speeds of a dvd player the ink ran.

Well I guess it's worth at least giving it a try once then. TBH I always tended to write on videos when removing them from the machine after taping, so maybe if I persist with doing it afterwards, it'll be OK. Thanks.

Bobdk · 19-01-2006, 18:31

Dear Lobster,

I see a solution from a different angle. Get your DVD-RW and write a number on it with a permanent marker (made for CD's, DVD's) like "1" - put the same number on the case. Use your erasable marker on the case or case sleeve and then no damage or running of ink will be suffered. Of course you could try your way and hope that any running ink doesn't slop around inside the DVD drive, this could be more interesting for you perhaps!

briancbb · 19-01-2006, 19:42

If you still want to go the route of marking the DVD this week Aldi's have a DVD Marker Pen and Erasor for 69p the set.

Manufacturer iss Stanger

Brian

19-01-2006, 07:49	#1
Ericthelobster Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 44	DVD+RWs and wipeable pens Just swapped my old VCR for a DVD recorder (LiteOn LVW 5006) which I intend to use primarily for the same purpose, ie time-shifting TV programmes. With the VCR I had about 20-odd tapes with plastic labels on the front, which I would write on with a water-soluble marker, then wipe off after I'd watched the programme, for recycling the tape. Any reason why I can't apply the same strategy to DVD+RWs? I see you can buy expensive DVD/CD writer pens - are these really necessary? (and presumably they'd need more than a wet fingertip to erase?) Thanks David

19-01-2006, 11:56	#2
Astaroth Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: London Posts: 3,421	All the CD pens I have ever seen are perminant rather than erasable. The theoretical problem with pens is that the solvent used in them could damage the plastic coating on the disk - personally I have never had this problem but there you go I am not sure how erasable pens would hold up in a DVD player. I know I have written on them with a perminant pen and put them in the player 5 mins later and as the ink wasnt 101% dry (though it felt touch dry) combined with the high spin speeds of a dvd player the ink ran. With the erasable pens less secure fixing to the surface I dont know if it would hold up to the high spin speeds. I personally have a HD recorder for temporary recordings and only use DVDs for perminant storage so it isnt an issue for me.

19-01-2006, 16:16	#3
Ericthelobster Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 44	Quote: Originally Posted by Astaroth The theoretical problem with pens is that the solvent used in them could damage the plastic coating on the disk Ah, OK, that's the reason then! Quote: Originally Posted by Astaroth I am not sure how erasable pens would hold up in a DVD player. I know I have written on them with a perminant pen and put them in the player 5 mins later and as the ink wasnt 101% dry (though it felt touch dry) combined with the high spin speeds of a dvd player the ink ran. Well I guess it's worth at least giving it a try once then. TBH I always tended to write on videos when removing them from the machine after taping, so maybe if I persist with doing it afterwards, it'll be OK. Thanks.

19-01-2006, 18:31	#4
Bobdk Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 145	Dear Lobster, I see a solution from a different angle. Get your DVD-RW and write a number on it with a permanent marker (made for CD's, DVD's) like "1" - put the same number on the case. Use your erasable marker on the case or case sleeve and then no damage or running of ink will be suffered. Of course you could try your way and hope that any running ink doesn't slop around inside the DVD drive, this could be more interesting for you perhaps!

19-01-2006, 19:42	#5
briancbb Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 173	If you still want to go the route of marking the DVD this week Aldi's have a DVD Marker Pen and Erasor for 69p the set. Manufacturer iss Stanger Brian

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DVD+RWs and wipeable pens