First, figure out what DVD keepcase you’ll be using.
Most folks opt for the Meritline.com or Supermediastore.com 100 for $25-30 cases, If you do use these I suggest using the 3240x2188 print size (the template MBJ provided should be this size if it’s my template) I tried all the other sizes of templates out there but I’ve found that this size works best in these particular cases (cheap Chinese ones) but to print this size you will have to use Legal Size (8.5 x 14) paper so the edges won’t get clipped - I know that some printers can print to the edge but you may lose a few mm from either side, so go with the legal size.
This is a great paper for DVD covers using the LEGAL size paper is the Epson Photo Matte paper ( Epson S041067) – best price I’ve found online, ALWAYS get 92 Bright paper (most photo is) and you can also use semi-gloss and gloss photo paper, with better results… BUT in certain climates with an ambient humidity of say 50% or higher (40-45% is best
)… the covers MAY become fussed to the keepcase!! (This also happens to home printed for photos) So, Stick with Photo Matte if you’re in a high humidity region.Now, if you want a better keepcase head over to you’re local Wal-Mart, Target or CompUSA. These three retailers in most markets carry the MEMOREX DVD keepcases in 10 packs for about $4-8 (varies from store to store) – THESE are some of the best keepcases that I’ve found, they offer the best plastics and shiniest covers that I’ve found outside of REAL Amaray or Alpha cases (average about .50-.80 cents per case and the 3240x2188 works best for them), BUT the 3240x2188 print size is too large for the Memorex cases, so you’ll need to use this size 3220x2174 (just resize your final artwork before you print) and another GREAT advantage of using this size is that most printers can print it on STANDARD sized paper! You can get some great deals on this size paper as OfficeMax and Office Depot seem to have photo papers on sale every other week and normally BOGOF!
I found that the Epson & Kodak papers seem to be the best (from my experience and in my price range) for home printing.
And to get the best results a printer with 5-6 separate ink cartridges (Black, Cyan, Photo/Light Cyan, Magenta, Photo/Light Magenta and Yellow) is also recommended as you’ll find the colors, saturation and print resolution to be far superior (it’s not LaserJet but darn good!) to the average 4 ink/two cartridge set ups (Black, Cyan, Magenta and Yellow).
Two great models for better then average photo and direct disc printing that won’t leave you short on rent (or beer $$) are the Epson R200/300 and the Canon iP4200. Both have there individual pros and cons… A few examples being that the R200/300 cleans the heads and wastes ink every time it is powered on (so leave it on 247!!) and the Canon uses a lot of ink on prints and the ink is priced like gold.
The GREAT thing about both of these printers is that you can find Continuous Ink Systems (CIS) for both models for about $40-80 each on eBay and get 3060ml of ink for as little as $60 from Samsclub.com! They can be time consuming, frustrating and messy so grab some latex gloves! (wal-mart, hardware by the paint $2 for 10 pair) So, if the simple an easy way is your bag (it’s mine and I have two CIS up for sale now for the R200) you might want to look into the refilled/reconditioned cartridges from Megatoners.com Who have all six R300 compatible carts for $14 shipped in 2-3 days via usps!
I hope this helps!!!