Primera Unveil Custom Disc Printer

Until recently, printers that print directly onto printable discs were a bit pricey. But now there's a new disc printer that sells for $139.95 (£77) and it's from Primera, the same people that make the Bravo II optical media burner and printer.



The Signature Z1 is Primera's first low-cost CD and DVD printer that's small enough to fit easily on most desktops. Using a thermal transfer process, the Signature Z1 prints a 200-dots-per-inch image directly onto a printable disc. Simply open the printer's transparent lid and drop the CD or DVD inside. In about 26 seconds, the Signature Z1 prints a monochrome image including text and graphics directly onto the disc's surface.

You can use the included black ribbon or choose from several optional colored ribbons, such as red, blue and green.

The included software lets you use any font that's already installed on your computer. You also can use graphic images and logos. As the Signature Z1 begins its printing process, the disc automatically rotates so the images can be printed in any of four areas on the printable optical media.

And the results are very professional-looking. After seeing a disk printed using the Signature Z1, you'll toss out your labels and never even think of using a marking pen again.

The Signature Z1 connects to your computer via a USB 2.0 connection that also supports the older USB 1.1 standard. A Windows-based computer is required.

If you are looking for a better way to label your optical media discs so that they appear to come from a professional mastering source, then the Signature Z1 is a great way to go.

Of course, if you are looking for an automated and unattended way to burn and print directly onto a stack of discs all at once and in full color, then the Bravo II still reigns supreme.

But it's certainly nice to see that Primera continues to create innovative products that provide solutions to everyday problems. The Signature Z1 fills the gap between the highly automated Bravo II and trying to label a disc using pens or sticky labels.

Story source: primera.com.