A continual problem is creating labels for CDs and DVDs. Over the years there has been many ways invented – from the ubiquitous ‘CD Stomper’ to relatively expensive Lightscribe burners and more lately, writeable DVDs placed in special caddies for compatible inkjet printers.

Each has its drawbacks and positives, but in almost every case I have tried any of these, failure has occurred at some meaning a re-burn is necessary of a new DVD - a time consuming process. This can be caused by clumsiness, smearing ink or even putting a DVD in upside down. I’ve seen that.

Across my desk the other day appeared a new 8x burner from Liteon that has not one but two party tricks. For the fashion conscious, the top panel can be replaced with either one from a set of supplied panels, much like one of those baby SmartCars can be mixed and matched with different coloured or patterned body panels – or using the supplied Nero software, you can make your own.

The second is a patented system called ‘LabelTag’. This allows you to create a label using Nero SmartStart software and burn it into the data side of the desk when creating the CD or DVD. No special media is needed, it’s pretty quick and permanent.

As a dedicated burner, the Liteon (Model eNMAU508 in this case) is well, a burner. They are not intrinsically the most exciting devices in the world alongside hard disks I am afraid. It works nicely, is easy to setup only requiring a USB port where it also gets its power, it’s light and retails for around $69.

By David Hague

David is the owner and publisher of AusCam Online. He has a background in media dating back to 1979 when he first got involved with photojournalism in motorsport, and went from there into technology via a 5 year stint with Tandy Computers. Following that, he ran a software distribution company on the Gold Coast and was one of the first to recognise the potential of Microsoft Windows.

Moving back to WA, David wrote scripts for Computer Television for video training for the just released Windows and Office 95 among others, and was then lured to Sydney to create web sites for the newly commercial Internet in 1995, building hundreds of sites under contract to OzEmail including Coates Hire, Hertz Queensland, John Williamson, the NSW Board of Studies and many, many more.

He went back into full time journalism as the Managing Editor for Channel 7's 'Gadget Guy', Peter Blasina's publications VideoCamera and Pixelmag, before starting Australasian Camcorder magazine when these publications were shelved. He lives at Sydney's Avalon Beaches nearly on the ocean front with dog Budweiser and in his spare time is a nut for motor sport, road safety, fishing, science fiction - especially Dr Who - and technology.

David can be contacted via david@auscamonline.com