A thermal transfer media printer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the printer
selectively
programs RFID transponders, and then embeds them into conventional on-demand printed
media between the adhesive layer and the release liner. Selective configuration
of each printed media sample by addition of value-adding elements may be performed
independently for each media sample, under software control during processing of
each media sample format print control program. An add-on mechanism is disclosed
that can be operatively attached to a conventional media printer. This allows RFID
transponder labels to be selectively applied at precise locations on the printed
surface of on-demand printed media in connection with existing printers.