Casio CW-K85 Disc Title Printer

Comments about Casio CW-K85 Disc Title Printer:

Before I got this Casio printer, I read the reviews that complained about how it was complicated to use, but I purchased it because the other choices are much more expensive. I do short runs of videos for schools, athletic teams and performances- 10 to 20 dvds at a time. Paying for a good dvd printer is not an option for me right now.

My expectations were fairly low after reading how it is not user friendly.

I use a MAC so I did not set it up with the computer, I only used it with the internal settings and with battery power. My printer came with batteries not an AC adapter.

My first impression after I managed to get it out of that horrible plastic package was that it was so cute, very lightweight and compact. I followed the manual to lay out the type and it went well. I saved a layout and made discs that had the same title but different info in the second line and it went smoothly. I have used the preset frames and changed the typeface. The typefaces are mostly unattractive but very readable.

It sure beats my handwriting. It is a bit dated with the graphics, the frames are kind of stodgy and cliche. The typefaces are boring. The printing process is a kind of pressure that sticks the tape on to the disc to make the letters and graphics. I have only used the black tape. It makes me laugh every time it prints with that funny sound.

But I love it for what it does. It makes clean type and fits a lot of info into a couple of lines. You DO need to read the manual and take a little time to get used to it. But it has made me feel a whole lot more comfortable giving discs to clients. I have disc labels that stick on and they look great but are not good for longevity or playing in laptops. The Casio printer is the best thing I have found to brigde between marker and expensive printers.

I purchased a second tape that I have not had to use yet. I would recommend this to those who need clean titling, nothing fancy, for presonal or light commercial use.

Comments about Casio CW-K85 Disc Title Printer:

Purchased this to label a 150 DVD project, and it worked fine. Expect around 50 disks per ribbon cartridge when printing a single line of text. I didn't bother with the included software as the keyboard was adequate for my purposes. [...]

Comments about Casio CW-K85 Disc Title Printer:

This printer works well, I have printed about 45 discs so far on the same ink cartridge with no problems. It is easy to use if you can use the software. The software does not support Win7 64 bit.

Comments about Casio CW-K85 Disc Title Printer:

The packaging isn't the only negative, but it's a start. The printer comes in heat sealed plastic. That's the stuff that's just plain nasty for the planet, and usually requires super-human strength, or an act of God to open.

I thought I was going to need the jaws of life to get it out! After breaking 2 pairs of scissors and cutting myself a few times for good measure, I was finally able to pry it out ... only to be disappointed even further.

They tell you in the manual that "some units" ship with the DC adapter and others come with AA batteries. I guess I got the wrong unit because mine came with batteries. You may want to check into which one includes the adapter before purchasing (investigate machetes while you're at it ... they may be useful to open the sucker! =).

On to the unit itself - IT DOES NOT WORK WITH WINDOWS 7, 64 BIT! The drivers it shipped with are only for xp, but they have them for win 7 on line. Unfortunately, they don't do 64 bit. Sooo ... I am stuck with a unit that I can't run with my system.

Meanwhile, the manual operation (standalone/no computer) is quite frustrating. I find the user manual complicated. I work in multimedia development professionally and have a decent level of experience with system building and setting up/using a variety of peripherals, so I don't think I'm the only one who may find it hard to use this unit as a stand alone. Hard, but not impossible. Just not what I was hoping for when I purchased it. Fortunately, I also bought a new pack of CD markers. I suppose it's back to handwriting on the disks.

Comments about Casio CW-K85 Disc Title Printer:

Our company uses preprinted, general discs and wanted a way to put a simple title to differentiate the videos. I have yet to try it connected to the computer, but stand alone was a little more complicated than I expected, as far as entering the title information. The template structure, in stand alone, is a little restrictive. However, for our purposes and for the price we paid, I think it will work well. The printing comes out clear, clean, and neat. It's nice to put down the sharpie and sticky labels :)

Comments about Casio CW-K85 Disc Title Printer:

Its so easy to use it and not complicated. I wish it could have more lines to be written.

Comments about Casio CW-K85 Disc Title Printer:

The print to CD DVD is good
it do like it was maide to do
printing is quick and professional looking