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How do you print DVD covers the right size?

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I print covers a lot but they are never the size of official DVD covers. I was just wondering if there is some kind of program to do this or if its a certain way I have to set up my printer? I have a Lexmark Z600 Series printer. Thanks in advance.


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I have a cover and DVD form that I use in Photoshop. I'll try to send them to you by YouSendIt, unless Rikter gets to you fitst and posts the link (like he did for me.)

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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I use undercoverXP to print covers, it always comes out right. You might have to change the configuration file, but thats all.

-x- I aim to misbehave -x- www.gamerworld.se -x-

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Here's the Yousendit link. It has the DVD label template and the DVD cover template for Photoshop.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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Marvolo and All

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!!!

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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Rik's the man. He got me all hooked up on the 300. I love that puppy.

(That being said, I need to find out how to keep the reservoir pad from getting full, so that the printer doesn't "shut down" prematurely.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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Originally posted by: MeBeJedi
Rik's the man. He got me all hooked up on the 300. I love that puppy.

(That being said, I need to find out how to keep the reservoir pad from getting full, so that the printer doesn't "shut down" prematurely.


MBJ try this,

This mod can be done in about 15 minutes and should cost about $0-$6

What you’ll need

1. Latex gloves (or similar)!!!!

2. A small Tupperware or similar plastic container with a FLAT bottom and removable lid. I used a 1 cup/235ml container. But just about anything with a lid will work, but be sure that whatever you use is NO taller then 2 ¼ inches

3. A pair of hemostats or a wooden skewer (like the ones for shish kabobs ) even a wire hanger properly cut and bent can be used.

http://home.comcast.net/~tk420/Rez_and_hemostat.jpg

The Steps

Step One – Put on your gloves, then turn the printer around so the back faces you (You can leave the printer powered on for this otherwise you’ll waste ink on the power-up!)

Step Two – Remove the small panel (replace the screw and store the panel away – don’t toss it thought) and locate the hose by looking straight into the back and toward the left of the printer. (if you have a small flashlight it can be handy now but not needed)

http://home.comcast.net/~tk420/Hose_Location.jpg

Step Three – Now, have some napkins handy before you start this part as it can get messy - follow the hose to where in meets the sponge (on the right side) and carefully and slowly extract the hose up using the hemostat (grab the napkins before you pull the hose out!!), it may feel tight so don’t force it just ease the hose out. Before you really pull the hose is out clamp the hemostats so the ink doesn’t spray all over the place - if you used a skewer or a wire hanger you can use a small screw (yes, a screw) or large nail to plug the hose. (only temporarily)

Step Four – Now that your familiar with the size of the hose you can make TWO a small holes (smaller then the hose) in your containers lid (one is for venting), I used a pair of scissors to twist out the hole to fit the hose (or you can grab a drill and drill out two holes with a 3/16 bit ) – but you do want to keep it snug so that it won’t flop out in the event you need to turn the printer around again.

Step Five – Insert the hose into the lid, lock lid down, return the printer to it’s location and you’re ALMOST done.

http://home.comcast.net/~tk420/Final_Mod.jpg

Step Six – Download this software SSC Service Utility (bottom of the page) and follow these instructions…
1.) Install SSC
2.) Run the program
3.) It’ll pop up on your desktop (use the pull down to select your Epson) now click the close tap on the popup window which will minimize SCC to your system tray.
4.) Right Click the SCC icon in the systray, now here you select PROTECTION COUNTER now select RESET PROTECTION COUNTER an pop up windo will now appear and ask you HAVE YOU REPLACED THE WASTE INK PAD? – Select yes, then you’ll get a final popup that says WATE COUNTER RESETTED click okay - close SCC and your DONE!!!!!

Now, your Epson won’t tell you it’s reached the end of it’s service life

So go mod your Epson MBJ!

Diggity!

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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LOL....I guess I've got some work to do this weekend.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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I know a guy who did this. He streams audio and video with a wireless network from his upstairs computer to his downstairs TV. It is extremely cool.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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ALSO a tip on printing DVD/CD's on the Epson Printers...


1. Start Epsion CD Print

2. Now, that the program is open, select the FILE button and select the "Inner/Outer Diameter Settings" option

3. Now, click "Custom CD" and you can adjust the print setting for the correct size for YOUR media

4. One of the members on Videohelp.com made a list and downloadable templates (PSD files) for most of the discs just go HERE for them.

BTW - Memorex DVD's are 21mm x 118mm (not on the list )

Hope this helps!!

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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Hi Rik,thanks for that program for the Espon printers,i heard about it but could not find it,also do you know how to replace the "Waste Ink Pad"?and if so do you have a nice tut like the one above?
thanks again for the VERY helpful info
DJ
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Originally posted by: dark_jedi
Hi Rik,thanks for that program for the Espon printers,i heard about it but could not find it,also do you know how to replace the "Waste Ink Pad"?and if so do you have a nice tut like the one above?
thanks again for the VERY helpful info
DJ


DON'T replace it!

I tried to do that on my brothers R300 and broke it (thank goodness he only had it for a few weeks - he took it back and swapped it for a new one ) - But yes, it can be pulled out and run under water to clean it off; but it honestly was such a hassle that I'd rather spend another $75 for another reconditioned R200 from ebay!

As for the "tut" (tub correct?) I do have an extra one...

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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Originally posted by: PSYCHO_DAYV
NO ALL I NEED TO DO IS MOD MY PS2.


Try the HDLoader or HDAdvance mods (older but works great) if you are looking for a "no solder" mod for the PS2 but I would suggest that you go for for a nice chip with the firmware you're after and then you'll also be able to stream A/V across your intranet.

So check out this SITE (you'll need to join) but my brother found that it was a great site for hacking his PS2 and X-Box and they are ALWAYS posting new firmwarez and instructions as well as links to chips

Now GO and MOD IT!

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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i have hacked my Xbox,and put 120gig HD in it,but i would love to learn how to do the PS2,it is so friggin great playing ALL my genesis,turbo grafx,nintendo,super nes,nintendo 64,coleco vision,and others all on my Xbox,i soldered a Xecuter chip into mine and running EvoX dashboard,but like i said i would like to learn PS2,so thanks again for the link Rik.
DJ
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Originally posted by: dark_jedi
i have hacked my Xbox,and put 120gig HD in it,but i would love to learn how to do the PS2,it is so friggin great playing ALL my genesis,turbo grafx,nintendo,super nes,nintendo 64,coleco vision,and others all on my Xbox,i soldered a Xecuter chip into mine and running EvoX dashboard,but like i said i would like to learn PS2,so thanks again for the link Rik.
DJ


And, I don't even play video games (I need me a hacked 120gig X-Box!)

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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thanks for the paper guide! Anyone here ever see the Epson S041067 at 8 1/2 v 14 at Office Depot?
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I ordered the Epson paper Riktor suggested, and looks great!
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Originally posted by: MeBeJedi
Here's the Yousendit link. It has the DVD label template and the DVD cover template for Photoshop.



Could you please post that link again? I had those templates, but lost them to a failed hard drive.

FE<3OT

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Here you go. Yousendit isn't working, so I made a Rapidshare link.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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I have always used 3240x2175 for my covers and never had any issues.Fact I believe most ( the better ) cover sites only allow that size.
A printer that does borderless printing is also a plus.I have the Epson R300
I also bought a CIS for my R300 ( which turned out to be shit) but the little bottle it came with was a keeper to replace the 'pad'

If anyone wants to try the size I use:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SXJ4O8MA