The following information sheds some light on DVD‘s different flavours, the differences between them and the incompatibility issues that the differing technologies have sprouted.

Why So Many DVD Formats?

The crucial difference among the standards is based on which standards each manufacturer adheres to. Similar to the old VHS/Beta tape wars when VCRs first hit the markets, different manufacturers support different standards. Often called a format war, both the industry and consumers are still waiting to see which format will emerge as the industry standard.

Plus or Minus – What’s The Difference?

DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM

These formats are supported by Panasonic, Toshiba, Apple Computer, Hitachi, NEC, Pioneer, Samsung and Sharp. These formats are also supported by the DVD Forum.

DVD-R is a recordable DVD format similar to CD-R and DVD+R. A DVD-R can record data only once and then the data becomes permanent on the disc. The disc cannot be recorded onto a second time.

There also are two additional standards for DVD-R disks: DVD-RG for general use, and DVD-RA for authoring, which is used for mastering DVD video or data and is not typically available to the general public.

DVD-RW is a re-recordable format similar to CD-RW or DVD+RW. The data on a DVD-RW disc can be erased and recorded over numerous times without damaging the medium.  DVDs created by a -R/-RW device can be read by most commercial DVD-ROM players.

DVD-RAM discs can be recorded and erased repeatedly but are compatible only with devices manufactured by the companies that support the DVD-RAM format. DVD-RAM discs are typically housed in cartridges.

DVD-ROM

DVD-ROM was the first DVD standard to hit the market and is a read-only format. The video or game content is burned onto the DVD once and the DVD will run on any DVD-ROM-equipped device. DVD-ROMs are similar to CDs.

DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL

Dual layer technology is supported by a range of manufacturers including Dell, HP, Verbatim, Philips, Sony, Yamaha and others. As the name suggests, dual layer technology provides two individual recordable layers on a single-sided DVD disc. Dual Layer is more commonly called Double Layer in the consumer market, and can be seen written as DVD+R DL or DVD-R DL.

DVD+R DL (also called DVD+R9) is a Dual Layer writeable DVD+R.
DVD-R DL (also called DVD-R9) is a Dual Layer writeable DVD-R. The dual layered discs (DVD+R9 and DVD-R9) can hold 7.95GB and double sided dual layer (called dvd-18) can hold 15.9GB.

Until 2003 consumers would have to choose a preferred DVD format and purchase the DVD media that was compatible with the specific DVD burner. In 2003 Sony introduced a multi-format DVD burner (also called a combo drive or DVD-Multi) and today many manufacturers offer multi-format DVD burners that are compatible with multiple DVD formats (as listed above).

Some album’s artwork has become as memorable as the album itself. Who doesn’t recognize the Rolling Stones’ tongue logo that came out for the first time on their ‘Sticky Fingers’ album? Or The Beatles’ Abbey Road album!

As an artist your CD cover is your calling card to the record industry and to the consumer. As a music artist you should realise the importance of the graphic design stage in preparing your music for the marketplace. A well designed cover, along with other details of information put on the packaging of your CD album or single could be the key to determining whether or not a record label boss even listens to what’s inside. It may as well be what turns off or on your potential customer. Therefor having a good album cover is important.

When designing your CD cover it is important to critique it in a professional manner, suggesting any improvements you think would help make the graphic design an effective introduction of your music to the industry and your fan/customers.
The following are some questions and suggestions to help create an effective CD cover design.

Front Cover
Is the artist name (and logo) clearly visible and distinguishable from the title of release? Consider the art or graphics used. Does it hint to the genera of music?

Back Cover
Consider what information needs to be there;  Label name, catalog number, barcode, song titles/ times, contact info, (website URL, email address,) production credits, Producer’s name, etc. Is this information clear and is the text and colours user clear.

Disc Label
Is the artist’s name (logo) present and clearly visible, or is it kept blank for artist reasons. If there are any graphics on the disc, do they match/compliment the CD case?

Booklet/Tray card

Decide what sort of booklet you would like, if at all. Then think about what graphics. Is the artwork and design consistent with the rest of the artwork and design of the front and back covers. What additional information do you want to include; photos, more credits, song lyrics, ect.

Spine
What specific information is on the spine of the CD?
( Label name/logo, catalog number, artist name, release name)

As an artist you have spent a long time writing, rehearsing, performing, and recording your music. It would be advisable to take some time to consciously consider the information and graphics, however subtle,  that go into creating your CD release. Once approved and sent to the a duplication company such as duplication centre it will be too late to correct any second thoughts you may have had.

There are a number of copy protection solutions available dependent upon the type of media to be used and content (data or video) to be protected.

CDs and DVDs may be copy protected, using a security software package. Currently, there are two methods used to secure a copy protected CD or DVD. The first method involves creating a physical mark (watermark) on the CD or DVD during the burning process. The second method involves encrypting the CD or DVD data in a “pre-master” version of the resulting disc. Copy protection software may use one of these methods, or may combine methods for added security. Some low cost options include CDShield and CrypKey. Both of these packages encrypt the CD or DVD data to prevent copying. Both of these offer trail versions for evaluation, so it’s easy to give it go.

Copy protection may be a worthwhile step to take when duplicating CD and DVDs for your business to distribute. However it is worth mentioning that this will never guarantee you against unauthorized copying of information. The internet is full of forums with advice on how to rip copy protected CD/DVDs  as well as downloadable software created especially to decrypt almost any type of encrypted CD/DVD, including the latest Blue-ray movies.

Before duplicating your work on CD or DVD it is most certainly worth considering copy protecting it, especially if you are going to sell and distribute the end product.

• Made of Transparent plastic
• Plastic CD Sleeve comes with a foldable flap
• Scratch Resistant Protects From Dust, Scratches, Sun

• Takes up less storage space
• Ideal for promotional discs, low cost applications, or where you wish to achieve a minimalist feel with your discs.

Why CD Sleeves are a popular choice?

If you’re looking for a storage solution that’s cost effective but with a bit more durability than a Cardboard CD sleeve, plastic CD wallets offer an increased level of protection. Plastic CD sleeves offer a rigid layer of defence between your disc and the damaging elements of the outside world.

All our cd wallets are excellent 120 micron. Guaranteed that the CD does NOT split when you put your disc into them.

Cost Effective Solution

CD Plastic Wallets are, durable and have become a cost effective method for storage and transportation.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to print on the wallet surface, although you can add a simple full colour 2 page leaflet inside to help promote your product.

CD Wallet Specification

• Quality 120 micron.
• 127x165mm
• Smooth edges
• Protects your CD from scratches

• Simplest packaging method for discs
• Scratch Resistant Protects From Dust, Scratches, Sun
• Takes up less storage space
• Ideal for promotional discs, low cost applications, or where you wish to achieve a minimalist feel with your discs.

Why choose a DVD Sleeves to pack your DVD?

It wouldn’t appear to be the most obvious choice of packaging for DVD’s, however a cost effective choice is the DVD Wallet or DVD Sleeve with a tuck in flat. Often used with a booklet on short runs and is more cost effective than a card wallet.

All our DVD wallets are excellent 120 micron. Guaranteed that the DVD does NOT split when you put your disc into them.

The regular DVD Wallet is a 13 cm square shape, 120gsm is the most popular and gives DVD package more of a quality feel.

Cost Effective Promotion

Plastic wallets are a cost effective way of promoting your DVDs.

The DVD Plastic Sleeve with a flap and 2 strips of self-adhesive tape on the back, enables you to attach the CD or DVD pack to a magazine or brochure.

Specifications

• Quality 120 micron.
• 127x165mm
• Smooth edges
• Protects your CD from scratches

There have been times when we’ve all wished that we’d made a second backup, or kept our optical discs out of the sun — but we haven’t, and the data is lost. But what if you had a backup medium that was near indestructible, almost immune to extreme conditions, and made of stone?

Introducing, the Millenniata M-Disc; a 4.7GB DVD with a data layer made out of stone-like metals and metalloids.  Whereas a conventional home-made optical disc has a very soft recording/data layer that isn’t very resistant to heat, humidity and light and has an average lifespan of around 5-10 years, the M-Disc has a much tougher data layer that can withstand the test of time.

According to Millenniata and the US Department of Defense, the M-Disc is incredibly resilient. In a test, 25 different discs, including the M-Disc, were exposed to 85C (185F) temperatures, 85% humidity, and bright, full-spectrum light for 24 hours. Where every other recordable DVD failed the test with thousands of read errors and complete loss of data, the M-Disc passed with full data integrity and just a handful of errors.

Millenniata claims that the stone layer of its DVDs should retain data for over 10,000 years — however the polycarbonate coating is only good for 1,000 years. Either way, both figures exceed the 5-10 year average lifespan of hard drives, recordable DVDs, and flash drives.

On the down side M-Discs can’t be burnt with your current DVD burner —the melting stone requires a laser that’s five times stronger than normal! However, M-Discs are backwards compatible and can be read by normal DVD drives. Nonetheless, at around $7 per disk, the M-Disc is incredibly expensive for just 4.7GB of storage.

Furthermore, if you were to use M-Discs as your primary backup medium, you would need vast amounts of space to store the discs. To back up just 10 terabytes, you would need 2,130 M-Discs, which would occupy about the same space as 10 hard drives.

M-Disc; stone age technology for the future? With such rapid development in technology, will we even have access to an antique DVD player in a 1,000 years’ time?

DVD duplication is the answer for a cheaper and different give-away, either for weddings, bar mitzvahs,birthdays, or another memorable occasion.

What does DVD duplication mean to me?

DVD duplication is the act of reproducing optical media through copying. It generally means producing discs in small quantities. The information from the DVD disc is duplicated onto an existing recordable DVD. With all the advent and popular usage of cheaper media, it’s now possible to get the same degree of DVD duplication services to customers who need small as well as larger quantities.

DVD duplication has both cost and quality advantages. Utilizing DVD duplication is a fast, cheap, and convenient way to get products to its intended market. Companies such as Duplication Centre offer the fastest result with a 24 turnaround, which is especially important if your business involves producing music and video products, and you need to reach your intended market quickly and effectively.

Alternatively, replication could be the standard used when creating ahigh volume of copied discs. Once the initial glass master copy is made the replication process is fully automated and the cost per unit will be less.  Try our sister companyReplication Centre for this service.

So here we have outlined a few reasons to use CD/DVD duplication and replication, not only for your business but for your personal life too.

For example, duration of the audio is importance. Although most CD-R’s that are widely available can store 80mins of audio, Red book standards specify a maximum duration of 74min 44secs. In order to ensure that any duplicated or replicated CD plays reliably on all CD players, it is wise that the master CD or pre-master CD (PMCD) never exceeds this specification. Therefore correct PMCD pre-mastering is essential for successful CD duplication and CD replication of audio CDs.

Pre-mastering involves compiling audio tracks onto a playlist, and programming the correct PQ codes. PQ codes are the table of contents, as well as timing information of tracks including start, end, duration, pause and offsets. Other information such as ISRC codes, CD text and product codes can also be added at the pre-mastering stage.

An increasing number of CD players have an integrated CD text facility which display information such as artist name, album name and track titles. If a CD has this information added at the pre-mastering stage then any CD text compatible  audio players will display this information. Many CD burning applications now automatically burn CD text from the names of the audio tracks in your playlist.  As these names may appear on your CD copies as CD text, it is important to name the audio tracks accordingly, and not use working names or abbreviations.

Before having your music CD copied by CD Duplication or CD Replication it is advisable to produce a red book compliant pre master CD or PMCD. If you do not have a PQ printout with your master then it probably isn’t a red book standard. If you are unsure whether your master has been burnt to red book standard it is advisable you contact a company who provide this service for help and advice.

In May of 1994, Sony and Philips announced that they would be cooperatively developing a new high-density medium known popularly as Digital Video Disk. The DVD; a disk the same size as a CD but with five to ten times the data capacity. This infant technology was to be the successor to compact disks (CD-ROM) for computers, and replace VHS tapes and laserdiscs in the entertainment industry.

Then in 2006 came the Blu-ray revolution. The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data, five times more then traditional DVDs

Now it seems there is a DVD being developed based on Nano Technology.

Currently, Blue-ray dual-layer disks that hold 50GB are not even close to projected capacity of these ultra DVDs. Researchers at Australia, have developed a new DVD technology that could possibly boost disc capacity by 10,000 times beyond today’s standard 4.7GB DVDs, according to a study published in the journal Nature.  Researchers have already designed a five dimensional DVD that can store 1.6 TB of data on a standard size DVD. That is as much as 30 Blue-ray disks!  Even a 1TB disc created with the technology would provide enough capacity to hold 300 feature length films or 250,000 songs.

Unlike normal DVDs that have two layers of stacked data, these disk have an additional 3 layers- one data & two for reading wave length & polarization. The layers are made of thin glass films and are coated with gold nano rods of three different sizes. To record data on the disc a laser is focused on the nano rods. Each nano rod melts at different wavelengths into spheres.

The challenge is that since the data is so densely packed, reading it at high speeds will pose a problem.  At the moment a very large and expensive titanium-sapphire femto-second laser is being used in the study. A cheaper laser will have to be developed.

The researches are currently working with Samsung to make the technology commercially viable but this could take anywhere between 5 to 10 years.