# LightScribe

From w:LightScribe:

  LightScribe is an optical disc recording technology, created by the Hewlett-Packard Company, that uses specially coated recordable CD and DVD media to produce laser-etched labels with text or graphics, as opposed to stick-on labels and printable discs.

Labels burnt using LightScribe are monochromatic, as it works by making a chemical in the media react with the laser beam and change color.

## Installation

To use LightScribe, regardless of which operating system you are using, you need two pieces of software: the LightScribe System Software and another LightScribe label making software.

On Arch, the LightScribe System Software is available from the AUR:

- i686: lightscribeAUR
- Multilib x86_64: bin32-lightscribeAUR

## Labelers

In the AUR you can find:

- LightScribe Simple Labeler: official tool to make simple thin labels. You can only type text and use the provided templates as separators. Useful to make good looking labels quickly (it takes only 3 minutes, as opposed to a full-disk label which takes around 30 minutes)
  - i686: lightscribe-labelerAUR
  - x86_64: bin32-lightscribe-labelerAUR
- LaCie 4L LightScribe Labeler for Linux: tool from LaCie that allows to create a full-disk label using a picture.
  - i686: 4lAUR
  - x86_64: bin32-4lAUR

Additionally, searching for lightscribe in the AUR will create a list of related software.

## Enhanced Label Contrast Utility

To adjust the contrast which is often too light, run:

    # /usr/lib/lightscribe/elcu.sh

then hit `1` to use the enhanced contrast setting or `2` to reset it. Note that some programs (e.g. LaCie 4L) have this option built-in and it can be changed at runtime.

Category:

- Optical