Seeking a DVD label/sorting method...
 

I watch and record a lot of sporting events on my DVD Recorder. As a result, I am starting to get a small colelction (20+) of DVDs that are currently unlabeled or generally in temporary cases with paper inserts and written descriptions.

My goal is to organize these DVDs in a way that I will be able to easily access and find them when I desire to watch one in the future, potentially years from now.

Initially I was going to print out labels to be "stuck" to the DVD itself via "Stomp It" but then decided that paying for the specialized paper may not be the most cost conscious method. I've already read somewhere that paper labels on a DVD can somehow affect their lifespan negatively.

I have been putting my open wheel racing DVDs in very thin "Imation" cases and making my own paper CD slips, but this method will ultimately result in independent stacks, that would likely result in DVDs being lost or misplaced over time.

The other option is writing on the DVD itself and storing the DVDs in a DVD Booklet or similiar carrying case type device. Assuming that is the method I go with, I'd appreciate recommendations on reasonably priced CD booklets, that are gentle (don't damage) on the DVD surface, and also reasonably priced.

Also, what type of writing utensil is best used for labeling DVDs? Ideally, I'd be looking for something with a fine point, and a long lasting, non-smearing ink. Again, being reasonably priced is important.

Lastly, if anyone has alternative suggestions in regards to storing and labeling DVDs, I'd really appreciate it if you shared them.

i personaly would never want to use the printed stick on lables just because it adds more weight to the dvd and that thing does need to spin pretty damn fast. if its off center even a little spining as fast as they do it could wear out the dvd player faster then it should.
Im cheap and lazy myself so i just use a good old fashion sharpie fine point marker. Sharipies dont smudge or anything after they have had a min to dry out. Then stick the dvd in one of those big CD books ment to hold 200 or so cds. just a big fake leather binder. If you dont want to have to flip through that every time you want to find something to watch. you can lable each page with numbers and make a index printed out and cliped in the front of the binder. just flip to the page you keep it on and always put it back in the same spot. Make the index in alphabetical order or by topic or whatever works best for you. every couple months you can just print out a new index with the new stuff added in. Thats my cheap easy organized way of doing it.

Say you find $500 sitting somewhere or mug some little old lady or something. you can get yourself one of the new fancy printers that can print right on the dvd itself and buy dvds with a blank face that let you print on them. then you could grab a picture off a internet review of the movie or draw a picture of a goat in ms paint or whatever floats your boat and stick it right on the dvd itself.

If your collection gets real big you can just get a diffrent binder/book whatever you want to call it for each type of thing you have in it. one book for racing one book for cartoons one for your collection of favorate infomercials.

I would recommend NOT using Sharpies. After a few years, the ink can eat away at the disk, destroying the data under it. I've seen it happen. I would suggest cataloging, and simply put a code on the disk (OWR_01 for the first Open Wheel Racing DVD, for example), and write it in an area where there is no information (the clear section in the very center of the disk is where I put all my info).

Then, have a listing in your computer, or a printout, or simply write a list of what is on the disk. Either have that list in a spiral notebook or something that can be kept together, and keep it with your discs, or continue putting the info in the CD case.

I also recommend plaid's idea of printing on the CDs. Rima.com has inkjettable and thermal printable CDs, where with a CD printer, you can actually print on the discs. Depends on how dedicated you are. This method will not deteriorate the disc, and is a very clean way of putting the info on the disc. You can then make a listing on the disc itself, or again, stick with the cataloging and put a code on the disc.

For binders, I think Case Logic has the market on that. However, there are three-ring binder inserts you can get for discs. I am a stereotypical Virgo, and all my music CDs are in Case Logic binders. I type up and print out insert-sized sheets of paper with the artist, CD title, and listing of the songs, and stick that in the individual slot. I then put the CD behind that, keeping the soft felt against the data side, and every disc has a place to go. I can also tell what disc is missing, if one happens to not get put away.

I agree, no Sharpies. You can buy permanent markers that are not solvent-based. The ones on my desk are "Staedtler Lumocolor CD/DVD Markers", and are permanent ink.

I use MovieCollector to catalog my DVD collection. The program lets you manually input titles, description, etc. and it allows you to export to Html (thumbnail) sheets. You can use the capture capability found in almost all PC DVD player program, make it a cover that you can use for your index html pages.
A couple of examples:
http://www.collectorz.com/movie/temp...coversonly.gif
http://www.collectorz.com/movie/temp...kBusters24.gif

Sharpies won't hurt DVD's unless you write on the data side. Once the alcohol dries in a few seconds only dye is left behind. The story started with CD's which have their reflective surface at the top of the disc. Ball-points or even some alcohol/ink pens can affect the back side of that ultra-thin layer on some percentage of cheap discs. DVD's are different. They have a >.5mm layer of plastic between the top surface and the data. You could use a knife to etch your titles and not affect playback.