HP has developed a technology called ‘LightScribe’ which can inscribe via laser a ‘silk screen-like, high-contrast’ label on the top of CDs and DVDs with a special coating. First burn your data, then flip over the LightScribe media to burn an image on the label. While it’s an HP technology, at least six different manufacturers are expected to include the technology in their burners.
Since LightScribe should add only about $10 to the cost of the drives, and $.10 more per disc, I can see this taking off much better than Yahama’s DiscT@2 that reduced the amount of data on a burned CD when utilized. Plus, it’s a nice move on the parts of manufacturers to encourage those who already have burners to upgrade.
The only drawback? You can burn only images of palm trees.
