"Media" is the general term used for the various paper, synthetic, adhesive, inking and other materials used to produce the labels needed in any bar code labeling application. In this sense "Media" is a rather broad term, encompassing a very large and diverse array of materials and technologies. However, we shall restrict ourselves to those labeling applications where labels are produced in house, typically at the site of their usage. "Media" then refers to the actual label materials used and the specific inking ribbons or inking chemistry used to generate images on the label materials. The major benefit of printing on labels is flexibility. Labels can be printed one at a time or in batches to suit any application's particular needs. Printing labels in-house removes the need to plan well in advance of their usage and eliminates the need to carry any finished label inventory. There are several technologies available, which are as follows:

	Impact printing, including line printers and serial printers.
	Toner-based printing, including laser, LED and Ion-Deposition.
	Thermal printing.