Systems and methods for calibrating laser write power in a digital media drive are disclosed. The method includes writing to a calibration portion on a digital media labeling layer with energy from a laser. The writing includes using at least two different laser power settings within the calibration portion. The method also includes measuring a parameter in the calibration segment, the parameter being indicative of the reflectivity of the labeling layer, and determining a calibrated laser write power setting based on the measured parameter and the at least two different laser write power settings.