FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This FAQ will give you a better understanding of the CD and DVD manufacturing process and assist you in producing your master disc. If you have any further technical questions, please contact us - we will be happy to answer them.

1. What is the difference between Duplication and Replication?
2. What options do I have for printing or labeling recordable (CD-R and DVD-R) discs?
3. What options do I have for printing or labeling replicated discs?
4. What is the turn around time for getting a CD or DVD copied?
5. If we make our own master, what recording software do you recommend?
6. We don't have a CD or DVD recorder, can you make our master for us?
7. What is the difference between Video on CD and VCD?
8. What input formats do you accept for DVD?
9. Can you make our master readable on both Macintosh and PC operating systems?
10. What brand of CD-R and DVD-R media do you use, and what do you recommend?
11. Can you create our disc label for us?
12. What software programs do you accept files from for our artwork?
13. Can you make us a check disk or print proof disc before we start the copy job?
14. Can we make more copies of our disc at a later time?
15. Can you copy copyrighted software for us?
16. How much data/audio/video will fit on a disc?

Q: What is the difference between Duplication and Replication?
Duplication: This method is perfect for small copy jobs, or when a quick turnaround time is needed. We use blank recordable media where the data or audio is perfectly duplicated on the playing side of the disc in a CD/DVD burner. A CD-R disc can be read back by any modern CD or CDROM player. A DVD-R disc can be read by nearly every modern DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R and by *most DVD players. Replication: This method is best for higher volumes and to ensure nearly universal compatibility. The minimum quantity is 500 discs and the price is less expensive per unit than duplication. Your master disc is used to create a glass master, which is then in turn used to create stamper molds. Polycarbonate is injected into the molds, and an exact copy of your master disc is stamped out. A replicated CD can be read back by any CD, or CDROM player. A replicated DVD can be read back on any DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R and DVD player.

Q: What options do I have for printing or labeling recordable (CD-R and DVD-R) discs?
Duplicated or Print Only CD-R and DVD-R Discs: We offer five different processes for printing on your CD-R or DVD-R disc. • Black thermal print • Color Inkjet • High Resolution Digital • Adhesive Labels (*NOT recommended!) • Silk-Screen Variable Data Printing, with unique data printed on each CD, is available with black thermal or high resolution digital printing. The best method for your job depends on the graphics and colors you choose, and how soon you need the discs. We will advise you on the most suitable print method. Note that large areas of solid color do not reproduce well with inkjet printing. High Resolution Digital printing or adhesive labels give the highest resolution and are best for detailed designs or photographic images.

Q: What options do I have for printing or labeling replicated discs?
Replicated Discs: We offer three different processes for printing on your replicated CD-ROM or DVD-ROM disc. • Silkscreen • Offset • High Resolution Digital 3 color silkscreen is included in our base replication prices but additional colors may be added. A CMYK label is generally printed on a white flood base, making it a 5-color label. Offset is not offered at all our plants so please check for availability. High Resolution Digital or Offset printing give the highest resolution and are best for detailed designs or photographic images. The best method for your job depends on the graphics and colors you choose, and how soon you need the discs. We will be happy to consult with you on the most suitable print method for your project's needs.

Q: What is the turn around time for getting a CD or DVD copied?
Turnaround Time: This is determined by how many copies you need, how quickly you need them, how much data is on your disc, how intricate your label is and what kind of packaging you use. Standard turn times are: • Duplication: 2-5 business days • Replication: 10 business days Shorter turn times are available for an additional "Rush Job" fee. Please let us know about your project deadline so that we can plan accordingly. If a technical problem occurs, your copy job could be delayed. We take pride in our fast service, but you must allow time for unexpected problems such as corrupted files or out of specification artwork.

Q: If we make our own master, what recording software do you recommend?
Recommended CD and DVD Writing Software: We recommend programs such as Easy CD Creator, WinOnCD, Nero, DVD Creator and Toast (MAC). Any of these programs produce acceptable masters. You should use the "Disc-At-Once" method for your master disc. You should NOT use the "Multi-Session" method for your master disc (See note below). PLEASE NOTE: Master discs created with Adaptec's 'Direct CD' or any "packet writing" software write the data onto the disc in multiple sessions that cannot be read by duplication equipment. We can remaster discs created using packet writing software, but this will add a remastering charge and may require additional time for us to send you a remastered check disc.

Q: We don't have a CD or DVD recorder, can you make our master for us?
CD and DVD Mastering Services: We can make just about any CD or DVD format you require. We can transfer audio and video, scan documents, create installation programs, interactive splash screens, etc. We accept data on many formats. Please call us with any questions about your sources before you send them to us.

Q: What is the difference between Video on CD and VCD?
Video on CD: Video on CD is simply a CD-ROM containing your video converted to a multimedia file, such as MPEG1 or Quicktime. You can view the video using a media player, and you can also include other files on the CD, such as PDF's, powerpoint presentations, etc. These type of discs are useful for product demos, instructional materials, etc., and for playback on a computer. VCD Mastering Services: Video CD, or VCD, is a specially formatted CD that contains MPEG1 Video that is almost as good as VHS quality. You can put up to 60 minutes of video on a VCD disc that can be played on Video CD Players, some DVD players, and any computer with Video CD software installed. Video CD’s were developed long before DVD. At one time they were called "compact disc interactive" or CD-i. The video can be divided up into different tracks and can be controlled by a computer program (including some freeware programs). It makes the discs ideal for information kiosks or computer based training. However, most of our clients choose to make a DVD instead, because it is more interactive and features MPEG2 for better video quality.

Q: What input formats do you accept for DVD?
DVD Input Media/Premastering: For DVD Duplication, we accept non-copy-protected DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R and DVD+R for a master source. For DVD replication, we prefer DLT masters, however we do accept non-copy-protected DVD, DVD-ROM, and DVD-R for a master source for DVD-5 and DVD-10 discs. Please call us with any questions about your sources before you send them to us.

Q: Can you make our master readable on both Macintosh and PC operating systems?
Multiplatform CDs: We can make hybrid CDs that can be read on both Mac and PC platforms.

Q: What brand of CD-R and DVD-R media do you use, and what do you recommend?
CD-R and DVD-R Media: Currently we are using both Prodisc and Taiyo Yuden media for CD duplication. We use Mitsui, Verbatim, and Lead Data media for DVD duplication. We don't recommend unbranded cheap media, as you will get bad burns and corrupted data. Generally speaking, if it's a brand that you are familiar with, it will be of a higher quality than a 'store brand' or generic media. Saving a few cents can end up costing you a lot more in remastering costs, and may delay your project's completion. If your project is important to you, put it on good media!

Q: Can you create our disc label for us?
Graphic Design Services: If you tell us how you want the label to look, and/or provide us with a sketch and graphics files, we can create a professional looking label for your disc. There is a charge of $120.00 per hour for this service.

Q: What software programs do you accept files from for our artwork?
Accepted Files For CD and DVD Artwork: We accept artwork files from many different software programs for MAC and PC. You must provide us with a hard copy proof and copies of all the fonts that you use in your artwork.

Q: Can you make us a check disk or print proof disc before we start the copy job?
Check/Proof CDs and DVDs: We strongly recommend requesting a check disk for a copy job mastered from non-CD or DVD sources. This will ensure that your disc functions to your satisfaction before we make multiple copies. It will help ensure that your artwork looks as intended on the final product. Please call us for details and pricing on check CDs and DVDs.

Q: Can we have additional copies of our project made at a later time?
Reorders: Unless you specify that you want your master disc returned, we keep it with your artwork or film permanently on file. If you need more copies, all you have to do is contact us.

Q: Can you copy copyrighted software for us?
Copyright Issues: We duplicate and replicate CDs and DVDs ONLY when you own the material on them, or have written copyright permission. You will be asked to sign a form, provide proof to us that you have the rights to duplicate the CDs and DVDs, and to indemnify us against any legal action by the copyright owner. [USE LINK TO FORM HERE]

Q: How much data/audio/video will fit on a disc?
Media Capacity The following table will give you a general idea of the various media capacities. Please call with any question you may have regarding your project's needs.