Secret to planning a DVD authoring replication project

So here let me give you an insight of the sometimes long process of getting a DVD made. Many of our clients are first-timers and often do not have a clear understanding of what's involved in the DVD authoring/replication process. This is a typical and realistic timeline of what goes on:

2-3 months prior:
- shop for a DVD replication / authoring vendor. The reason to start this early is that replicators can tell you exactly what they need as the master. It affects who you use for authoring and how much it is going to cost. It's also good to get a general idea of the time needed for replication. The specs for every project is different, therefore getting a replicator involved early and having a good account rep will help you save time and money.

2 months prior:
- finishing up with the editing to the final version of the video
- make the final decision on DVD authoring and replication vendor
- determine the specs for DVD authoring: types of menu, number of menus, menu design, video sources, music, DVD-ROM content
- general rule of thumb, the longer the video and more complex the menus are, the longer authoring will take
- start design process for DVD packaging (label and amaray case cover)

7 weeks prior:
- get a first draft of DVD menus to view navigation, revise as needed
- video components are being encoded

6 weeks prior:
- first edition of authored disc with video content is created (if menus have been approved)

5 weeks prior:
- continue with fine-tuning content and navigation
- continue with design for DVD packaging

4 weeks prior:
- finalize DVD content
- generate DVD master, review thoroughly and give final approval
- let replicator know when DVD master is ready
- finalize DVD packaging, proof read thoroughly and get print-ready files

3 weeks prior:
- DVD master is submitted for replication
- DVD artwork is submitted for digital proofs
- review digital proofs thoroughly for die line, missing font and any typos
- stamper is being made by mastering department

2 weeks prior:
- receive DVD check disc from replicator
- DVD packaging is being printed
- approve DVD check disc after viewing from the same TV/stereo setup

1 week prior:
- DVD discs are pressed(molded) from stamper
- DVD label art is printed on discs
- DVDs are packaged into cases with covers

0 week:
The DVDs are finally READY to be shipped or picked up!
- also notice that I did not include shipping in this time line. Most replicators do not including shipping in their turn time. So if your products need to be distributed cross country, push the time line back at least a week.

Conclusion:
I hope this helps you understand why the overall production process take longer than you might think. This is a typical timeline and it may vary from project to project. Each proof or check disc is needed to ensure no mistakes is made every step of the way. If there is any mistake, it will be a very costly one!