[mythtv-users] Creating Decent-Looking DVDs from Myth

[Brian Wood]

On Jun 4, 2006, at 7:24 PM, Andrew Robinson wrote:

> Brian Wood wrote:
>> No, I am not talking about the bitrate of the video content, rather
>> the visual appearance of the disks we create.
>>
>> We all make disks from Myth, often to lend to friends and family. In
>> my case at least they look like crap, and I was getting tired of the
>> "Sharpie on HP Logo" look.
>>
>> Lightscribe was a good idea, but the cost of the media is high and I
>> have yet to see printing software for Linux.
>>
>> Several companies make devices that will print directly on a disk,
>> for around $100US,  but it's getting harder and harder to find media
>> that doesn't have more than 50% of its label side taken up by plugs
>> for the maker.
>>
>> So die-cut self-adhesive paper label labels it will be. Most come
>> with crappy software to print them, but it's Windows only. Some even
>> have Word templates available, but that makes TWO things you must buy
>> from Bill in order to print them.
>>
>> I discovered that Avery has a web site where you can enter the number
>> of any of their products, and use their library of backgrounds, fonts
>> etc. to create your design.
>>
>> Great, you have a web page with your label design. We all know how
>> consistent browsers are in even displaying, never mind printing,
>> dimensionally accurate images.
>>
>> But Avery goes one better, you can download a PDF file of the label
>> you designed. This will print accurately from any system. Great Idea,
>> which works well, at least for me.
>>
>> Avery's labels even use a jewel box for an alignment template, saving
>> the purchase of an over-priced round piece of plastic which you will
>> be unable to find when you need it.
>>
>> I also discovered KoverArtist, which will create jewel case or DVD
>> box labels and even automatically grab the proper cover art from the
>> net.
>>
>> Now I can lend out a disk I can be proud of, complete with MythTV
>> attribution and logo.
>>
>> Perhaps you all knew this, and I'm the last to find it out, but in
>> case this is not true I thought some might benefit from the above.
>>
>
> Any issues with paper labels on DVD's? Above and beyond those on CD's?

I haven't had any problems, of course make sure you are only using  
one label, that it is centered, is applied smoothly (no bubbles or  
wrinkles) and is not made of cardboard.

>
> Have you looked at gLabels? It's graphic capabilities are a bit  
> limited,
> but it honors most Avery label types. And it's Linux native.

I'll check it out, thanks. I've also found OpenOffice templates for a  
lot of Avery labels.