Imperial Media

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When CDs or DVDs are duplicated, one of the most important decisions to be made is the graphic representation on the disc itself.  One of the first things people will notice is the artwork on the disc.   In order to create the greatest impact, careful thought needs to be given to not only ‘what’ goes on the disc, but also ‘how’ it is done.  The primary options are printed disc labels or on disc printing.   There are certain factors to consider when deciding which method to employ for your media project.

1. Quality control – With printed disc labels, many issues arise that may negatively impact your final product that are not present with on disc printing.  Such problems as centering images, controlling the print bleed parameters, and bubbling between the label and the disc surface, can ruin an otherwise superior disc.  With on disc printing, all of these factors are mitigated and the end result is a disc that is visually engaging and at the highest standard.

2. Playability- On projects with printed disc labels, there is the distinct possibility of producing a wrinkled or off-center label.  When one of these discs spins at high speeds, it could quite easily wobble causing playback issues, even causing your system to lock up.  With on disc printing, the graphic images are placed directly on the surface, so playability is never an issue.

3. Aesthetics- The aesthetic options for disc labels are the same as for any other paper printing project.  There are matte, semi-gloss and gloss stocks available.  The options are much greater with on disc printing.  With current technology you can choose to print single color, grayscale, or full color text and images with color thermal, digital UV, offset, silkscreen or black text printing in all different grades from matte to high gloss.

When deciding on the printing options for your media project, all three of these factors must be considered.   If you want to stand apart from the competition, take the time to learn about your options.  Consult with your duplication and replication facility to ensure your choices will provide the optimal finished product.

Author: Scott Zeitz, Online Marketing Manager, Imperial Media Services

You’ve recorded your music, finished your film or created your data, but now what?  You have to get a master copy of the CD or DVD to the replication and duplication service that is going to create your discs.  The master that you provide is the crucial element in the whole duplication or replication process, so exacting care should be used in creating it.  The factors that will most greatly affect your master are the following:

1.    Media

The media you choose is the single biggest factor affecting the master copy you will produce.  Taiyo Yuden is the industry-leading brand and is preferred by most reputable duplication and replication services.

2.  Disc Drive

The CD/DVD drive used to burn your disc also contributes greatly to whether or not the final master copy will meet production standards for the duplication or replication process.  Plextor drives offer the best quality drives in the industry and are highly recommended for producing one’s master for duplication or replication.

3. Burn mode

When burning your master there will be the option of employing either the Disc-At-Once or Track-At-Once mode. It is recommended that you use Disc-At-Once. The laser turns on, burns the entire disc and then turns off.  If the Track-At-Once mode is used, the laser turns on and off several times during the burning process creating errors in the disc. The errors can translate into audible problems in audio disc or playability issues in CD-ROMs.

4. Testing

After you have burned your master copy, make a duplicate from your master.  Then make sure that you test your duplicate disc for playabilty on a number of different systems.  Play your disc in a DVD player, a computer, the home stereo or any number of other drives to ensure there are no problems with the duplicate across different platforms.  After ensuring the duplicate’s quality, the master is ready for delivery to the duplication and replication service.

There are other variables that can affect the production of your master, but these are the four most important factors.

Author: Scott Zeitz, Online Marketing Manager, Imperial Media Services

The terms duplication and replication are frequently used interchangeably nowadays, but they are two completely different processes.

CD or DVD duplication is a process whereby digital information is transferred from a disc to a computer. The information is then “burned” onto blank discs, resulting in “duplicated copies”. CD or DVD replication on the other hand, is an injection molded manufacturing process that makes use of a “glass master” and stamper. During replication’s industrial process the media material is stamped into the extruded polymer that makes up the new discs.

So what does this mean to you the client? There are a number of variables to consider when choosing between duplication and replication, including:

Setup Cost – Duplication has no setup, whereas replication requires a glass master to be made, incurring time and money.

Turnaround Time – 24-48 hours for duplication and up to 72 hours for packaging. Replication usually runs 7-10 business days for most packages, additional days may be required for Disc Box Slider (DBS) and Digipak projects.

Rush Fees – Due to the nature and process of duplication rush fees tend to be nonexistent. Guaranteed turn times for replication orders of less than the standard 7-10 business days will incur rush fees.

Minimum Quantities – As few as 10 copies can be duplicated. In the replication process as few as 100 units can be made at a premium price. Quantities become more cost effective over 1000.

Visual Differences – the media in the duplication process can be blue, silver, or green for CD-R and purple for DVD-R. Silver is the typical color of replicated CD’s and DVD’s.

Playability – Cheaper discs increase the probability of playability issues in the duplication process. When Grade “A” CD-Rs and DVD-Rs are used, playability issues are greatly minimized. 99% playability is usually accomplished when discs are replicated. When CDs or DVDs don’t play it is usually due to the player not being within specification.

There are other considerations when choosing duplication or replication for your project, but cost and turnaround time of the two processes are normally the primary factors. Consult with your duplication and replication facility to ensure your choices will provide the optimal finished product.

Author: Scott Zeitz, Online Marketing Manager, Imperial Media Services