FAQ

What is the difference between CD/DVD duplication and replication?

    Duplication creates a CD-R or DVD-R by using a laser to make marks in a special dye on a recordable disc. The laser changes the form of the dye, encoding the information into it. This process is often referred to as “burning.” Optionally, recordable media can be left “open,” allowing data to be added to the disc later. Recordable media is usually more economical for jobs that are less than 500 pieces because setup is easier.
    Replication uses an injection molding process to liquefy polycarbonate and stamp the information into the molded disc. The data is recorded in optical marks called pits and lands. Once a disc is manufactured in this way, data cannot be added to it. Typically, replication is economical for runs of more than 500 pieces; setup costs make smaller runs more expensive than duplication.

What is the difference between thermal printing and screen printing?

    Thermal printing uses a ribbon-based thermal wax process to apply decoration to the surface of a disc. Typically, ribbons may either be solid color (black) or multiple colors (cyan, magenta, and yellow panels and form a composite black by combining these colors). Unlike inkjet technologies, thermal printing does not smear and is moisture resistant. Thermal printing is appropriate for relatively small jobs and is highly economical.
   Screen printing is a high speed method of applying ultraviolet (UV) curable inks to the surface of a disc. Screen presses allow for 5 to 6 colors depending on the press, and Pantone inks can be used for an exact color match. Like thermal printing, the screen press uses cyan, magenta, and yellow as process colors, but it also adds black. Each ink is applied individually from light to dark. Screen printing is a high quality, economical choice for large runs.

How do I prepare my art files for screen printing?

   Click here for Printing Specs.

What software programs should I use to create my artwork?

  Electronic artwork can be submitted in a number of formats. Preferred formats are indicated with an asterisk (*):

• *Adobe Illustrator (native and EPS formats)
• *Macromedia Freehand (native and EPS formats)
• *Adobe Photoshop (native and EPS formats)
• Corel Draw
• QuarkXPress
• Adobe PageMaker

   Click here for Printing Specs.

What is the capacity of a CD/DVD?

CD-R: 700 MB or 80 Minutes – 120mm round
CD-R: 185 MB or 21 Minutes – 80mm mini-round
CD-R: 50 MB or 5.5 Minutes – 80 X 61mm card
CD-ROM: 650 MB or 74 Minutes
DVD-R: 4.7 GB – 120mm round
DVD-R: 1.5 GB – 80mm mini-round
DVD-5 (SS/SL): 4.7 GB - over 2 hours of video
DVD-9 (SS/DL): 8.5 GB - about 4 hours of video
DVD-10 (DS/SL): 9.4 GB - about 4.5 hours of video

What are your shipping capabilities?

   In addition to having online shipping capability with all major carriers and contracts with many national LTL carriers, we offer full service distribution. This includes warehousing, kitting and order fulfillment.

What is a hybrid CD?

   A hybrid CD is one that uses multiple data formats on the same disc. A good example is an enhanced music CD that also contains data accessible on a computer. Hybrid media should not be confused with cross-platform media, which contains information formatted to be read by more than one operating system. Cross-platform discs may or may not be hybrid.

What is a CD-PROM?

   A CD-PROM combines a stampable (static) data area with a writable (recordable) area on one disc, resulting in a CD that can be stamped with core content, then written to by a CD writer with individual content. It is a technology invented by KODAK for the manufacturing of their Picture CDs. Other applications that apply to this technology are: Anti-Piracy/Encryption, Secure Content Delivery, Customized Publishing/Catalogs, Targeted Direct Mail Promotions.