What is a DVD replication check disc?

A replication DVD check disc is "pressed" with the actual DVD replication press, and it is created with the same glass master that will be use to press the rest of the project.

It is the only safe way to proof a replicated CD/DVD, because all the CD-R or DVD-R that we can create from computer & recorder are "burned", especially if you are concern with the layer break of a DVD-9 project.

It will however delay the overall production time for a few days.

Checklist to sign off a DVD master for replication

Before you hand off your DVD for DVD replication, an important step is to sign off on the DVD master, these are just some of the essentials to look for:

• Platforms: Check the DVD master on as many platforms as possible, in a set top player (new and old, different brands), and on both Mac and PC. Never test the DVD master on a computer only, as it tends to be more "forgiving" as far as compatibility goes
• TV standard: check whether the title is NTSC or PAL on a TV set, a computer will play both PAL and NTSC
• Menu: it should starts up properly, all menu buttons should be functional, check for general flow of navigation
• Aspect Ratios: Make sure that the aspect ration look acceptable on both a 16:9 and 4:3 tv
• Video: Make sure that the quality is up to expectation, play it all the way through and look for skips and freezes
• Audio: Check for audio levels throughout the video and make sure it is acceptable

What is the difference between PAL and NTSC?

PAL and NTSC are television standards that are used in different parts of the world. United States is a NTSC country while most of Europe and Asia are in PAL. What does that really mean? Well if you bring a DVD or tape from overseas, chances are it will not play in the US. The reason is NTSC DVD players are not compatible with PAL discs. You will need to convert the footage from PAL to NTSC in order to view it. On a contrary, most PAL DVD players in Europe or Asia play NTSC discs, so if you need to send someone overseas a DVD there is usually no need to convert to PAL.

If your DVD was authored overseas, there is a possibility that it is in PAL format.

One important note is that all computer-based (PC and MAC) DVD players will play both PAL and NTSC discs. If you are QC'ing a disc on a computer, you won't know whether it is NTSC or PAL because it will play both! ALWAYS QC your work on both computer and set-top DVD player.

What is ISRC Code?

The ISRC is a unique international identifier for sound and/or music video recordings. An ISRC is required to sell music through a digital retailer – iTunes, Napster, eMusic, and the like.

The code is encoded at the mastering stage of the recording. In the case of music videos, the ISRC appears in the time clock for all analog formats and on the label outside of the box. The code is also included in the metadata when a song or video is delivered to a digital retailer.

This serves as a “fingerprint” for the song and plays a crucial role in tracking song sales and royalty collection.

Membership is free, and a log of outgoing codes must be kept in case of request from the RIAA. Membership form:

http://www.riaa.com/whatwedo.php?content_selector=whatwedo_is_r_c_codes

Digital distributors including CD Baby and Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA) do provide ISRC codes to their clients at no additional charge.

Click here to know about other online music tips such as UPC barcode, gracenote.

Silkscreen vs offset printing on CD / DVD

Silkscreen and offset printing are the method of printing for large run CD/DVD replication. Is one better than the other? That depends on the artwork. See the 2 examples here:

The one on the top is offset and the bottom one is silkscreen. Offset printing is best used on photographic images and any artwork that does not have areas of solid colors. Offset printing gives photos a detailed and realistic look.

On the other hand, silkscreen is best for solid colors such as the example here. The colors are vibrant and consistent throughout. For setting up artwork for silkscreening you need to use Pantone colors (or sometimes called PMS colors) and vector art is preferred.

What is CD DVD artwork template?

Many customers ask for the dimension of the CD or DVD disc and the dimension of the cover so they can work on the CD or DVD design. An artwork template simply provides with you all the information you need. It shows the actual dimension of the printed piece, with trim line as well as bleed.

One can use graphic programs such as Photoshop or Illustrator to use the template, however they are not the only way. Using the templates allow the designer to see how the art will come together and to make sure all the elements are designed according to specs.

However if you do not own these software you could still create your own design. Many burning software come with a label/cover design program with preloaded templates and will let you create simple CD DVD label and package without much technical knowledge on graphic design. When you are finished, the key is to export the final files to a non-proprietary format such as jpg, pdf or tiff so we can place it on our CD DVD design templates.

How to avoid rush fee for CD DVD duplication?

You might have been there before: you're getting the DVD master today and you need to duplication a couple hundred of them in a day. How to duplicate them without paying a huge rush fee?

The short answer is: get the project started as soon as either the DVD master or artwork ready

There are 2 basic steps in dvd duplication - the actual duplication of DVDs and the printing of the disc face. There is no particular order which step that should happen first. This means that we can be working on DVD burning while waiting for the disc face artwork to be designed, or we can pre-print the disc face while waiting for the DVD to be authored. There is no need to wait till both components to start the job. This will save you significant time and everyone will be a happy camper.

For DVD replication - the steps are more complicated, but the principals are essentially the same. There is no need to wait for both the artwork and DVD master to 'officially' begin dvd replication. If the artwork is ready, submit it first and get the proofs underway; more importantly if the CD/DVD master is ready, the stamper can be made while the artwork is still being finalized. This way will save you valuable time and money.