Dymo DiscPainter CD Printer

[Dan Davis]

"From reviews I've read, the Dymo isn't as good of quality as the Epson but the quality is still very acceptable. One of the big complaints is there is no Key (black) so anything black is really a dark non-colour. Ink drying time is supposed to be fast and usability is supposed to be a dream."

The DiscPainter prints at either 600 dpi or 1200 dpi, I can't believe that the Epson prints at a higher dpi level. If someone knows please share.

[Dan Davis]

YES IT IS TRUE...I AM NOT A REAL PERSON...I AM A CHURCH GOING ROBOT...BEEP BEEP BEEP
Seriously though just because you read something similar on another website you assume I wrote it? Ted I am a real person.
I do like the DiscPainter and use it often. It works fast (1-3 minutes). An ink cartridge prints out 100 discs but I consistently get 130-140 per. As for it being a fad? I hope not. It works very well for our needs.

[cmchamp]

Yes, the Epson can print at higher resolution, but at the sacrifice of speed. I'm looking into replacing my R320 with a DiscPainter.
C.

[tedanderson]

Originally Posted by Dan Davis

Ted I am a real person.

Ok. I stand corrected.

[cmchamp]

Does one use corrective orthodics to stand corrected?

Couldn't resist.

[shayward]

YES IT IS TRUE...I AM NOT A REAL PERSON...I AM A CHURCH GOING ROBOT...BEEP BEEP BEEP

Possibly orthodics make it easier to remove one's foot from ones mouth

Seriously, though - welcome to the group, Dan. It's good to have you (even if you aren't a robot... it would have been cool to have a sentient robot on the forum )

The DiscPainter prints at either 600 dpi or 1200 dpi, I can't believe that the Epson prints at a higher dpi level. If someone knows please share.

The DPI is one part of the equation. From what I've read (don't take this as Gospel... it's not first hand experience):

• Black isn't as black as black (hun?) because it has to mix the three colours to get an aproximation of black but it's not true black
• A 3-colour system can't produce as true and as broad a range of colours as a 4-colour, 6-colour, or an 8-colour system (such as some Epsons)
• Apparently under critical inspection, the Dymo seems to print using little circles rather than discrete dots, which a few critics didn't like
• The nature of printing while spinning the disc doesn't look as good under critical inspection

In other words, if you print at the same resolution on both the Epson and the Dymo and compare the results, the Epson will be better in theory.

But that's not to say that the Dymo's results will be less-than-great. My impression from the reviews I read could be summed up thusly:

• The Dymo will give you great results
• An Epson 6-colour will give you FANTASTIC results
• An ink jet is slow and clunky
• The Dymo is fast and easy
• Most people can't tell the difference between GREAT and FANTASTIC

I, for one, am interested in the Dymo unit.

[jgibby]

Good replies all around. I sometimes feel like a robot too...

Good points Shayward. I'm sure if you were to compare a disc printed by an Epson vs one by the DiscPainter, you could easily tell the difference. If the image on your disc is that important, you really should go for the Epson or a high-end model like the Primera. However, I don't really see that many people look a disc labels. Most of the time they are either in the case or in a drive. I think for churches, the DiscPainter is an answer to prayer. Simple, easy-to-use, and economical. Is it the best at printing...no, probably not. But it does what you want it to do, and it does it quick without much effort on the user's part.

I am looking forward to see if they come out with an improved model maybe with black ink and an autoloader.

[shayward]

I'm sure if you were to compare a disc printed by an Epson vs one by the DiscPainter, you could easily tell the difference.

Easily, yes. I still imagine that for many applications one could still objectively conclude that the Dymo is not only "satisfactory" but also quite good.

Without having done the Dymo/Epson comparison myself, I imagine it's kind of like comparing a $250 microphone and a $1250 microphone. The $1250 microphone is almost certainly going to sound "better" but you'd still use the $250 microphone in a professional application without question.

If the image on your disc is that important, you really should go for the Epson or a high-end model like the Primera.

Or get it full-colour silk screened

However, I don't really see that many people look a disc labels. Most of the time they are either in the case or in a drive.

I have to agree.

Obviously, if it looks cheap and trashy then people are going to have a lower opinion of it. I guess the question is "At what point is better no longer noticable for most people?"

I think for churches, the DiscPainter is an answer to prayer. Simple, easy-to-use, and economical. Is it the best at printing...no, probably not. But it does what you want it to do, and it does it quick without much effort on the user's part.

And in a small, volunteer-driven church this is key.

I know big churches have trouble finding volunteers too - we all have challenges. But when you're a small, rural church (like mine is) your pool of volunteers is much smaller and your pool of tech-savvy volunteers is, like, 2 people.

If you want those 2 people to be able to accomplish things like putting the service on CD week after week and you can't give them a break for a month or two, you'd best make sure you give them tools that make the job easy!

That's exactly the reason why I'm developing self-serve kiosk software and it's also why I'm keeping an eye on this DiscPainter deal. If my Pastor can run it (60 years old, just learned email in the last 6 months) then I'm happy!

[Dan Davis]

I appreciate the nice comments (and the humor) above and am happy to be a member of an active forum.
No doubt a Primera system would be great to own but they cost a few thousand and are probably only realistic for a very large congregation with a very large commercial media program. Epson printers produce very good results but I have heard too many complaints about them not feeding discs correctly and of owners being frustrated. The reason I like the DiscPainter so much is that you just drop a disc in and hit print and a minute or so later it's done. No problems or need to watch the process to make sure everything is working right. Again, I like the Epson for document printing and have never had any problems using one in that capacity.

[shayward]

Thanks, Dan

Have you found that those with less-than-optimal computer knowledge have been able to use the DiscPainter without a hitch?

[rbcyouthdude]

I use an Epson rx580 I have a contentious ink system like this
http://www.superjetusa.com/shop/inde...52786ea618738f
I have printed over 1000 disc in the last 4 months and am loving it. I also print a lot of full size pictures. the epson store has them refurbished with 1 year warranty for $80 free shipping. Highly recommend.

I buy the refill ink from sams club, this is one color and it takes six but as you can see very cheap. the ink system really pays for it's self.
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/nav...=5&item=167093

michael

[Dan Davis]

"Have you found that those with less-than-optimal computer knowledge have been able to use the DiscPainter without a hitch?"

Yes, that is one of the main reasons I like it. The software included is very easy to navigate. It is MUCH simpler to use than Photoshop (although Photoshop designs can be seamlessly used with the DiscPainter). The very first time I used the DiscPainter I just winged it without even reading the directions (I'm a guy so sue me) and I was able to print out a labeled disc. I experimented with the settings such as regular quality or high quality and pretty much found the settings that were right for me. The DiscPainter also automatically is configured for the type of disc chosen (regular or mini) so there is no confusing size settings and complex configurations.