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When you refer to 'Packaging', what do you mean?

Packaging includes several types of CD and DVD case options, inserts, tray cards, and outer security features such as barcodes, shrink and cello wrap, parental advisory logos, and more.

What is a jewel case?

A jewel case is a three-piece, plastic case. There is a front and back panel and a a trayliner for the CD nested inside the case. A jewel case has the capacity for an insert in the front for graphics and also a back tray card. A jewel case fits a standard CD and is the packaging seen most often for retail CDs. There are also options available for multi-disc sets up to 4 CDs. Jewel Case color options include clear, black or white.

What is a slimline case?

The slimline case is half the thickness of a standard jewel case. It has a front panel, allowing for a graphic insert, and a CD trayliner built into the back panel. Slimline cases provide for lower shipping costs, they do not allow for a tray card like standard jewel cases.

What is a DVD Box?

A DVD box is the industry standard casing for DVDs seen at most video sales and rental outlets. It has an outer sleeve made of clear plastic, allowing for a graphic insert, known as a DVD 'case wrap'. Inside the DVD box is a plastic tray for the DVD and an area for additional graphic inserts. DVD boxes commonly come in black or white, but clear boxes, which can accommodate two-sided printed inserts for the front sleeve, are also available. There are also options available to handle multi-disc sets.

What is a Digipak?

The Digipak is a cardboard case, with a plastic disc tray glued inside. This packaging can hold mulitple discs and as well as multi-panel inserts or booklets. A digipak is frequently used for projects needing a premium graphic packaging. Digipaks do come in a variety of configurations, depending upon the project needs. These options include four-panel, six-panel and eight-panel digipaks. Digipaks combine printing graphics with packaging, so full color can be employed, meaning the printing options are limitless. Digipaks can also accommodate multi-disc sets. There is a minimum quantity of 1,000 units on any Digipak order.

What is a mailer?

For those who want to mail their CDs or DVDs, a mailer is a protective, cardboard packaging for single disc projects. Mailers come in a variety of forms, including, 5 inch, 5 inch 4 panel V-cut, T-cut mailers and Peel and Seal. Mailers combine printing graphics with packaging, so full color can be employed, meaning the printing options are limitless. There is a minimum quantity of 1,000 units on any mailer order.

What is a cardboard sleeve?

For those clients that have promotional and sampler projects, cardboard sleeves are an ideal packaging option. Cardboard sleeves come in a variety of forms, including, 5 inch single disc, 5.25 inch single disc, 4 panel single disc pouch, black or white single disc die cut, and 4, 6, and 8 panel single or double disc options. Cardboard sleeves combine printing graphics with packaging, so full color can be employed, meaning the printing options are limitless. There is a minimum quantity of 1,000 units on any cardboard order.

What is a paper sleeve?

A paper sleeve is the most simple and cost-effective way to protect your CD or DVD from dirt, scratches and damage. Sleeves hold one disc and come in white paper, with a window.

What is a vinyl sleeve?

A Vinyl sleeve is a simple and cost-effective way to protect your CD or DVD from dirt, scratches and damage. Vinyl Sleeves come in single disc clear vinyl, single disc poly adhesive, and multipak options.

What is a poly case?

A poly case is a small, plastic case with a push center hole on the inside for the disc. Poly cases are flexible and durable, and hold only one disc. They come in both circular, known as 'clamshell', or square form. Poly cases, whether square or clamshell, come in only one color option, clear.

What are tray liners?

Tray liners nest inside a jewel case and hold the CD or DVD in place. Color choices include black, white or clear. Clear is used when the tray card has two-sided graphics. If there are multiple discs in the set, clear or black smart trays are also available.

What is a barcode?

A barcode is the series of black lines and accompanying numbers, also known as the Universal Product Code, that is scannable by computer and used for retail purposes. Imperial can create a barcode for each unique project. Your CD and/or DVD will be registered as manufactured by Imperial Media Services. Imperial has all assigned barcode numbers catalogued.

What is a parental advisory label?

A parental advisory label is a message affixed to a CD or DVD that may contain explicit language or material. This is an industry standard for any retail CD or DVD that may not be suitable for minors.

What is shrink-wrap?

Shrink-wrapping is a method of sealing materials in plastic for protection during transportation and storage. Plastic is heated up and wrapped tightly around the desired packaging. Shrink-wrap is used for mailers, cardboard sleeves, or Digipaks. If you have a project using CD jewel cases or DVD boxes, Cello wrap would be the option to choose.

What is cello wrap?

Cello wrapping is a method of sealing materials in plastic for protection during transportation and storage. Cello wrap is used for either DVD boxes or jewel cases. If your project uses a Digipak, shrink-wrap would be the option to choose.

What is a punch hole?

A punch hole is a small cutout positioned on the bar code of a project. It is used to denote that a package is for promotional and not sales purposes.

What is a top spine label?

A top spine label is a plastic seal on the spine of a jewel case or DVD box that contains the title and sometimes the bar code of the project.

What is a feature sticker?

A feature sticker is adhered to outside of the CD or DVD packaging, on top of the cello or shrink-wrap. It is commonly used to denote a highlighted feature of the particular project.

What is a Sensormatic sticker?

A Sensormatic sticker is a small plastic sticker applied to the inside of the jewel case or DVD box to deter theft at retail outlets.

What are the case options for multi-disc sets?

When there are multiple discs in a DVD box or a jewel case there are 2 options for both packages. The discs can either nest in the case or be mounted on an internal arm. The graphic packaging and inserts that may accompany the discs may influence the choice.