CD DVD duplication process video
Labels: CD DVD duplication video
We are going to talk about various topics around CD DVD duplication and replication. From the design, mastering, duplication and pacakging.
There is a difference between DVD-9 and double layer DVDR - DVD-9 is the dual-layer DVDs that are replicated (pressed). Double layer DVDR are actually a blank DVD media that contains 2 layers.
Labels: DL DVD+R, double layer, dual layer, DVD-9 replication
Audio files come in many formats today, there is the most common mp3, mp4, and also the AIFF and WAV. Which one is the best format for CD duplication and CD replication? Let's start with talking about the different file formats that can be used to create an audio CD:
MP3 and MP4 are compressed formats that are most popular with online downloads, however not the best choice and quality for duplication and replication.
AIFF is commonly used on Macs and is an uncompressed audio file format that provides excellent sound quality.
WAV is a comparable format that is mostly used on PCs, still an uncompressed audio file format and tends to be large in size.
Therefore, making an audio CD master from AIFF and WAV will preserve the best sound quality. When making a CD master we should always burn as an audio CD, not data CD. Most CD burning softwares today will convert the mp3, AIFF or WAV into an audio CD format when it is set up as an 'audio' CD. An 'audio' CD will play in any home, car stereo and computer, while a 'data' CD containing MP3, AIFF or WAV files will only play in computers and stereos that are equipped to play audio files.
The safest way to send CD audio or CD-Rom content electronically for CD replication is by disc image. A disc image is a copy of a CD all wrapped in one file. Instead of sending the individual songs or tracks all you'll be sending is one file. Once the image file is created, it is best to zip it using Winzip or Stuffit before it is transferred electronically to a FTP.
Here's the step by step on how to do that in Toast (the version we have in this example is Toast 7)
1. First burn a CD and verify the contents are correct.
2. If all is correct insert the CD into the CD-Rom, open Toast
3. Click on Copy tab, Click on File menu and select Save as Disc Image
4. For audio CDs the file extension will be .sd2f, data content CD file extension will be .toast
5. Zip the file using Stuffit or other utility tools for upload
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
Labels: CD-R, check disc, DVD replication, DVD-9, DVD-R
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.
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:
Labels: aspect ratio, DVD authoring, DVD replication, NTSC, PAL
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.
Labels: DVD authoring, NTSC, PAL
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.
Labels: audio mastering, cd mastering, cd replication, digital download, isrc code, iTunes
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.
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.
Labels: cd dvd
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.
Labels: CD burning, DVD authoring, DVD burning, DVD duplication, DVD replication
With so many replication / duplication companies out there right now, almost everyone shops around before making a final decision. When comparing quotes from different companies, there are several things to look out for to make sure you are comparing apples with apples. All too often customers are receiving quotes that are in reality completely different things. In order to make an informative decision, read the quotes carefully:
As I have reported a couple weeks ago on the new format 'DVD album' by Warner Music. According to Medialine, DualDisc is quickly losing heat among consumers, and has failed to gather interest in packaged media purchase.
According to a report on the Wall Street Journal, Warner music, the 4th largest music company, is in the final stage of developing a new audio format on DVD. This new format, 'DVD album', contains a bundle of music, video footage and other extra features. DVD-audio quality tracks and video will be played on DVD players, while other extra DVD-Rom features can be played on computers.
Most people might think that all DVDs are created equal, so why not find the cheapest place you can find? The truth is, not all DVDs are created equal. Never ever just go for the company with the lowest price quote. It cannot be more wrong. The list below serves as a guide on how to find professional duplication / replication services at a reasonable price.
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:
Everyone in the industry, from the RIAA, record labels to individual filmmakers are trying to put a stop to illegal downloads and pirating of movies and music. It is no surprise that copy protection technologies are such hot topics among them. We are asked all the time, does it really work? Let's first talk about how to apply it.
This is probably the no. 1 most frequently asked question that I get. Many people think that they are the same and use these 2 words interchangeably. Some people say one but actually mean the other. It creates a lot of confusion because each method has its pros and cons. If you are trying to get a price and time estimate even at the same quantity you might get wildly different answers.
Here's the burning question, how do you ensure the disc you made will not skip or freeze on playback? While there are no guarantees that a duplicated DVD-R will play on EVERY DVD player, here are a few pointers to ensure the highest percentage of compatibility:
1. Keep maximum bit rate under 7. Some older DVD players have troubles playing back DVDs with bit rates that are too high (>8). The average of 6 to 7 is optimal.
2. Do not use uncompressed audio files. Use compression format such as Dolby Digital Audio (AC3).
3. Burn your master at the lowest speed possible. Some DVD authoring program such as DVD Studio Pro does not allow lowering burn speeds. In that case build your project to a video TS folder, and burn it with Toast. The latest version of Toast 6 allows burning of video TS folder to DVD.
4. Use high quality DVD-R media. Taiyo Yuden, Ritek, Mitsui etc. Keep it well protected.
5. Do not use paper labels. If they are not applied properly it causes unbalance while spinning in the DVD player. The heat that is generated from playback might also melt the label, causing problem in the DVD player as well.
Final - most important step
All and all, if you have followed the above steps to create a master DVD, the most important step is to watch it, from start to finish. You will not believe how many clients of mine have missed this step. Do not depend on your replicator or duplicator to do the quality checking for you. After all, you are the creator of the project and no one knows the details better than you. The checks that are performed before duplicating or replicating is for unreadable sectors, incomplete data and physical damage of the disc. It has nothing to do with the quality of the video, audio levels and menu navigation. That is an important concept to keep in mind.
Just as we are starting to be comfortable with the current DVD formats, there are more on the way! Here is a brief look at what we can expect next in the realm of DVD formats.
HD DVD (High Density Digital Versatile Disc) is supported by NEC, Toshiba, Sanyo and Microsoft. It is one of the front runners of the race for high-definition DVD.
The disc has a single layer capacity of 15 GB and a double layer capacity of 30 GB. One thing to note is the layer of a HD DVD has the same thickness as a conventional DVD, which is 0.6mm. What is the significance you might ask? It allows replication facilities to use some of the existing equipment to manufacture the new discs. HD DVD players will also be able handle both conventional and HD DVD. HD DVD players will also use some of the same technology as existing DVD layers. All of these give HD DVD an edge over competitor Blu-Ray with its significant cost advantage.
Microsoft has announced that XBOX 360 will support HD DVD, but not for the launch for later this year. It will ship with a conventional DVD drive, and when HD DVD format is ready, it will be incorporated in the game console.
Blu-ray DVD
Backed by Sony and Philips, a Blue-ray DVD will fit 25 GB on a single layer, 50 GB on a double layer. It will also include support for multi-layer discs, which allows up to 200 GB of storage in the future. A 25 GB disc will store approximately about 2 hours of high definition video footage.
Blu-ray DVD is so called because it uses a "blue" laser operating at a shorter wavelength than a conventional and a HD DVD. The result is a disc of higher density and thinner layers.
The thinner layers pose both pros and cons to the new format. It requires brand new manufacturing equipment but it allows for its higher capacity of data.
The anticipated Sony Playstation 3 will ship with a read-only Blu-ray disc drive. Both new formats are backed by major film studios. Sony Pictures, MGM, 20th Century Fox and Disney have so announced support for Blu-ray, while HD-DVD has New Line Cinema, Paramount Pictures, Universal Studios and Warner Brothers as backers.
Universal Media Disc (UMD) is a proprietary format developed by Sony for the Sony Playstation Portable (PSP). It is 65 mm in diameter and holds up to 1.8 GB of data. It can store up to 2 hours of DVD quality video. As of this time blank media of this format is not available for piracy reasons. The UMD comes in a protective cartridge and is able to store games, videos and music.
"DualDisc" is a two sided disc which is a DVD on one side of the disc and non-DVD (which is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a CD side) on the other side of the disc. Sounds like a great concept doesn't it? It however has its own shares of troubles. Officials at Philips Intellectual Property & Standards (IP&S) which licenses the Compact Disc or CD format, have refused to license the CD logo to companies making or releasing Dual Disc products on the grounds that they do not meet the Compact specifications. The non-DVD side of the dual disc will hold up to 60 minutes of audio, and the DVD side is a single layer DVD.
Offset vs Silkscreen Printing
In CMYK (Process) printing, colors on a printing press are created using a combination of four ink colors - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (called CMYK). These four inks are called process colors because they are the standard inks used in the four-color printing process. CMYK colors look best on offset printing while on silkscreen it will look grainy.
However if preciseness of colors is important to you finished products, spot color printing is recommended. Spot color is one that is printed in its own ink. It is most commonly specified by the Pantone Matching System (PMS). In this case the cost of producing such films will depend on the number of spot colors used. Therefore, spot color printing is most economical for a small number of colors. Spot colors look balanced and is true to its color throughout the disc face for artwork with mostly solid patterns.
Also called white base or white mask. A White Flood is the coat of ink that is applied first to a disc face print. This flood-coat is often used with 4-color process printing. A CD/DVD is originally reflective silver in color. The White flood-coat acts as a base-coat or primer for the colors printed on it, recreating the effect of printing on White paper. Without the flood-coat background, colors may not be as bright or vibrant as they would print with the darker Silver background.
If the design calls for silver background to show through some part of the design, the white flood can be omitted.
What is Bleed?
A bleed is the area that will be cut off from the print to prevent the final artwork from having white edges. When scanning images, keep the bleed in mind so you do not have to force a bleed by resizing an image. This will inevitably cause a loss of sharpness and make the pixels more apparent.
Also called white base or white mask. A White Flood is the coat of ink that is applied first to a CD face print. This flood-coat is often used with 4-color process printing on CDs. A CD is reflective Silver in color. The White flood-coat acts as a base-coat or primer for the colors printed on it, recreating the effect of printing on White paper. Without the flood-coat background, colors may not be as bright or vibrant as they would print with the darker Silver background.
Colors on a printing press are created using a combination of four ink colors - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (called CMYK). These four inks are called process colors because they are the standard inks used in the four-color printing process. Your artwork must be in CMYK format (as opposed to RGB) before submitting.
Offset / process printing, sometimes referred to as 4-color process or CMYK printing is the technique of printing with 4 standard colors; CMYK: Cyan, Yellow, Magenta and Black. This industry standard for "full-color" printing allows for near "true-to-life" color printing. The technique or process prints all 4 colors as miniature dots in precise closeness to each other. The size of each dot and its relation to the other dots is what provides the finished look of colors and tones. Most full-color brochures, magazines, newspapers, and yes, CD packaging and CDs are process printed. When process printing is not required, Pantone colors are specified.
Silkscreen printing is a process whereby the artwork is converted to screens and ink is pressed through the screens onto the CD or DVD. The average resolution of silkscreen printing is 85-135 lines per inch (lpi).
If you are using Photoshop, just keep in mind that it cannot invent detail that isn't there. Example, increasing an image of 5"x5" @ 72 dpi to 300 dpi does not enhance its quality and detail. Photoshop merely scales up the image to 300 dpi, it samples the dots around it and adds the additional pixels as a mix of the colors next to it.
The best way is to create or scan the images @ 300dpi or greater, so you are not depending on Photoshop to re-invent.
Artworks files that are being submit must include all fonts used, including any that are embedded in placed EPS files. Or have all text outlined in the EPS files.
It might be trivial to write about this. However a master that is poorly prepared and kept is indeed a waste of time and effort! So, we have to at least talk about it once.
Use a high quality media. A reputable brand DVD goes a long way. Maxell, TDK, Ritek, Taiyo Yuden and Mitsui, to name a few, are trusted brands that we recommend.
Handle your media carefully, even blank ones. The disc has to be lint, fingerprint free before recorded on.
When burning the master it is best to keep it at low speeds. Even if you are capable of burning 8x, keeping it slow on the master will ensure data accuracy.
There are 2 forms of acceptable master, DVD-R and DLT (Digital Linear Tape). Back in the days DLT was the only acceptable format of master. Nowadays most replicators will take DVD-R as well. There are pros and cons to both formats. DLT tapes are more durable, reliable and therefore considered a low-risk format.
DVD-R in general is more fragile, easy to scratch and not capable of storing CSS, region code, Macrovision and other copy protection data. A common problem with DVD-R is the existence of unreadable sectors. They can be caused by bad media, burner problems and mishandling. DVD-R is increasingly popular because it is widely available, cheaper and can be tested on DVD players.
The DVD has been testing in simulation mode, and a master has been carefully burned. The replicator will do the rest right? Well, before you send it off, it is crucial that you do final testing on the master. Play it on your home/office DVD player, from start to finish. Try all menus and buttons. Make sure navigation, video and sound are what you expect. Play it on your computer DVD player as well if you have one. Replicators do not assume any responsibility if the master sent has defects that are unrelated to mastering and replication process.
If you are unsure how your master will turn out as replicated, ask for a check disc from the replicator. Check discs are usually free. The extra couple of days it takes to create the check disc will give you peace of mind and reduce the risk of spending thousands of dollars on a faulty master.
Finally you are near the end of the tunnel, the master has been carefully created and tested. Make sure when it is sent out, it is securely protected. Use a paper sleeve, jewel case or amaray box to hold the DVD. A physically damaged or scratched DVD can cause unreadable sectors and you will end up sending in duplicate masters.
If there is more than one master, store them in separate boxes. NEVER send your only copy of the master! Always save a copy for yourself. If the master disc does get damaged during transit, you will not be left with re-creating the master all over again!
How much can you fit on a DVD?
If you are somewhat familiar with the different DVD formats, you should have heard about mini DVDs. So why are we taking about it as the new standard? It is because you will (or already have) see them more than ever from now on.
In the world of DVDs, there are many coexistent formats and standards. Here we highlight a few of the most frequently asked questions:
What is a DVD-R and DVD+R?
They are two main formats in DVD recordable technology. DVD-R came out first so it would appear that it has a greater compatibility among DVD players. DVD+R is quickly catching up and it has a similar compatibility. There is no main difference between the two formats, and most computer DVD burners are capable of burning both formats.
Is it true that a recordable DVD must be all region?
Yes. A DVD made with a computer DVD burner or a home recording device will be played in all DVD players all over the world. If region code is a must for your project, DLT tapes should be submitted as replication masters.
NTSC vs PAL
The video on DVD discs is formatted for one of the two mutually incompatible television systems, NTSC or PAL. NTSC is primarily used in United States, Mexico, Canada and Japan. PAL format is used in Europe and the rest of Asia. Most NTSC players do not play PAL discs. However, almost all DVD players in PAL countries will play both formats. If you have a project that will be distributed globally, make sure to consider these different formats.
One thing to note is that a computer DVD player will both NTSC and PAL formats.
If the budget allows, the optimal solution of course is to produce both NTSC and PAL versions. However, if one has to choose between the two formats, NTSC is probably the winning choice because of its wider acceptance among DVD players globally.
For those who prefer to have both NTSC and PAL versions of the video, there are two options: create 2 single layered discs or create 1 dual-sided disc. It is not possible to have both NTSC and PAL on the same disc because the DVD-Video specification disallow it.
DVD recordables vs Replicated DVD
The main difference between the two types of DVDs is the methods behind. DVD recordables are copied with lasers on DVD burners. Replicated discs are made with glass master and molded. For more information see our previous article on replication.
DVD recordables work best for projects that require lower quantity, i.e., below 1000 pieces. It takes less time to finish however the cost per disc is significantly higher than replication. Replication is cost effective for a larger quantity, i.e., 1000 and up. The process is more reliable and controlled for higher quantity. Production time takes longer but cost per disc is much lower and printing quality surpasses DVD recordables.
So now that you have received the free barcode from Hellman Production, how does it translate into tracking your CD or DVD sales?
Many now consider copy protecting their DVDs a crucial part of the project. It is equally important to understand how it works and the different options for the money to be well spent. So what is copy protection? How does it avoid piracy?
Replication is the process that transfers the data from the source master to CD or DVD discs. It's often talked about with 'Duplication', and it is a common misconception that they are the same. Here we'll try to reveal the mystery behind replication.