Ritek has begun OEM production of LabelFlash CD-R and DVD+R/-R discs for Fujifilm, with an initial small shipment volume of several million discs a month, according to industry sources. LabelFlash technology allows users to images directly onto an optical disc. The technology marries the unique Yamaha DiscT@2 (Tattoo) technology for picture burning on CD-R data side with the photochemical expertise of Fuji Photo Film, which is a leading company in dye technologies for optical media.

Following NEC's launch of the first LabelFlash-enabled DVD burners in the first quarter of this year, Pioneer, LG Electronics and I-O Data Device have subsequently offered such DVD burners, boosting the adoption of LabelFlash. Fujifilm is currently the sole supplier of LabelFlash discs, and has outsourced production to Ritek.

LabelFlash is comparable with HP's LightScribe in disc labeling functions. Although LabelFlash was offered about one year later than LightScribe and therefore is less known, the former can label both sides of a disc while the latter can label only the non-recordable side. In addition, LabelFlash can make a label in only 8-28 minutes, faster than LightScribe. To offset the disadvantage, HP plans to offer color LightScribe technology later this year to replace the existing monochrome version, according to the sources.

Lite-On IT and BenQ are licensees of LightScribe technology for DVD burners while CMC Magnetics is licensed for CD-R and DVD+R/-R discs, according to Taiwanese sources.