Why do I need a DVD replication check disc?

A replication 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", which is a different process than replication, in which the discs are pressed. A check disc is especially important to check the layer break of a DVD-9 project

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

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.