Customer Reviews

Memorex White Matte DVD Label Refills

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

After reading the one review on this site, I was afraid to buy the label but it was the only one I could find at a reasonable price that was specifically for DVDs. We just purchased enough for the one project we were doing at the time. We didn't have any problems with the labels at all. They peeled off the paper backing smoothly, they went on the applicator well, and had absolutely no bubbles when placed on the DVD. I'm not sure what went wrong with the other reviewer's task, but we think these are very nice labels.

I was reluctant to swallow the extra cost of the Memorex polyester labels, and started my program of copying some old VHS tapes to DVD with the cheaper paper labels. Then several of the disks turned out to be unplayable - started out OK, but would freeze or garble as the program reached the middle of the disk or so. This symptom is what you'd expect if the paper label was warping the 2-layer DVD disk - the tracking errors would increase as the head got further from the earlier, center tracks. I was able to peel off the paper labels (also Memorex) and put a new label on the DVD disk, which then scanned and played without error. So I'm convinced it's worth the expense - not all that great, since some sites have the 20-pack for $8 - $10. Added bonus is that the matte plastic labels are smoother and have better color rending - at least on my Epson Photo inkjet printer - than the matte paper labels.

I have used one pack of these labels with excellent results. Labels are easy to design, print and apply to DVD's. I did not have any of the negative experiences described by the other reviewer. The only slight problem I had was that the label didn't always print EXACTLY where it looked it would go based on the print preview. (I am talking about having something lined up at the edge of the label being off by a few millimeters. Really not a problem, therefore the five star review.)

These labels work just fine. You do need to use care when removing them from the sheet in order to not tear the label, but I haven't had one tear after using about 20. No trouble with bubbles, but I use the Memorex applicator. The software that comes with the label maker is really fun. I've been able to create some from photos and from scanned pictures - very easy.

My paper labels warp my DVDs, so I had to try something new. I went with these guaranteed safe for DVD labels. I haven't had any warping problems, but using the Memorex label applicator, I get a very high percentage of DVDs with air bubbles. It's just so annoying. I think I'm going to have to switch again to a DVD printer and printable discs for custom labeling.

In addition, using the Xerox Phaser laser printer, the print rubbed off. On my $25 inkjet, the ink stayed.

Update 09-14-08: One of my recent customers (past 4 months) has contacted me saying their DVDs are now skipping. I expect this is due to the labels. I will never label another DVD again with adhesive; it just isn't working for me.

A great number of devices can read discs just fine. However, there are a few devices that I use that are more sensitive. For these devices there is a great improvement. (If you backup your xbox 360 games, you need this)

I've noticed that when discs with labels get extremely hot several times they can lift off the disc a little bit. I've yet to have one of these discs do that.

My one complaint about these labels is the insane price! These labels are easily 30 times the cost of traditional paper labels.

The information on the package indicates the polyester labels are better for DVDs than paper as they don't absorb moisture and thus expand and contract, causing warping which could cause read problems for DVD media.

Whether that is true or not, I dont know, however they polyester labels as implemented are not worth recommending. I had numerous issues with just the first 3 sheets of the 20 pack I tried. I've gone through over 80 sheets of paper labels over 4 years and know something about getting a good label attached to a cd or dvd.

The problems discovered with the design are several:

1) The polyester labels are not pre-cut all the way around on the sheet, there are a pair of small points where the main sheet stays attached to the circular cutouts. This means when you are peeling out the label, there is a significant risk that the label will tear when you try to break this attachement point with the small inner ring. I've had small tears on 2 of the 6 labels I've tried to use.

2) The labels are a very tight fit on the stomper applicator. They are very difficult to get in place before loading the blank dvd or cd. As the polyester is rather thick, you really have to work the label onto the stomper applicator to get it down to the bottom. This means touching the sticky side more than I'd like - I'm concerned about what the finger contact to the adhesive side will do over time, to the ability of the label to adhere.

3) Most importantly, the polyester labels have a hight tendency to get air-bubbles. Normally, one can counter bubbling in application of general use labels by applying from one end and pressing down with a straight edge to keep bubbles from forming - raking the label down with an edge, so to speak. However, as we need the stomper to properly center the label on the disc, this is not possible. The label effectively makes contact with much of the CD/DVD surface at once, and inevitably, bubbles form. But, as the polyester is thick and does not stretch, not to mention having no way to let the air escape through it, the bubble just sits there.

All in all, I'd avoid this product. Its not worth the trouble and agrivation. I've had great success with paper based labels and will continue to use those instead.

First of all these Memorex DVD full-face labels ARE the polyester film labels that are safe to use on DVDs. Even though the box may say "Matte Paper", they are polyester film. I had a reference ticket number generated with Memorex when I inquired about the "paper" versus the "polyester film" DVD labels, and after a while they contacted me to affirm that the DVD labels ARE the polyester film labels, regardless of what was printed on the box (labeling them as "Matte Paper"). Quite possibly newer boxes should be generated correcting this printing error.

DO NOTE that the CD labels are indeed matte paper. NEVER use the CD matte paper labels on DVDs.

Because the polyester film DVD labels are very thin, you have to be very careful applying the label to the DVD. Print out your design, peel off the printed label and - using an appropriate applicator (like the Stomper/Avery or Memorex, etc.) - center the label (face down, sticky side up) on the extended hub, then carefully place the DVD (face down, data side up) on top. Slowly push the inner hub area of the DVD all the way down. Remove the DVD and slowly rotate your fingers around the label, starting from the center, to the outer edge. Be careful not to create any bubbles as you do so.

I have the Stomper/Avery label applicator which aligns the label to the DVD perfectly. I believe the Memorex label applicator will also suffice.

If you have many standard (non-printable) DVDs that need full-face labels, this is the way to go. Otherwise, get a printer (like the Epson Artisan 710, 810, or 835) that will print directly onto printable DVDs (like Taiyo Yuden, Verbatim, etc.). If you use the DVD printers, you can also place a blank DVD label on the standard finished DVD, and then treat the disc as a printable DVD.

References:

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Memorex DVD label info:

Short UPC: 00715

Item #: 32020715

I just ordered 2 more packs of these: Memorex White Matte DVD Labels, 20 Count. Previously, I've ordered and used more than 100 of these, and mostly - successfully.

Note, 20 means 10 sheets with 2 per sheet in the package. I have not found packs with 50 or 100 labels in the "DVD" line, but I wish they made them that way, like they do for their CD label line. Yes, the "DVD" line of Memorex labels are different than the "CD" line. I've used them both.

As some have suggested, these are still attached at a few small points to the full page, so take care when removing each one (or you can tear them). With practice, this has not been an issue for me.

Also, as some have noted, bubbles can get under them when you apply to them to the DVD with a "stomper". The first few I did were awful, and then I discovered the trick. DO NOT stomp them all the way onto the DVD media. This will capture air bubbles. Instead, slowwwwwly push the stomper down until a small part of the label touches the DVD disk, then let up on the stomper and remove the disk from it, turn the disk over so the label is now on top of it. The label will be centered nicely on the disk, but not yet stuck all the way onto it. Now, carefully press the label onto the disk rolling it from the already stuck point to the other side, with your finger. This really works, and zero bubbles.

By the way... I have had problems with other types of CD labels getting bubbles under them too, such as when I put the regular labels on CDs, but the easy thing to do if that happens, is to take a small pin, or needle, and poke a hole in the bubble. This hole will be nearly invisible (no one will know you did this, if you don't tell them), and the air will get out when you push down on the spot with your finger.

I have printed these DVD labels on an HP color laser jets, both the 2600n and the 1600, and they work fine. They will curl a bit after coming out of the laser, so put them on a flat surface and weight them down if you won't be using them right away. I have also printed these labels using a Canon photo inkjet printer, and that works nice too.

So, why not 5 stars? The cost! When I make 50 or more DVDs for a project, I find the most expensive part of the DVD is the label. That is crazy! I use nice DVD cases, and I make jacket insets, I use name brand DVD media, and I use these DVD labels. When I look at the cost of the project, the largest part by far, is the label. But, they look nice, so I use them!

TWENTY-FOUR MONTHS LATER AND AMAZON HAS STILL NOT UPDATED THE DESCRIPTION. THESE ARE PAPER LABELS NOT POLYESTER! PAPER LABELS SWELL AND JAM YOUR DVD PLAYER. DO NOT BUY!!! ADORAMA REFUSED TO REFUND UNLESS I PAID TO SHIP ITEM BACK.

Shame on you Amazon for not fixing your description. . .

FOUR MONTHS LATER AND AMAZON HAS STILL NOT UPDATED THE DESCRIPTION. THESE ARE PAPER LABELS WHICH SWELL AND JAM YOUR DVD PLAYER. DO NOT BUY!!! ADORAMA REFUSED TO REFUND UNLESS I PAID TO SHIP ITEM BACK.

I'm am adding to my original review to relay that Memorex no longer makes these in plastic and no longer guarantee that they are safe to place on DVD's. These labels are paper and are subject to swelling from humidity. The picture of the package as well as the description on this page are incorrect. They were great labels, wish I knew were to find similar ones. . .

"I do about 40 to 50 theater videos a year to friends and others and nothing is worse than getting an e-mail telling me their DVD won't play. Took me a while to figure it out, but the paper labels seem to have been the cause. Since I've switched to these I've yet to have a problem.

I haven't tried their software to print a design but use my own Elements template. These print out much better than paper with my plain ol' Epson printer inkjet. The quality is equal to using matte photo paper.

A few tips on using these. To avoid tearing, place the sheet face down and peel the whole sheet up from the label instead of the other way around. No tearing and the label will be flat and not curled.

A way I've found to place the label accurately and without bubbles is to use the round plastic DVD "stand" you bought the DVD's in. Drop the label face down and then drop the DVD on top of it. Deadly accurate and as long as you haven't curled the label too much, it'll work perfectly. Simply smooth down the label and you're done. Hope this helps."