CD Duplication V.S. CD Replication

1. March 2011 by admin.

Are CD-Rs identical to normal CDs?

CDs are made by being pressed from a mold, while CD-Rs and CD-RW�s are made by burning the information to the disc with a laser. Though they are not physically identical, they work just the same. However, you cannot record to pressed CDs, only to CD-R/RW discs.

What kinds of media are there?

CD-R media is classified by its organic dye composition and the reflective layer. There are 4 kinds of dyes in use today:

1. Cyanine dye, which has a cyan blue color;
2. Phthalocyanine dye, which has a light aqua color;
3. Metalized azo dye, which has a dark blue color;
4. Formazan dye, which has a light green color.

The reflective layer is a layer made up of either a silver alloy or 24K gold.

There are different types of media mainly because each manufacturer configured their own materials and processes which all had to be patented. Each new CD-R manufacturer has to develop their own combination of materials.

What is recording speed?

Recording Speed is the time it takes for a CD-R writer to �write� or �burn� the information to a CD-R disc. Currently, 52X is the preferred choice of speed in the industry. 52X means it takes 52 times as fast to write the information to the disc. For example, an 80-minute recording would take 80 minutes at 1X, 20 minutes at 4X, 5 minutes at 16X, 2.5 minutes at 32X, and 1.6 minutes at 52X. These times are general and do no account for lead in and lead out times, but they are a good rule of thumb.

Pressing vs. Burning

Pressing is the act of stamping out CDs at a replication house. These discs are created with a glass master, and then the CD is stamped or �pressed� out with the information already on the disc. Burning is the act of burning the information to the disc in a CD-R writer or burner. The visual difference between pressed and burned CDs is that pressed have the silver bottom that is all one shade. An example would be any CD you have purchased at a store, they were pressed. A burned CD-R has a change in shade on the bottom between the burned and unburned sections. Usually, the bottoms are blue or gold.

How is a CD-R �burned?�

Within a CD writer, a laser focuses on the blank CD-R and begins the process by actually burning �pits� into the reflective layer. In this process, what is created is a series of �lands� and �pits� within the reflective dye. The information is stored on the lands in a series of number combinations. These numbers are always 0�s and 1�s. The different combination of 0�s and 1�s on the lands make up the information on the disc that CD reader or player will read when the disc is played back.

Good  vs.  Bad media

There are many factors that differentiate good quality CD-R media from poor quality media. One factor is the flatness of the disc. You want to know that your media is the flattest in the industry. Another factor is equal weight distribution around the disc. A disc that is uneven in weight will wobble while it spins in the burner and the reader. That will make for a poorly burned disc. Another factor is amount and consistency of the dye on the bottom of the disc. If the CD-R has too much or too little dye, the burning process will be affected and consequently, so will the reading process. These guidelines are key in determining the quality of a CD-R disc.

Are pressed CDs better than burned CD-Rs?

The answer to this question depends on 2 factors; what is the quality of the CD-R writer and what is the quality of the CD-R disc. Assuming you have a professional CD-R writer and the media you are using is professional quality, there is no difference between pressed CDs and burned CD-Rs. This will vary depending on the burn speed.

What is the difference between Audio and Data CD-Rs?

The CD-Rs that say �For Music Use Only� are meant to be used with the �consumer� stand-alone audio CD recorders from your local superstore. They cost a little more than data CD-Rs because a portion of that cost goes to the record industry. These disc also have copy protection pre-written to them to discourage duplication. Data discs are written with a computer burner, not a consumer audio CD recorder. They are duplicatable and you can record audio or data to these discs. In the professional world, data CD-Rs are preferred over �music only� discs.

Does faster writing speed reduce CD-R quality?

If you are using professional quality CD-R media in a professional writer, there will be less of a chance of degradation and failure. In truth, the faster you burn a disc; the quality of the copy is lessened from the original. However, this will be noticed more with poor media than professional media. In regards to audio recording, the main question is, will I hear an audible difference? The answer to that is probably not, assuming your media and writer are professional quality.

What is the best kind of media to use?

Ultimately, you want to use the media that gives you the best end result. One factor to look at is what the max recording speed is of the disc. If you try to burn it faster than it can handle, you will be left with a shiny coaster. If you are recording audio, you want to stay away from CD-RW discs. Besides the fact they are more expensive than regular CD-Rs, they don’t play audio in many CD players. Also, the CD-RW standard has its drawbacks. In actuality, CD-RW media can only be written to around 5 times before the disc is useless. Plus, you don�t want to be erasing and recording new material to the same disc over and over. It is cheaper just to buy once-write CD-R media and always have a backup copy.

How long do CD-Rs last?

The age of an unwritten disc can be anywhere from 6 weeks to 100 years. Different manufacturers have different life spans. Taiyo Yuden media has a life span of 100 years. This is a good factor in determining which media is best for you. However, you probably won�t using CDs in 100 years, but the fact that they will last that long adds to credibility and quality. This life span is also assuming the CD-R is kept in a safe and cool environment. Exposure to excessive heat, humidity, or direct sunlight will reduce their life span.

How much data and audio can they hold?

CD-R discs come in two storage sizes. The first is 650 MB or 74 minutes. The second is 700 MB or 80 minutes. Depending on the project, you can measure it in file size or length of time.

Is writing on the disc or a stick on label bad for the disc?

It is not bad for the disc if you are careful. The wrong kind of ink or label can damage the disc. The adhesives from the label or the ink from a pen can dissolve the protective layer of the disc. The safest way to use labels with a CD-R is to purchase printable discs, which come pre-made with labels. As for pens, you never want to use a ballpoint pen on the surface of a CD. There are many CD Safe pens and markers on the market. One safe way to write on the disc is to use a felt-tipped pen or marker. Never use a solvent-based pen on a CD-R.

What is unbranded, branded, printable?

Unbranded CD-R media does not have a discernable brand name or logo on the disc. An example if this would be a plain, silver lacquer surface disc. Branded media does have a logo or brand name visible on the disc. Most media purchased at a superstore fits into this category. Printable media is a CD-R with a surface designed for ink jet printing directly onto the disc. In this case, you’ll need to get a CD printer, like the Microboards PF2 or DX2 publisher. These are gravity fed belt driven ink jet printers that allow for printing directly onto the disc.

Is there a difference between pressed CDs and silver CD-Rs?

Besides the fact that a pressed CD is made differently than a CD-R, the difference would be in the change of color on the bottom of the disc. A pressed CD has the same shade of silver all the way across. A CD-R will have a change in shade between the burned and unburned sections. If the CD-R was burned to capacity, there is no real way to visibly tell the difference between the two discs.

 

Posted in Recordable Media, CD-ROM Replication, CD Duplication, CD-ROM | Print | No Comments »

DUAL DISC FAQs

22. January 2011 by admin.

DUALDISC FAQs

1. What is DualDisc? DualDisc is a new two sided disc product introduced by the music industry which mates DVD recorded material on one side with digital audio material on the other side. DualDisc is similar in size to a DVD and CD. The DVD side of the DualDisc offers DVD video or DVD audio content which may include many of the features currently found in DVD discs including enhanced audio; 5.1 surround sound, music videos, artists interviews, behind-the-scene footage, documentary films, photo galleries, lyrics and other material produced by the recording artist or label. The audio side of the DualDisc does not meet the technical specifications to be called a Compact Disc Digital Audio.

2. Will the DVD side of the DualDisc play on DVD players or DVD-optioned PCs? The DVD video content on the DVD side of the DualDisc will play on, and be compatible with some DVD players and DVD drives, except MegaStorage DVD Changers. However, DVD players and drives do not support DVD Audio format and contents found on the DVD side of a DualDisc conforming to the DVD Audio format will not play on these devices. DVD players and DVD drives should play all other DVD audio content offered on the DVD side.

3. Will the audio side of the DualDisc play on DVD players or DVD-optioned PCs? Not always. Since the audio side of the DualDisc does not meet the Compact Disc Digital Audio specifications found in the industry Redbook, the data constituting the audio portion of the disc may not be read by the DVD player or DVD drive. Even though the audio side does not meet the Compact Disc Digital Audio specification, some DVD players and DVD drives may read and interpret the audio side of the disc while others may not.

4. Will DualDiscs play in my MegaStorage CD or Megastorage DVD Changers? No. DualDiscs may become jammed in the slots or racks of the holders of these products. We recommend that you do not attempt to play DualDiscs in these units.

5. Will DualDiscs play in my slot-type CD or DVD players? Subject to the answer to Question 2 above, the DVD side of a DualDisc will be able to play in a slot-loading DVD player. However, the DVD side of a DualDisc may be scratched or abraded when used in a  slot-loading CD player. Compact Discs have a hard or non-recorded surface on top (normally where you would see the artwork or the label of the record company on the Compact Disc). Some CD slot-loading players are designed to load a Compact Disc by means of a mechanical device that pulls the disc into the player. Because DualDiscs contain a content layer, such as the DVD layer, on the top side, the loading mechanism may scratch or abrade a portion of that surface. These scratches or abrasions may affect the subsequent playability of such scratched or abraded side of the Disc. We recommend that you do not attempt to play DualDiscs in slot-loading CD players. Whether or not it is scratched or abraded, the audio side of a DualDisc may not play in slot type CD or DVD players because it does not conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio specifications.

6. Will DualDiscs play in car CD players and car DVD players? Subject to the answer to Question 2 above, the DVD side of a DualDisc will be able to play in  car DVD players. However, the DVD side of a DualDisc may be scratched or abraded when used in a slot loading car CD player. Compact Discs have a hard or non-recorded surface on top (normally where you would see the artwork or the label of the record company on the Compact Disc). Car CD slot-loading players are designed to load a Compact Disc by means of a mechanical device that pulls the disc into the player. Because DualDiscs contain a content layer, such as the DVD layer, on the top side, the loading mechanism may scratch or abrade a portion of that surface. These scratches or abrasions may affect the subsequent playability of the such scratched or abraded side of the Disc. As a result, we recommend that you do not attempt to play DualDiscs in slot-loading car CD players. Whether or not it is scratched or abraded, the audio side of a DualDisc may not play in car CD or DVD players because it does not conform to the Compact Disc Digital Audio specifications.

Posted in Video, Music Video, Music, Film Production, CD-ROM Replication, DVD Replication, CD-ROM | Print | No Comments »

About DVD Name and Formats

20. January 2011 by admin.

About DVD Name and Formats

DVD stands for just DVD. However many people refer to DVD as the Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc. It should be noted that discs for the new DVD movie players are being referred to as DVD; whereas the discs for the computer drives are being referred to as DVD-ROM.

Toshiba/Time Warner are using two half-thickness (0.6mm) discs bonded together for a double sided DVD standard disc format. The standard also allows for 3M’s dual layer “2P” technology to be used.

The following is a summary of the most common DVD capacities:

• DVD-5  4.7 GB (Single Layer Single Side)
• DVD-9  8.5 GB (Dual Layer Single Side)
• DVD-10  9.4 GB (Single Layer Double Side)
• DVD-17  17.0 GB (Dual Layer Double Side)

The new DVD discs can store from 4.7 GB (single sided, single layer) up to 17.0 GB (double sided, dual layer per side for a total of 4 layers of information). Each layer of data on a DVD disc will allow up to 133 minutes of full motion MPEG-2 video. This amount of playing time will allow 95% of all movies to be contained on one side of a disc. This new disc will also support a variable bit data rate which will increase the quality of digital video playback thanks to a substantial buffer memory. The new DVD movie players are also capable of seamless switching between the two layers of information on each side of the disc.

Media Source

DLT (Digital Linear Tape) is used as “source” to send in the large quantity of data to be mastered into DVD. DLT tape cartridges are slightly larger than 8mm tape cartridges but smaller than VHS cartridges. There are different densities of DLT tape with the highest capacities holding up to 20GB per tape (uncompressed). Other types of tapes and transfer media are under development to support DVD.

Cutting a full 4.7GB single layer of a DVD disc today at the fastest encoding speeds available takes over 90 minutes. As the mastering software and hardware are improved, this time will decrease. Remember, a full DVD disc could contain up to four mastered layers of information. A mastering cut must be done for each layer of information put onto a DVD disc. Therefore, as the number of layers of information increases, so will the mastering cost and time.

Some of the problems that threaten to delay the quick acceptance of DVD in the marketplace are the following:

• COPY PROTECTION
• REGIONAL CODING
• LICENSING
• TODAY’S CD-Rs MIGHT NOT PLAY ON DVD DRIVES

Due to the change in wavelength on the playback laser for DVD players today’s CD-Rs might not play on some DVD drives. This could be a serious problem for the quick acceptance of DVD in the marketplace. Changing the reflectivity on newly manufactured CD-Rs would solve this problem. However this would still leave many thousands or millions of unplayable CD-Rs in the market. Some manufacturers are planning on putting two laser optical pickups on their new DVD drives. One would be at the old wavelength and would be able to play today’s CD-Rs. The other would be at the new wavelength and would play DVDs. This would of course add cost to the drive however it would completely solve this backward compatibility issue.

The file structure on a DVD will be Micro UDF (Universal Disk Format) initially combined with ISO 9660. Eventually Micro UDF will become the standard file format used for DVD. The Micro UDF file format will extend and modify what is currently possible with ISO 9660.

The decision to standardize on a single high density digital (video) disc (which has the potential to be a $50 billion a year market) is very good news for computer, consumer electronics, and entertainment companies. Until the compromise was reached, DVD projections were for a slow, limited roll-out, with the new format not really taking hold until the end of the decade. Now, post-convergence sales projections are more optimistic.

eDocPublish.com manufactures DVD discs based on the specification available to date. eDocPublish.com has Multiple lines that manufactures DVD and DVD-ROM discs.

Posted in DVD-R Duplication and Copy, Film Production, DVD Replication, Recordable Media | Print | No Comments »

CD-ROM Logo

16. January 2011 by admin.

The following is a list of Approved Compact Disc Logo configurations. eDocPublish.com will add the Compact Disc Logo to label film and/or electronic media on request. Listed below are the rules indicating how the Compact Disc Logo should be used. eDocPublish.com is not responsible for incorrect usage f the Compact Disc Logo.

Logo	Use
	This logo may be used on discs complying with the CD-DA specifications: the IEC 908 standard and/or the Philips-Sony Compact Disc Digital Audio System Description (the RED Book).
	This logo must be used on discs complying with the CD-ROM specifications: ISO/IEC 10149 standard and/or Philips-Sony Compact Disc Read Only Memory System Description (the YELLOW Book).
	This logo may only be used on discs complying with the CD+ specifications: the Philips-Sony Enhanced Music CD Specification (the BLUE Book).
	This logo may only be used on discs complying with the CD-DA and CD-MIDI specifications: the IEC 908 standard and/or the Philips-Sony Compact Disc Digital Audio System Description (the RED Book) which must utilize and comply with the optional MIDI mode as specified in the options section for Subcode Channels R-W of the Philips-Sony Compact Digital Audio System Description (the RED Book).
	This logo may only be used on discs complying with the CD-DA and CD-G specifications: the IEC 908 standard and/or the Philips-Sony Compact Disc Digital Audio System Description (the RED Book) which must utilize and comply with the optional TV-Graphics mode as specified in the options section for Subcode Channels R-W of the Philips-Sony Compact Digital Audio System Description (the RED Book).
	This logo may only be used on discs complying with the CD-DA and CD-EG specifications: the IEC 908 standard and/or the Philips-Sony Compact Disc Digital Audio System Description (the RED Book) which must utilize and comply with the optional Extended TV-Graphics mode as specified in the options section for Subcode Channels R-W of the Philips-Sony Compact Digital Audio System Description (the RED Book).
	This logo may only be used on discs complying with the CD-I specifications: the Philips-Sony Compact Disc Interactive Specification (the BLUE Book).
	This logo may only be used on discs complying with the PHOTO CD specification: Philips-Kodak System Description Photo CD.
	This logo may only be used on recordable discs complying with the CD-R and CD-DA specifications: Phillips-Sony Recordable Compact Disc System Descriptions, Part II: CD-WO (Write Once) (the ORANGE Book Part II) and which are exclusively preset for audio (CD-DA) applications as specified in the IEC 908 standard and/or the Phillips-Sony Compact Disc Digital Audio System Description (the RED Book).
	This logo may only be used on recordable discs complying with the CD-R and CD-ROM specifications: Phillips-Sony Recordable Compact Disc System Descriptions, Part II: CD-WO (Write Once) (the ORANGE Book Part II) and which are exclusively preset for data (CD-ROM) applications as specified in the ISO/IEC 10149 standard and/or the Phillips-Sony Compact Disc Read Only Memory System Description (the YELLOW Book).
	This logo may only be used on discs complying with the Video-CD specifications: the Philips-JVC-Matsushita-Sony Compact Disc Digital Video Specification (the WHITE Book).
	This logo may only be used on 12cm. video discs complying with the CD-V specifications: the IEC 908 and IEC 1104 standards and/or the Philips-Sony Compact Disc Digital Audio System Description (the RED Book) with reference to the IEC 856 and IEC 857 standards.

Posted in Recordable Media, CD-ROM Replication, CD Duplication, CD-ROM | Print | 1 Comment »

ISO-9660 File and Directory Naming Standard

10. January 2011 by admin.

ISO-9660 File and Directory Naming Standard

Each file name consists of three components: name, extension and version number as follows: <name>.<extension>;<version>

A name or extension consists of zero or more characters of the set [A..Z], [0..9] and _ (underscore). The version number ranges from 1 to 32767. The name and extension together must consist of at least one character e.g. .000;1 is a valid ISO-9660 file name

There are three levels of interchange defined by ISO-9660:

    -Level 1

The number of characters of the name is restricted to 8 and the number of characters of the extension is restricted to 3.

    -Levels 2 and 3

The total length of the name and extension is restricted to 30 characters (excluding the point and semicolon). Within GEAR the file name length is restricted to 30.

Files are listed in alphabetical order. If two file names do not have the same number of characters the shorter name is treated as if extended with spaces. This rule applies for both the name and the extension. If two files have equal names the file with the highest version numbers comes first e.g. AA.;2 before AA.;1.

A directory name consists of one or more characters of the set [A..Z], [0..9] and _ (underscore) with a maximum of 31 characters. The maximum nesting level of directories is 8 (the root is level 1!). The total number of characters specifying a file within a directory (path) must be smaller than 256. Directories are sorted alphabetically.

The order of characters is according to ISO 646, i.e. [0..9] comes before [A..Z] and [A..Z] comes before _ (underscore).

eDocPublish.com can provide you with CD’s that are in compliance with any ISO 9000 series standards.

Posted in Recordable Media, CD-ROM Replication, CD-ROM | Print | No Comments »

CD-ROM Standards

7. January 2011 by admin.

CD-ROM Standards

Posted in Recordable Media, CD-ROM Replication, CD-ROM | Print | No Comments »

Disc Printing Tips and FAQ (CD-ROM & DVD)

1. January 2011 by admin.

Disc Printing Tips and FAQ (CD-ROM & DVD)

• Avoid using screen tints lower than 15% or higher than 85%.

• Consider using a light color rather than a low screen tint to produce a ‘ghosted’ image.

• Avoid dropping text out of all halftones including process color imagery. Consider adding a spot color for text on top of a four color process image instead of using drop out text in order to maintain readability. Please contact your Project Coordinator for pricing for number of colors used.

• All process color inks are transparent and will take on a metallic quality when printed directly over the aluminum-coated data area of a Disc.

• Different amounts and consistencies of ink are required to achieve quality results with halftone dots and solid cover.
  we recommends that the mixing of solid color and halftone printing within the same piece of film is minimized. Please contact your Project Coordinator for pricing for number of colors used. Designing halftone and solid cover areas in different colors or separate color on two separate pieces of film.

• All images will be printed on the silver reflective disc unless indicated that a spot color background needs to be printed first. For images that appear white on a white paper proof, please indicate if these areas are to be printed in white or the reflective silver disc. 

• Explore the design possibilities offered by printing directly onto the silver surface of a Disc.

• Approximately 41.0 mm inside the data area there is no aluminum coating. This may change the appearance of an image due to the change in background.

• Small text may fall over an intersection of the mesh fibers, rather than on a gap in the mesh, resulting in ‘broken’ text. For acceptable legibility, one-color, drop-out text should be no smaller than 4 points. For multiple-color, drop-out text should be no smaller than 6 points when the drop out areas are intended to overlap.
  The use of serif type faces for small text is not recommended. You should not use positive text smaller than 3 points.

• Consider using bold type or all caps to increase the legibility of small text.

Posted in Film Production, DVD Replication, Disc Printing, CD-ROM Replication | Print | No Comments »

Who are the manufacturers of CD-R media?

1. March 2010 by admin.

History of Taiyo Yuden CD-R

Taiyo Yuden invented the CD-R, along with Philips and Sony, on June 13th, 1988. At the time, Taiyo Yuden was the only manufacturer of CD-R media in the world, supplying media to many well-known CD-R distributors. The CD-R was not given the boost it needed until 1992. In that year, CD-ROM drives were introduced into the computer market. At that point, the CD-R market changed from mainly audio applications, to the data market, which because of its quick market expansion gave the CD-R notoriety and market success. As time passed, many Taiwanese manufacturers started to release their own CD-R media, thus resulting in a decrease in prices that continues today. With the market changing rapidly every day, Taiyo Yuden has managed to keep quality their number one issue. Because of this, they continue to be one of the best quality CD-R products in the market today.

 

Who are the manufacturers of CD-R media?

Taiyo Yuden is the inventor of CD-R technology and is credited with making the first green CD-Rs. Other manufacturers that have gotten into the CD-R game include TDK, Richo, and Kodak, and Mitsui. Mitsui made the first gold CD-Rs, while Verbatium made the first silver/blue CD-Rs. Most brands that you see in the marketplace are just name brands that are manufactured by someone else, probably one of the 5 on this list.

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CD Duplication and Printing for short or large runs.

1. March 2010 by admin.

CD Duplication and Printing for short or large runs.

The CD Duplication process is the process of copying a blank CD-R and may be printing the face with a Graphics or text elements.

In most cases CD-R Duplication is used for small quantity 1 to 1,000 or if you are in a hurry and you are about to miss your deadline. Although CD-ROM replication is an option but the cost can be very high.

 Printing on the face of the CD can be doing in many ways. The following is a short list:

1. Paper Labels
   Positive:     Disc Cost is Low, can be done using Laser or inkjet paper
   Negative:   Glue may get into the data area and cause long term damage to the disc, Labor intensive,
                     Does not look professional 
2. Inkjet Directly on Disc
   Positive:     High Resolution printing Directly on Disc, Good for short run for in house printing
   Negative:   Disc Cost  is High, Ink Cost is High, Automated Printer cost is high. Too Slow, Ink will smear if hands are wet.
3. Thermal Transfer (one Color)
   Positive:     Medium Resolution printing Directly on Disc, Looks almost like Silk screen, Allows printing of Black, Blue or Red  Color on Silver Disc. Excellent for short run and low cost printing. Will not smear.
   Negative:   Flooding Disc is not recommended, Text is Clear only using few fonts, Graphics Edge is not crisp.
4. Thermal Transfer (Three Color)
   Positive:     Medium Resolution printing Directly on Disc, Looks almost like Silk screen, Limited Color Printing on Silver Disc. Excellent for short run and low cost printing. Will not smear.
   Negative:   Flooding Disc is not recommended, Text is Clear only using few fonts, Graphics Edge is not crisp, Photo Printing is not recommended, Color Matching is impossible.
5. Thermal Re-Transfer (one Color)
   Positive:     High Resolution B&W printing Directly on Disc, Looks almost like Offset Print, Photorealistic B&W Photos printing on White or Silver Disc. Excellent for short run. Will not smear.
   Negative:   Disc Cost is High, Printing is Slow
6. Thermal Re-Transfer (Full Color Photorealistic)
   Positive:     High Resolution Photorealistic printing Directly on Disc, Looks Better than Offset Print, bright Photorealistic Colors, Photos printing on White or Silver Disc. Excellent for short run. Will not smear.
   Negative:   Disc Cost is High, Printing is very Slow in Color, % of a Color is not easy to print, some time Color Matching issues come up, Sold Colors are not recommended. Too Many fonts are not recommended.
7. Silk Screen
   Positive:     Medium Resolution Photo printing Directly on Disc, Unlimited capabilities, Standard Disc Printing for Commercial Software and Music Disc, bright Colors, printing on White or Silver Disc. Excellent for Medium to long runs, Printing is very Fast, Will not smear or scratch off.
   Negative:   Setup Cost is High, Photo Printing is not always clear, limited to 5 PMS colors or CYMK plus white.
8. Offset Print
   Not Recommended for CD-R.

Posted in Disc Printing, Recordable Media, CD-ROM Replication, CD Duplication | Print | No Comments »