LightScribe support for Linux.

Introduction

LaCie has released the first software that allows burning labels on LightScribe media using LightScribe drives under Linux.

Prerequisites

• x86 distribution of Ubuntu 8.04 LTS (Hardy) or newer.

• LightScribe capable CD-R or DVD-R burner.

• LightScribe media.

Installing

1. Visit the LightScribe download page for Linux: http://www.lightscribe.com/downloadSection/linux/index.aspx

2. Download the LightScribe System Software package "deb package" software.

3. Download the LightScribe Simple Application "deb package" software.

4. Download the LaCie 4L Labeler utility "deb package" software.

5. Double-click the lightscribe-1.18.8.1-linux-2.6-intel.deb file and follow the prompts to install it.
6. Double-click the lightscribeApplications-1.18.6.1-linux-2.6-intel.deb file and follow the prompts to install it.

Installing on amd64

The LightScribe packages can be forcibly installed on 64-bit systems.

First, install the 32-bit compatibility package:

sudo apt-get install ia32-libs

Second, force installation like this:

sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture lightscribe*.deb
sudo dpkg --install --force-architecture 4l*.deb

This is an advanced command that can break your Ubuntu installation. Never force install a package unless you are prepared to restore the operating system from backup.

Running the 4L-gui or 4L-cli program in some cases (e.g., Ubuntu 9.10) will give the error:

error while loading shared libraries: libstdc++.so.5: cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory

The problem is that the dpkg files do not install libstdc++.so.5 in /usr/lib32, only in /usr/lib and /usr/lib64. To fix this problem, run the following command:

sudo ln -s /usr/lib/lightscribe/libstdc++.so.5.0.7 /usr/lib32/libstdc++.so.5

To create a symbolic link from the installed libstdc++ to a path where the application will find it.

If, while trying to run the Simple Labeler application, you receive a message that states, "error while loading shared libraries: liblightscribe.so.1: cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory," manually run ldconfig like this:

sudo ldconfig

Running the Applications

For creating simple text labels, with a variety of stock border decorations, use the SimpleLabler application:

/opt/lightscribeApplications/SimpleLabeler/SimpleLabeler

For printing full-CD custom labels that you've created (typically use .png format), use the LaCie 4L application:

sudo 4L-gui

On my system, running Ubuntu 9.10, with a MadDog LightScribe drive, it takes about 14 minutes to print a full CD at normal contrast, and 27 minutes at high contrast.

Warnings

These packages install programs as setuid root, which means that they run with full system privileges and could be a security risk.

Enable Enhanced Contrast

Activating the higher contrast print mode will let you print higher quality labels, at the cost of a bit longer burn time.

1. Run the Enhanced Contrast Utility for Linux

sudo /usr/lib/lightscribe/elcu.sh

1. Enter 1 to turn on Enhanced Contrast, or 2 to disable it.

This tip is documented on the LightScribe Pre-Release Software Evaluation page.

Links

• LaCie LightScribe Labeler for Linux product page

• LaCie LightScribe Labeler for Linux User Manual

• LaCie LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling Technology page

• Official LightScribe site