Media processing device configured to reduce media waste

A method, comprising:

• detecting a media supply being loaded into a media processing device, wherein the media supply comprises a plurality of media elements arranged end-to-end in a continuous strip;
• receiving an input requesting a new media profile be created for the media supply;
• performing media calibration with the media supply;
• storing media calibration data in the new media profile;
• receiving the new media profile for the media supply;
• determining calibration data based on the new media profile stored in a memory of the media processing device;
• determining a media element length from the new media profile;
• feeding a first media element of the plurality of media elements of the continuous strip through a printing assembly and downstream of the printing assembly to a presentation position;
• retracting the first media element back through the printing assembly based on the media element length;
• and
• printing on the first media element by way of the printing assembly.

A media processing device, comprising:

• a user display;
• a printing assembly located downstream of a media supply, wherein the media supply comprises a plurality of media elements arranged end-to-end in a continuous strip, and wherein the printing assembly is configured to sequentially receive the plurality of media elements at an upstream end of the printing assembly, sequentially feed the plurality of media elements past the printing assembly, and sequentially eject the plurality of media elements from a downstream end of the printing assembly,
• a memory configured to store a plurality of media profiles;
• an edge detection sensor configured to detect edges of the plurality of media elements, the edge detection sensor is located proximate to the upstream end of the printing assembly;
• a housing configured to house the printing assembly and the media supply, wherein the housing is configured to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration to allow a new media supply to be loaded;
• a housing sensor configured to determine if the housing is in the open configuration or the closed configuration;
• and
• a control circuit configured to:
• detect the housing being in the open configuration;
• automatically display on the user display a prompt for a user to input a media profile of the plurality of media profiles in response to the housing being in the open configuration;
• receive a selected media profile from the user for the media supply;
• determine calibration data based on the selected media profile;
• feed a first media element of the plurality of media elements of the continuous strip through the printing assembly and downstream of the printing assembly to a presentation position;
• determine a media element length from the selected media profile;
• retract the first media element back through the printing assembly based on the media element length;
• and
• print on the first media element by way of the printing assembly.