CD duplication is the process of assembling source material- such as audio or video- into the proper logical volume format to then be recorded or “burned” onto an optical disc- typically a CD (Compact Disc) although DVDs can also be duplicated in this manner. This process may also be referred to as optical disc authoring or simply “burning”.
Choosing a company for your CD duplication needs can often be quite challenging- especially if this if your first time.
Before choosing, ask the potential company the following questions about your CD duplication requirements and desires to ensure the most successful purchase:
- 1. Are the prices all-inclusive?
Some CD duplication services may have extra charges and costs hidden from you at the start so it’s always strongly recommended that you ask if the price they quote is all-inclusive and includes set up fees and under/over charges.
- Which CDs will be used?
There are many low quality CD-R discs for sale cheap on the market which are easily scratched and damaged. To make sure you don’t end up with these disc types, you should always ask the company which CDs they use.
- Which CD cases will be used?
Just like the discs themselves, there are also many cheap CD cases for sale on the market. There’s very little point spending a fair amount of money producing your content and artwork if the CD case is cheap and will break or damage easily (it will also look cheap) so it’s advisable that you always enquire.
- 4. What is the quality of the print?
Which printing process is used? Which qualities do you print? Will the printing on the discs run if it gets wet? These are all good questions to ask as you can easily establish if their quoted price reflects the quality of the work (and the materials that they use to make it).
- Are the colour proofs free?
Always make sure that the colour proofs are free and that you’re not being charged for something that you shouldn’t be.
- 6. What is your delivering policy?
Always make sure that you ask about the company’s delivering policy (if they don’t have one at all then it is strongly recommended that you look elsewhere!).
And while you’re enquiring; ask them if the deliveries are guaranteed (i.e. your signature is needed to complete the delivery process) as losing your hard work is extremely upsetting- as well as a waste of money.
- 7. How is the artwork cut?
CD artwork should NEVER be torn, cut with scissors or ripped from a perforated sheet- it should always be cut using a guillotine so that the most clean and precise cut is achieved.
Please note that the rear inlays of CD artwork has perforated fold up sides and most CD duplication services will follow this rule as it is the industry standard.
Choosing a company for your CD duplication needs can be quite tricky. However with the important information and considerations outlined within this guide, choosing the right company for your CD duplication requirements is quick and easy.
Featured images:
- License: Royalty Free or iStock source: www.sxc.hu
Heetan Jethwa is an account manager at UK-based CD printing and duplication company Direct Corporate Design. Learn more about DCD’s approach towards customer service by visiting the website.