Vinyl pressing manufacture process and stages infographic
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Cover song licensing
An informative guide on obtaining licensing for cover songs
What is classified as a cover song and do I need to pay royalties to put one on my CD?
A cover song is defined as a new recording that was previously written, recorded and released by another artist. No matter how different and unique your recording is, the original creator legally owns the song and is therefore entitled to royalties from it.
If you’re planning to sell your CDs for profit then a licence is required, no matter the order quantity.
What if my CD is for promotional purposes?
If you’re not planning to sell your CDs for profit, and instead intending for them to be given away as promo items, then you will still need to apply for the relevant licence but as long as you’re manufacturing less than 1500 albums or 3000 singles then you won’t have to pay any royalties.
- To be considered as a promotional copy, the below criteria needs to be met:
The CD case should have “PROMOTIONAL COPY – NOT FOR SALE” clearly visible as part of the permanent print. - The promotional CDs should only be supplied free of charge to a DJ, broadcaster, reviewer or other appropriate party for promotional purposes.
How do I obtain a MCPS Limited Manufacture (LM) or AP1/AP2 licence?
Thankfully, getting the right licensing in place is a very straightforward process.
If you’re an unsigned performer/band you’ll need to apply for something called a Limited Manufacture licence, which will grant you permission to record and distribute your cover song.
If you are a small record company then you’ll need to apply for an MCPS AP1 or AP2 agreement.
You can apply for the MCPS LM or AP1/AP2 licence from PRS for Music at the below links:
How much does it cost?
The rates for a LM licence start from £27.57 for 50 copies with audio of 25 mins and under.
For more information on pricing, click here.
Summary
So whilst the idea of getting licensing for a cover song can seem quite daunting, the actual process is simple.
If you’d like to discuss further with one of our team you can email or call us on 020 886 12349.
Cover song licensing
Cover song licensing
An informative guide on obtaining licensing for cover songs
What is classified as a cover song and do I need to pay royalties to put one on my CD?
A cover song is defined as a new recording that was previously written, recorded and released by another artist. No matter how different and unique your recording is, the original creator legally owns the song and is therefore entitled to royalties from it.
If you’re planning to sell your CDs for profit then a licence is required, no matter the order quantity.
What if my CD is for promotional purposes?
If you’re not planning to sell your CDs for profit, and instead intending for them to be given away as promo items, then you will still need to apply for the relevant licence but as long as you’re manufacturing less than 1500 albums or 3000 singles then you won’t have to pay any royalties.
- To be considered as a promotional copy, the below criteria needs to be met:
The CD case should have “PROMOTIONAL COPY – NOT FOR SALE” clearly visible as part of the permanent print. - The promotional CDs should only be supplied free of charge to a DJ, broadcaster, reviewer or other appropriate party for promotional purposes.
How do I obtain a MCPS Limited Manufacture (LM) or AP1/AP2 licence?
Thankfully, getting the right licensing in place is a very straightforward process.
If you’re an unsigned performer/band you’ll need to apply for something called a Limited Manufacture licence, which will grant you permission to record and distribute your cover song.
If you are a small record company then you’ll need to apply for an MCPS AP1 or AP2 agreement.
You can apply for the MCPS LM or AP1/AP2 licence from PRS for Music at the below links:
How much does it cost?
The rates for a LM licence start from £27.57 for 50 copies with audio of 25 mins and under.
For more information on pricing, click here.
Summary
So whilst the idea of getting licensing for a cover song can seem quite daunting, the actual process is simple.
If you’d like to discuss further with one of our team you can email or call us on 020 886 12349.
Cover song licensing An informative guide on obtaining licensing for cover songs What is classified as a cover song and do I need to pay royalties to put one on my CD? A cover song is defined as a new recording that was previously written, recorded and released by another artist. No matter how different …
Cover song licensing
An informative guide on obtaining licensing for cover songs
What is classified as a cover song and do I need to pay royalties to put one on my CD?
A cover song is defined as a new recording that was previously written, recorded and released by another artist. No matter how different and unique your recording is, the original creator legally owns the song and is therefore entitled to royalties from it.
If you’re planning to sell your CDs for profit then a licence is required, no matter the order quantity.
What if my CD is for promotional purposes?
If you’re not planning to sell your CDs for profit, and instead intending for them to be given away as promo items, then you will still need to apply for the relevant licence but as long as you’re manufacturing less than 1500 albums or 3000 singles then you won’t have to pay any royalties.
- To be considered as a promotional copy, the below criteria needs to be met:
The CD case should have “PROMOTIONAL COPY – NOT FOR SALE” clearly visible as part of the permanent print. - The promotional CDs should only be supplied free of charge to a DJ, broadcaster, reviewer or other appropriate party for promotional purposes.
How do I obtain a MCPS Limited Manufacture (LM) or AP1/AP2 licence?
Thankfully, getting the right licensing in place is a very straightforward process.
If you’re an unsigned performer/band you’ll need to apply for something called a Limited Manufacture licence, which will grant you permission to record and distribute your cover song.
If you are a small record company then you’ll need to apply for an MCPS AP1 or AP2 agreement.
You can apply for the MCPS LM or AP1/AP2 licence from PRS for Music at the below links:
How much does it cost?
The rates for a LM licence start from £27.57 for 50 copies with audio of 25 mins and under.
For more information on pricing, click here.
Summary
So whilst the idea of getting licensing for a cover song can seem quite daunting, the actual process is simple.
If you’d like to discuss further with one of our team you can email or call us on 020 886 12349.
Physical CD, DVD and Blu-ray sales dominate UK digital downloads – 2012
A look at sales of physical CD, DVD and Blu-ray vs their digital counterparts
Physical discs still continue to dominate market share over digital sales, and although overall entertainment sales figures are down on 2011, digital sales have broken the £1bn threshold in 2012.
Recent UK entertainment sales figures for 2012 confirm that, although physical sales are slowing, the market overwhelmingly still enjoys buying music, film and video games in the physical form of a CD, DVD and Blu-ray, contributing to over 75% of market sales.
The news these days is about how digital downloads has all but killed the sale of physical music albums and DVD movies. Whilst digital certainly is taking more and more of the market share every year, optical discs still retain the lion’s share of the market, and are showing huge resilience in a market fast trending towards digital downloads.
It’s been almost fifteen years since the launch of iTunes in the UK, and many predicted the immediate demise of the optical disc in all its glorified formats. However, whilst sales of the physical format do continue to decline, an interesting note is that 77.3% of the UK market share of all entertainment sales is still dominated by DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray. Yes, that’s not a typo, the optical disc formats still reign strong despite a decrease of 17.6% compared to 2011.
Compared to 2011, total digital sales have increased by over 10% in the UK, showing continued growth year on year and taking the digital sales total to just over £1bn in the UK. At the same time music, film and video games showed declines of 14.9%, 11.4% and 26.4% respectively.
CD sales, however, still dominate over digital sales, with a 62% market share compared to digital. Optical discs as a whole (which include all physical formats) continue with 77.3% of overall market sales, compared to digital downloads which have a market penetration of 22.7%.
The majority of this digital market share continues to be in the video game sector which accounts for over 50% of digital sales, with the remaining being made up by music and films.
The landscape of video game retailing has changed drastically in the last decade, due to an increase in direct online sales. Video game manufacturers have utilised a social online community model for retail of their game for direct download to computer, or games console, as well as an increasing trend of in-app or in-game purchases being offered to gamers. The outlook for a bricks and mortar video game retailer does not look good as the new model only really works in the online environment.
With video downloads growing faster at 20% than music at 15%, video appears to out-perform music, but as video is new to the market it will show initial high market share figures compared to digital music. However a 15% growth for the established digital music sector is nothing short of phenomenal either.
Overall sales for the entertainment industry were down 12%, to about £4.2bn. Some one-off factors do contribute to the trend of general decline.
Many big music, film and video game releases were not made during the summer of 2012 as the London Olympics dominated the UK news and many companies decided to avoid any major product launch during the summer months.
The UK market still has an appetite for physical purchases over digital, but that also depends on the film studios providing A listed entertainment to for the discerning consumer to purchase. The second half of 2012 provided proof of this appetite, as the releases of hit movies The Dark Knight, The Hunger Games, Avengers and Prometheus saw an increase in the sales of Blu-ray and DVD.
If the entertainment companies can tweak their release schedule whilst at the same time improving on the quality of releases and content, then certainly there is an active and hungry market that wants to purchase a higher-value physical item be it packaged DVD or Blu-ray case, especially when it is provided with more collection value and special packaging as a box-set or limited Blu-ray releases title.
Signs already show that the entertainment industry have taken active note and showing an ability to adapt fast with the 2013 sales figures of grade A listed movies doing very well with titles such as The Hobbit, Les Misérables, Zero Dark Thirty, Skyfall and Life of Pi.
Blu-ray sales of these titles are anywhere from 45-56% of the market share and certainly with 3D versions of the releases only available in Blu-ray format, helping with the push for Blu-ray to become the dominant video format over DVD video.
Entertainment sales figures from the US Market 2012 – The re-emergence of Vinyl sales
A medium that was previously thought obsolete by the early 2000’s is vinyl. Recent sales figures show vinyl pressing over the last sixty months gaining year on year popularity and with record sales reaching 4.6 million album sales in 2012 in the US market. An increase of 18% on the previous year at 3.9 million units. It makes a small but noticeable dent in the overall US sales market share representing of 1.4% of all album sales, and 2.3% share of all physical album sales.
Digital Track Sales (individual songs)
Since the launch of digital downloads, consumers now have a choice to download individual tracks rather than entire albums. In the USA, the total number of single tracks downloaded in 2012 was 1336 million. If we average out an album to contain 10 tracks, then this is the equivalent of 133.6 million digital albums.
UK Entertainment Sales outlook 2013
Perhaps the most surprising trend is the massive digital market share captured by the video game industry, this looks to dominate the digital sphere as well as gain on the physical units sold as more and more game developers look to the social online model for direct games sales and in-app purchases.
The UK market still prefers physical album sales to digital downloads, but the flexibility on offer by being able to download individual songs, keeps the digital music download sector very buoyant and making further inroads into the physical market, however, the number of online sales through iTunes does seem to be reaching a plateau as the increase in sales is slowing.
The digital download video market is growing at the fastest rate, with a 20% increase, and this will continue as more and more people start using online streaming services such as Netflix which stream straight to the main TV in the home, currently however digital downloads make a small dent at 6% on the overall video market as consumers still prefer purchasing a physical DVD or Blu-ray due to the lack of internet or network enabled televisions in the home.
Sources: ERA, Home Media Magazine, Nielson, Billboard. Glorious Noise, Digital Digest.
Digital downloads versus physical sales UK 2012
Physical CD, DVD and Blu-ray sales dominate UK digital downloads – 2012
A look at sales of physical CD, DVD and Blu-ray vs their digital counterparts
Physical discs still continue to dominate market share over digital sales, and although overall entertainment sales figures are down on 2011, digital sales have broken the £1bn threshold in 2012.
Recent UK entertainment sales figures for 2012 confirm that, although physical sales are slowing, the market overwhelmingly still enjoys buying music, film and video games in the physical form of a CD, DVD and Blu-ray, contributing to over 75% of market sales.
The news these days is about how digital downloads has all but killed the sale of physical music albums and DVD movies. Whilst digital certainly is taking more and more of the market share every year, optical discs still retain the lion’s share of the market, and are showing huge resilience in a market fast trending towards digital downloads.
It’s been almost fifteen years since the launch of iTunes in the UK, and many predicted the immediate demise of the optical disc in all its glorified formats. However, whilst sales of the physical format do continue to decline, an interesting note is that 77.3% of the UK market share of all entertainment sales is still dominated by DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray. Yes, that’s not a typo, the optical disc formats still reign strong despite a decrease of 17.6% compared to 2011.
Compared to 2011, total digital sales have increased by over 10% in the UK, showing continued growth year on year and taking the digital sales total to just over £1bn in the UK. At the same time music, film and video games showed declines of 14.9%, 11.4% and 26.4% respectively.
CD sales, however, still dominate over digital sales, with a 62% market share compared to digital. Optical discs as a whole (which include all physical formats) continue with 77.3% of overall market sales, compared to digital downloads which have a market penetration of 22.7%.
The majority of this digital market share continues to be in the video game sector which accounts for over 50% of digital sales, with the remaining being made up by music and films.
The landscape of video game retailing has changed drastically in the last decade, due to an increase in direct online sales. Video game manufacturers have utilised a social online community model for retail of their game for direct download to computer, or games console, as well as an increasing trend of in-app or in-game purchases being offered to gamers. The outlook for a bricks and mortar video game retailer does not look good as the new model only really works in the online environment.
With video downloads growing faster at 20% than music at 15%, video appears to out-perform music, but as video is new to the market it will show initial high market share figures compared to digital music. However a 15% growth for the established digital music sector is nothing short of phenomenal either.
Overall sales for the entertainment industry were down 12%, to about £4.2bn. Some one-off factors do contribute to the trend of general decline.
Many big music, film and video game releases were not made during the summer of 2012 as the London Olympics dominated the UK news and many companies decided to avoid any major product launch during the summer months.
The UK market still has an appetite for physical purchases over digital, but that also depends on the film studios providing A listed entertainment to for the discerning consumer to purchase. The second half of 2012 provided proof of this appetite, as the releases of hit movies The Dark Knight, The Hunger Games, Avengers and Prometheus saw an increase in the sales of Blu-ray and DVD.
If the entertainment companies can tweak their release schedule whilst at the same time improving on the quality of releases and content, then certainly there is an active and hungry market that wants to purchase a higher-value physical item be it packaged DVD or Blu-ray case, especially when it is provided with more collection value and special packaging as a box-set or limited Blu-ray releases title.
Signs already show that the entertainment industry have taken active note and showing an ability to adapt fast with the 2013 sales figures of grade A listed movies doing very well with titles such as The Hobbit, Les Misérables, Zero Dark Thirty, Skyfall and Life of Pi.
Blu-ray sales of these titles are anywhere from 45-56% of the market share and certainly with 3D versions of the releases only available in Blu-ray format, helping with the push for Blu-ray to become the dominant video format over DVD video.
Entertainment sales figures from the US Market 2012 – The re-emergence of Vinyl sales
A medium that was previously thought obsolete by the early 2000’s is vinyl. Recent sales figures show vinyl pressing over the last sixty months gaining year on year popularity and with record sales reaching 4.6 million album sales in 2012 in the US market. An increase of 18% on the previous year at 3.9 million units. It makes a small but noticeable dent in the overall US sales market share representing of 1.4% of all album sales, and 2.3% share of all physical album sales.
Digital Track Sales (individual songs)
Since the launch of digital downloads, consumers now have a choice to download individual tracks rather than entire albums. In the USA, the total number of single tracks downloaded in 2012 was 1336 million. If we average out an album to contain 10 tracks, then this is the equivalent of 133.6 million digital albums.
UK Entertainment Sales outlook 2013
Perhaps the most surprising trend is the massive digital market share captured by the video game industry, this looks to dominate the digital sphere as well as gain on the physical units sold as more and more game developers look to the social online model for direct games sales and in-app purchases.
The UK market still prefers physical album sales to digital downloads, but the flexibility on offer by being able to download individual songs, keeps the digital music download sector very buoyant and making further inroads into the physical market, however, the number of online sales through iTunes does seem to be reaching a plateau as the increase in sales is slowing.
The digital download video market is growing at the fastest rate, with a 20% increase, and this will continue as more and more people start using online streaming services such as Netflix which stream straight to the main TV in the home, currently however digital downloads make a small dent at 6% on the overall video market as consumers still prefer purchasing a physical DVD or Blu-ray due to the lack of internet or network enabled televisions in the home.
Sources: ERA, Home Media Magazine, Nielson, Billboard. Glorious Noise, Digital Digest.
Physical CD, DVD and Blu-ray sales dominate UK digital downloads – 2012 A look at sales of physical CD, DVD and Blu-ray vs their digital counterparts Physical discs still continue to dominate market share over digital sales, and although overall entertainment sales figures are down on 2011, digital sales have broken the £1bn threshold in …
Physical CD, DVD and Blu-ray sales dominate UK digital downloads – 2012
A look at sales of physical CD, DVD and Blu-ray vs their digital counterparts
Physical discs still continue to dominate market share over digital sales, and although overall entertainment sales figures are down on 2011, digital sales have broken the £1bn threshold in 2012.
Recent UK entertainment sales figures for 2012 confirm that, although physical sales are slowing, the market overwhelmingly still enjoys buying music, film and video games in the physical form of a CD, DVD and Blu-ray, contributing to over 75% of market sales.
The news these days is about how digital downloads has all but killed the sale of physical music albums and DVD movies. Whilst digital certainly is taking more and more of the market share every year, optical discs still retain the lion’s share of the market, and are showing huge resilience in a market fast trending towards digital downloads.
It’s been almost fifteen years since the launch of iTunes in the UK, and many predicted the immediate demise of the optical disc in all its glorified formats. However, whilst sales of the physical format do continue to decline, an interesting note is that 77.3% of the UK market share of all entertainment sales is still dominated by DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray. Yes, that’s not a typo, the optical disc formats still reign strong despite a decrease of 17.6% compared to 2011.
Compared to 2011, total digital sales have increased by over 10% in the UK, showing continued growth year on year and taking the digital sales total to just over £1bn in the UK. At the same time music, film and video games showed declines of 14.9%, 11.4% and 26.4% respectively.
CD sales, however, still dominate over digital sales, with a 62% market share compared to digital. Optical discs as a whole (which include all physical formats) continue with 77.3% of overall market sales, compared to digital downloads which have a market penetration of 22.7%.
The majority of this digital market share continues to be in the video game sector which accounts for over 50% of digital sales, with the remaining being made up by music and films.
The landscape of video game retailing has changed drastically in the last decade, due to an increase in direct online sales. Video game manufacturers have utilised a social online community model for retail of their game for direct download to computer, or games console, as well as an increasing trend of in-app or in-game purchases being offered to gamers. The outlook for a bricks and mortar video game retailer does not look good as the new model only really works in the online environment.
With video downloads growing faster at 20% than music at 15%, video appears to out-perform music, but as video is new to the market it will show initial high market share figures compared to digital music. However a 15% growth for the established digital music sector is nothing short of phenomenal either.
Overall sales for the entertainment industry were down 12%, to about £4.2bn. Some one-off factors do contribute to the trend of general decline.
Many big music, film and video game releases were not made during the summer of 2012 as the London Olympics dominated the UK news and many companies decided to avoid any major product launch during the summer months.
The UK market still has an appetite for physical purchases over digital, but that also depends on the film studios providing A listed entertainment to for the discerning consumer to purchase. The second half of 2012 provided proof of this appetite, as the releases of hit movies The Dark Knight, The Hunger Games, Avengers and Prometheus saw an increase in the sales of Blu-ray and DVD.
If the entertainment companies can tweak their release schedule whilst at the same time improving on the quality of releases and content, then certainly there is an active and hungry market that wants to purchase a higher-value physical item be it packaged DVD or Blu-ray case, especially when it is provided with more collection value and special packaging as a box-set or limited Blu-ray releases title.
Signs already show that the entertainment industry have taken active note and showing an ability to adapt fast with the 2013 sales figures of grade A listed movies doing very well with titles such as The Hobbit, Les Misérables, Zero Dark Thirty, Skyfall and Life of Pi.
Blu-ray sales of these titles are anywhere from 45-56% of the market share and certainly with 3D versions of the releases only available in Blu-ray format, helping with the push for Blu-ray to become the dominant video format over DVD video.
Entertainment sales figures from the US Market 2012 – The re-emergence of Vinyl sales
A medium that was previously thought obsolete by the early 2000’s is vinyl. Recent sales figures show vinyl pressing over the last sixty months gaining year on year popularity and with record sales reaching 4.6 million album sales in 2012 in the US market. An increase of 18% on the previous year at 3.9 million units. It makes a small but noticeable dent in the overall US sales market share representing of 1.4% of all album sales, and 2.3% share of all physical album sales.
Digital Track Sales (individual songs)
Since the launch of digital downloads, consumers now have a choice to download individual tracks rather than entire albums. In the USA, the total number of single tracks downloaded in 2012 was 1336 million. If we average out an album to contain 10 tracks, then this is the equivalent of 133.6 million digital albums.
UK Entertainment Sales outlook 2013
Perhaps the most surprising trend is the massive digital market share captured by the video game industry, this looks to dominate the digital sphere as well as gain on the physical units sold as more and more game developers look to the social online model for direct games sales and in-app purchases.
The UK market still prefers physical album sales to digital downloads, but the flexibility on offer by being able to download individual songs, keeps the digital music download sector very buoyant and making further inroads into the physical market, however, the number of online sales through iTunes does seem to be reaching a plateau as the increase in sales is slowing.
The digital download video market is growing at the fastest rate, with a 20% increase, and this will continue as more and more people start using online streaming services such as Netflix which stream straight to the main TV in the home, currently however digital downloads make a small dent at 6% on the overall video market as consumers still prefer purchasing a physical DVD or Blu-ray due to the lack of internet or network enabled televisions in the home.
Sources: ERA, Home Media Magazine, Nielson, Billboard. Glorious Noise, Digital Digest.
Glossary: Types of CD, DVD and Blu-ray
In this article we take a definitive look at all the types of optical discs available, and what all the acronyms mean
Optical disc is the generic term when referring to a CD, DVD, Blu-ray or other storage medium which requires light to read or write data to. Optical discs come with a plethora of acronyms and abbreviations associated with each type of disc.
Below, we’ll look at what these terms mean, and decipher the jargon, to offer you a straightforward guide. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to identify any type of optical disc, and know its main uses.
CD / CD-ROM
CD stands for Compact Disc, and ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
This type of disc is supplied pre-pressed with content, which can be in the form of music, data or video. Once the disc is created it cannot be re-written to.
Most CD-ROMs do not have any identifying logos, unless it is included in the design of the CD printing. However, a CD-ROM can be distinguished from other types of CD formats, as the bottom of the disc is fully silver and it is quite difficult to make out a difference in shades between the written data section of the disc and the section that remains data free.
CD-R
A CD-R is a writable disc (the R stands for Recordable).
This type of disc can have data burnt to it only once. If the disc is not finalised or closed with burning, then additional content can be added to the disc, until it reaches its full capacity.
A CD-R does not allow for existing content to be deleted off the disc.
CD-R 74 / 80 / 90 / 99
You may find the CD-Rs in your collection to contain one of the above numbers after the CD-R acronym. These numbers refer to the length of uncompressed audio that can be written to the disc in minutes.
74 minutes is the industry standard which can contain about 630MB of data. An 80 minutes CD-R can hold about 703MB of data, a 90 minute about 790MB, and 870MB for a 99 minute CD-R.
When burning a 90 or 99 minute CD-R, most writing software need to be told to ‘overburn’ the disc, in order to take advantage of the additional capacity.
A disc that contains more than 76 minutes of data cannot be guaranteed to play in all CD players, although most new players should recognise the CD without an issue.
CD-RW
The RW stands for Re-Writeable.
This type of disc can have data added to it, and once the data is no longer required, this can be deleted and new data added. In this way, the disc can be re-used and data can be re-written to up to 1000 times.
A CD-RW can be compared to a flash drive whereby the content can be wiped and then re-written with new data.
DVD / DVD-ROM (DVD-5)
DVD stands for Digital Versatile Disc, with ROM being an abbreviation for Read Only Memory.
A DVD-ROM is supplied pre-pressed, usually as DVD-video, although other formats are available.
A DVD-ROM has a silver data side, whereas DVD-Rs have a purple dye data side. A DVD-ROM has 4.7GB of capacity, almost 7 times that of a standard CD.
DVD-R / DVD+R (DVD-5)
The R in DVD-R stands for writable.
Early DVD writers were able to write only the -R or +R format, as manufacturers were split on which format to support. One group of manufacturers is known as the DVD forum, made up of Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Time Warner and Sony, who support DVD-R. The other group, who support the +R format, are the DVD+RW Alliance, consisting of Sony, Yamaha, Philips and Dell.
These days all modern writers support both types of DVD format. There are small technical differences in that the +R format allows for features such as a faster disc eject compared to -R, or additional menu functions, but these differences are negligible in the wider scope of things. Both types of disc offer 4.7GB of storage.
For submitting a master for DVD replication there’s no single preferred format, both of the above formats can be provided as a master source for conversion to a DVD glass-master and stamper.
The easiest way to tell the difference between a DVD-ROM and DVD R is that a DVD-R or +R has a purple data side dye, whereas a replicated DVD-ROM is silver on the data side.
M-Disc DVD+R
Whilst comparing the different DVD types, it is also worth mentioning the quite unique M-Disc DVD.
Made out of a rock-like data layer, the disc is designed to last for 1000 years. It has even been military tested to withstand the very toughest conditions.
The M-Disc has been designed to be read in standard DVD drives, however it cannot be written in a standard DVD burner, and requires a dedicated drive called the M-DISC READY™ writing drive.
DVD-RW and DVD+RW (DVD-5)
The RW stands for Re-Writable, and it works in the same way as a CD-RW.
The user can store data to the disc one time or over a period of time, and can delete data and replace it with new content as required.
A DVD-RW has a thicker coating so it can withstand more wear and tear, and is rated for up to 1000 write operations.
The RW format has a storage capacity of 4.7GB.
DVD-RAM
A DVD-RAM (Random Access Memory), has the same functionality as a +RW or -RW, however, it has a lifetime rating of 30 years or more, and a possible 10000 erase or delete operations to the data on the disc. It offers a more secure storage of data, with fewer chances of the data becoming corrupt over time.
DVD-DL (DVD-9)
The DL stands for dual layer.
This type of DVD of disc has almost double the storage capacity of a DVD-5 format, with a total space availability of 8.5GB. Physically, a DVD-9 disc has the same dimensions as a CD or DVD-5, but has a thicker protective lacquer coating to protect the data side.
All the above discussed formats of DVD-5, except the M-DISC, are available as a DVD-9 disc.
DVD-10, DVD-11, DVD-14, DVD-18
These are a rarer format of DVD-ROM, offering larger data storage capacities.
DVD-10, 14, and 18 are discs with two sides of data. An example of this would be a film where the disc needs to be flipped around in the player half way through to access the other half of the content.
These DVDs offer a good piracy deterrent, and are often used with padded out data to offer protection from the content being copied in a direct DVD-to-DVD copy procedure, as re-writeable versions of these discs are not available.
HD-DVD
The HD stands for High Definition, and was launched as a direct competitor to Blu-ray disc.
This format functions just as a DVD disc, but allows up to 30GB of data on a dual layer, and 15GB of data on a single layer. In February 2008 the HD-DVD format was abandoned leaving only Blu-ray as the sole optical disc format for HD.
BD Single Layer / BD Dual Layer
BD is short for Blu-ray Disc.
BD discs are a Read only format, and offer storage capacity of 25GB on a single layer and 50GB on a dual layer disc. The BD-XL format allows for a huge 128GB of data storage on a single disc.
A Blu-ray disc is the ideal format for HD video.
An experimental format of Blu-ray is in development that allows for up to 200GB of data, which will be ideal for storage of the 4K HD format. It is worth noting that current Blu-ray readers and writers do not support the 200GB format as the current drives are not programmed to read the additional data layers found on the disc.
BD-RE
This stands for Blu-ray Disc Rewriteable. It has the same functionality as a DVD+RW or -RW but with the above mentioned storage capacity of 25GB or 50GB. The data can be written and erased as required.
What discs are used for replication?
When a disc is replicated, the finished form is identified with the ROM extension, which stands for Read Only Memory. A replicated CD, DVD, or Blu-ray is created in an injection moulding process rather than data being burnt to the disc with a laser.
View our full range of CD duplication and replication packaging options.
What discs are used for duplication?
For duplication, any of the other mentioned formats, apart from ROM, can be used for DVD, Blu-ray or CD duplication. However, the majority of duplicated discs are recordable (R’s), and are created and finalised in Blu-ray, DVD or CD duplicator towers.
The above image [Fig 6] depicts the data layer of popular disc formats, and on head to head comparision it is quite clear and easy to identify different types of optical discs from the colour of the discs data surface.
As with most things, a variety of quality is available, however to minimise chances of any data corruption it is advised to use grade A discs.
Browse our selection of DVD and Blu-ray duplication and replication options.
Glossary of terms for CD, DVD, Blu-ray and HD-DVD
Glossary: Types of CD, DVD and Blu-ray
In this article we take a definitive look at all the types of optical discs available, and what all the acronyms mean
Optical disc is the generic term when referring to a CD, DVD, Blu-ray or other storage medium which requires light to read or write data to. Optical discs come with a plethora of acronyms and abbreviations associated with each type of disc.
Below, we’ll look at what these terms mean, and decipher the jargon, to offer you a straightforward guide. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to identify any type of optical disc, and know its main uses.
CD / CD-ROM
CD stands for Compact Disc, and ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
This type of disc is supplied pre-pressed with content, which can be in the form of music, data or video. Once the disc is created it cannot be re-written to.
Most CD-ROMs do not have any identifying logos, unless it is included in the design of the CD printing. However, a CD-ROM can be distinguished from other types of CD formats, as the bottom of the disc is fully silver and it is quite difficult to make out a difference in shades between the written data section of the disc and the section that remains data free.
CD-R
A CD-R is a writable disc (the R stands for Recordable).
This type of disc can have data burnt to it only once. If the disc is not finalised or closed with burning, then additional content can be added to the disc, until it reaches its full capacity.
A CD-R does not allow for existing content to be deleted off the disc.
CD-R 74 / 80 / 90 / 99
You may find the CD-Rs in your collection to contain one of the above numbers after the CD-R acronym. These numbers refer to the length of uncompressed audio that can be written to the disc in minutes.
74 minutes is the industry standard which can contain about 630MB of data. An 80 minutes CD-R can hold about 703MB of data, a 90 minute about 790MB, and 870MB for a 99 minute CD-R.
When burning a 90 or 99 minute CD-R, most writing software need to be told to ‘overburn’ the disc, in order to take advantage of the additional capacity.
A disc that contains more than 76 minutes of data cannot be guaranteed to play in all CD players, although most new players should recognise the CD without an issue.
CD-RW
The RW stands for Re-Writeable.
This type of disc can have data added to it, and once the data is no longer required, this can be deleted and new data added. In this way, the disc can be re-used and data can be re-written to up to 1000 times.
A CD-RW can be compared to a flash drive whereby the content can be wiped and then re-written with new data.
DVD / DVD-ROM (DVD-5)
DVD stands for Digital Versatile Disc, with ROM being an abbreviation for Read Only Memory.
A DVD-ROM is supplied pre-pressed, usually as DVD-video, although other formats are available.
A DVD-ROM has a silver data side, whereas DVD-Rs have a purple dye data side. A DVD-ROM has 4.7GB of capacity, almost 7 times that of a standard CD.
DVD-R / DVD+R (DVD-5)
The R in DVD-R stands for writable.
Early DVD writers were able to write only the -R or +R format, as manufacturers were split on which format to support. One group of manufacturers is known as the DVD forum, made up of Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Time Warner and Sony, who support DVD-R. The other group, who support the +R format, are the DVD+RW Alliance, consisting of Sony, Yamaha, Philips and Dell.
These days all modern writers support both types of DVD format. There are small technical differences in that the +R format allows for features such as a faster disc eject compared to -R, or additional menu functions, but these differences are negligible in the wider scope of things. Both types of disc offer 4.7GB of storage.
For submitting a master for DVD replication there’s no single preferred format, both of the above formats can be provided as a master source for conversion to a DVD glass-master and stamper.
The easiest way to tell the difference between a DVD-ROM and DVD R is that a DVD-R or +R has a purple data side dye, whereas a replicated DVD-ROM is silver on the data side.
M-Disc DVD+R
Whilst comparing the different DVD types, it is also worth mentioning the quite unique M-Disc DVD.
Made out of a rock-like data layer, the disc is designed to last for 1000 years. It has even been military tested to withstand the very toughest conditions.
The M-Disc has been designed to be read in standard DVD drives, however it cannot be written in a standard DVD burner, and requires a dedicated drive called the M-DISC READY™ writing drive.
DVD-RW and DVD+RW (DVD-5)
The RW stands for Re-Writable, and it works in the same way as a CD-RW.
The user can store data to the disc one time or over a period of time, and can delete data and replace it with new content as required.
A DVD-RW has a thicker coating so it can withstand more wear and tear, and is rated for up to 1000 write operations.
The RW format has a storage capacity of 4.7GB.
DVD-RAM
A DVD-RAM (Random Access Memory), has the same functionality as a +RW or -RW, however, it has a lifetime rating of 30 years or more, and a possible 10000 erase or delete operations to the data on the disc. It offers a more secure storage of data, with fewer chances of the data becoming corrupt over time.
DVD-DL (DVD-9)
The DL stands for dual layer.
This type of DVD of disc has almost double the storage capacity of a DVD-5 format, with a total space availability of 8.5GB. Physically, a DVD-9 disc has the same dimensions as a CD or DVD-5, but has a thicker protective lacquer coating to protect the data side.
All the above discussed formats of DVD-5, except the M-DISC, are available as a DVD-9 disc.
DVD-10, DVD-11, DVD-14, DVD-18
These are a rarer format of DVD-ROM, offering larger data storage capacities.
DVD-10, 14, and 18 are discs with two sides of data. An example of this would be a film where the disc needs to be flipped around in the player half way through to access the other half of the content.
These DVDs offer a good piracy deterrent, and are often used with padded out data to offer protection from the content being copied in a direct DVD-to-DVD copy procedure, as re-writeable versions of these discs are not available.
HD-DVD
The HD stands for High Definition, and was launched as a direct competitor to Blu-ray disc.
This format functions just as a DVD disc, but allows up to 30GB of data on a dual layer, and 15GB of data on a single layer. In February 2008 the HD-DVD format was abandoned leaving only Blu-ray as the sole optical disc format for HD.
BD Single Layer / BD Dual Layer
BD is short for Blu-ray Disc.
BD discs are a Read only format, and offer storage capacity of 25GB on a single layer and 50GB on a dual layer disc. The BD-XL format allows for a huge 128GB of data storage on a single disc.
A Blu-ray disc is the ideal format for HD video.
An experimental format of Blu-ray is in development that allows for up to 200GB of data, which will be ideal for storage of the 4K HD format. It is worth noting that current Blu-ray readers and writers do not support the 200GB format as the current drives are not programmed to read the additional data layers found on the disc.
BD-RE
This stands for Blu-ray Disc Rewriteable. It has the same functionality as a DVD+RW or -RW but with the above mentioned storage capacity of 25GB or 50GB. The data can be written and erased as required.
What discs are used for replication?
When a disc is replicated, the finished form is identified with the ROM extension, which stands for Read Only Memory. A replicated CD, DVD, or Blu-ray is created in an injection moulding process rather than data being burnt to the disc with a laser.
View our full range of CD duplication and replication packaging options.
What discs are used for duplication?
For duplication, any of the other mentioned formats, apart from ROM, can be used for DVD, Blu-ray or CD duplication. However, the majority of duplicated discs are recordable (R’s), and are created and finalised in Blu-ray, DVD or CD duplicator towers.
The above image [Fig 6] depicts the data layer of popular disc formats, and on head to head comparision it is quite clear and easy to identify different types of optical discs from the colour of the discs data surface.
As with most things, a variety of quality is available, however to minimise chances of any data corruption it is advised to use grade A discs.
Browse our selection of DVD and Blu-ray duplication and replication options.
Glossary: Types of CD, DVD and Blu-ray In this article we take a definitive look at all the types of optical discs available, and what all the acronyms mean Optical disc is the generic term when referring to a CD, DVD, Blu-ray or other storage medium which requires light to read or write data to. …
Glossary of terms for CD, DVD, Blu-ray and HD-DVD Read More »
Glossary: Types of CD, DVD and Blu-ray
In this article we take a definitive look at all the types of optical discs available, and what all the acronyms mean
Optical disc is the generic term when referring to a CD, DVD, Blu-ray or other storage medium which requires light to read or write data to. Optical discs come with a plethora of acronyms and abbreviations associated with each type of disc.
Below, we’ll look at what these terms mean, and decipher the jargon, to offer you a straightforward guide. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to identify any type of optical disc, and know its main uses.
CD / CD-ROM
CD stands for Compact Disc, and ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
This type of disc is supplied pre-pressed with content, which can be in the form of music, data or video. Once the disc is created it cannot be re-written to.
Most CD-ROMs do not have any identifying logos, unless it is included in the design of the CD printing. However, a CD-ROM can be distinguished from other types of CD formats, as the bottom of the disc is fully silver and it is quite difficult to make out a difference in shades between the written data section of the disc and the section that remains data free.
CD-R
A CD-R is a writable disc (the R stands for Recordable).
This type of disc can have data burnt to it only once. If the disc is not finalised or closed with burning, then additional content can be added to the disc, until it reaches its full capacity.
A CD-R does not allow for existing content to be deleted off the disc.
CD-R 74 / 80 / 90 / 99
You may find the CD-Rs in your collection to contain one of the above numbers after the CD-R acronym. These numbers refer to the length of uncompressed audio that can be written to the disc in minutes.
74 minutes is the industry standard which can contain about 630MB of data. An 80 minutes CD-R can hold about 703MB of data, a 90 minute about 790MB, and 870MB for a 99 minute CD-R.
When burning a 90 or 99 minute CD-R, most writing software need to be told to ‘overburn’ the disc, in order to take advantage of the additional capacity.
A disc that contains more than 76 minutes of data cannot be guaranteed to play in all CD players, although most new players should recognise the CD without an issue.
CD-RW
The RW stands for Re-Writeable.
This type of disc can have data added to it, and once the data is no longer required, this can be deleted and new data added. In this way, the disc can be re-used and data can be re-written to up to 1000 times.
A CD-RW can be compared to a flash drive whereby the content can be wiped and then re-written with new data.
DVD / DVD-ROM (DVD-5)
DVD stands for Digital Versatile Disc, with ROM being an abbreviation for Read Only Memory.
A DVD-ROM is supplied pre-pressed, usually as DVD-video, although other formats are available.
A DVD-ROM has a silver data side, whereas DVD-Rs have a purple dye data side. A DVD-ROM has 4.7GB of capacity, almost 7 times that of a standard CD.
DVD-R / DVD+R (DVD-5)
The R in DVD-R stands for writable.
Early DVD writers were able to write only the -R or +R format, as manufacturers were split on which format to support. One group of manufacturers is known as the DVD forum, made up of Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Time Warner and Sony, who support DVD-R. The other group, who support the +R format, are the DVD+RW Alliance, consisting of Sony, Yamaha, Philips and Dell.
These days all modern writers support both types of DVD format. There are small technical differences in that the +R format allows for features such as a faster disc eject compared to -R, or additional menu functions, but these differences are negligible in the wider scope of things. Both types of disc offer 4.7GB of storage.
For submitting a master for DVD replication there’s no single preferred format, both of the above formats can be provided as a master source for conversion to a DVD glass-master and stamper.
The easiest way to tell the difference between a DVD-ROM and DVD R is that a DVD-R or +R has a purple data side dye, whereas a replicated DVD-ROM is silver on the data side.
M-Disc DVD+R
Whilst comparing the different DVD types, it is also worth mentioning the quite unique M-Disc DVD.
Made out of a rock-like data layer, the disc is designed to last for 1000 years. It has even been military tested to withstand the very toughest conditions.
The M-Disc has been designed to be read in standard DVD drives, however it cannot be written in a standard DVD burner, and requires a dedicated drive called the M-DISC READY™ writing drive.
DVD-RW and DVD+RW (DVD-5)
The RW stands for Re-Writable, and it works in the same way as a CD-RW.
The user can store data to the disc one time or over a period of time, and can delete data and replace it with new content as required.
A DVD-RW has a thicker coating so it can withstand more wear and tear, and is rated for up to 1000 write operations.
The RW format has a storage capacity of 4.7GB.
DVD-RAM
A DVD-RAM (Random Access Memory), has the same functionality as a +RW or -RW, however, it has a lifetime rating of 30 years or more, and a possible 10000 erase or delete operations to the data on the disc. It offers a more secure storage of data, with fewer chances of the data becoming corrupt over time.
DVD-DL (DVD-9)
The DL stands for dual layer.
This type of DVD of disc has almost double the storage capacity of a DVD-5 format, with a total space availability of 8.5GB. Physically, a DVD-9 disc has the same dimensions as a CD or DVD-5, but has a thicker protective lacquer coating to protect the data side.
All the above discussed formats of DVD-5, except the M-DISC, are available as a DVD-9 disc.
DVD-10, DVD-11, DVD-14, DVD-18
These are a rarer format of DVD-ROM, offering larger data storage capacities.
DVD-10, 14, and 18 are discs with two sides of data. An example of this would be a film where the disc needs to be flipped around in the player half way through to access the other half of the content.
These DVDs offer a good piracy deterrent, and are often used with padded out data to offer protection from the content being copied in a direct DVD-to-DVD copy procedure, as re-writeable versions of these discs are not available.
HD-DVD
The HD stands for High Definition, and was launched as a direct competitor to Blu-ray disc.
This format functions just as a DVD disc, but allows up to 30GB of data on a dual layer, and 15GB of data on a single layer. In February 2008 the HD-DVD format was abandoned leaving only Blu-ray as the sole optical disc format for HD.
BD Single Layer / BD Dual Layer
BD is short for Blu-ray Disc.
BD discs are a Read only format, and offer storage capacity of 25GB on a single layer and 50GB on a dual layer disc. The BD-XL format allows for a huge 128GB of data storage on a single disc.
A Blu-ray disc is the ideal format for HD video.
An experimental format of Blu-ray is in development that allows for up to 200GB of data, which will be ideal for storage of the 4K HD format. It is worth noting that current Blu-ray readers and writers do not support the 200GB format as the current drives are not programmed to read the additional data layers found on the disc.
BD-RE
This stands for Blu-ray Disc Rewriteable. It has the same functionality as a DVD+RW or -RW but with the above mentioned storage capacity of 25GB or 50GB. The data can be written and erased as required.
What discs are used for replication?
When a disc is replicated, the finished form is identified with the ROM extension, which stands for Read Only Memory. A replicated CD, DVD, or Blu-ray is created in an injection moulding process rather than data being burnt to the disc with a laser.
View our full range of CD duplication and replication packaging options.
What discs are used for duplication?
For duplication, any of the other mentioned formats, apart from ROM, can be used for DVD, Blu-ray or CD duplication. However, the majority of duplicated discs are recordable (R’s), and are created and finalised in Blu-ray, DVD or CD duplicator towers.
The above image [Fig 6] depicts the data layer of popular disc formats, and on head to head comparision it is quite clear and easy to identify different types of optical discs from the colour of the discs data surface.
As with most things, a variety of quality is available, however to minimise chances of any data corruption it is advised to use grade A discs.
Browse our selection of DVD and Blu-ray duplication and replication options.
Short-run CD duplication and printing
What is a short-run duplication and what are the advantages?
What is short-run CD duplication?
Short-run CD duplication services refer to the manufacture of printed CDs or DVDs, packed into a suitable CD packaging, for a quantity of up to 500 units.
Usually, a quantity that is above 500 units is manufactured using CD replication, to create CD-ROMS. CD replication refers to the creation of a glass-master disc, which is then used to create the metallised stamper, which in turn is loaded into the replication machines, to ‘press’ the CDs from raw polycarbonate.
Replication is cost effective for 500 units and more, but when a short-run quantity of discs is required, of less than 500 units, then it makes economic sense to use CD duplication. With this method, we take blank CD-Rs and duplicate the content onto them using CD duplication towers, which are rows and banks of CD burners, that can complete the copying process faster, based on the number of burners.
Short-run CD printing
Once the discs have the data, audio or video content copied, they are printed full colour using a range of CD printing methods. Usually, Disc Wizards provide either litho offset print, or screen print.
However, when a very urgent turnaround is necessary, then we offer inkjet printing.
We have put together a guide on the different CD printing methods, and what each type of printing process entails. The printing of cases or CD inserts which are on a fast turnaround are usually printed digitally, (digitally means high-end colour laser printers). If a short-run order is on our standard turnaround, then all card cases are printed using a litho offset print, which is the best type of printing.
Turnaround for a short-run duplication order
The turnaround for short-run duplication jobs tends to be faster than a standard replication job. This is due to being able to start copying the content almost instantly, (whereas in replication there are a few stages of setting up as detailed above).
Depending on your urgency, we can turnaround the job as fast as same-day. However, our standard turnaround is about 9-15 working days.
For more detailed advice on timeframes you can discuss your requirement and turnaround with our in-house experts.
Types of CD packaging cases available on a short-run
The types of packaging available for a short-run cd duplication order will depend on how soon delivery is required. However, all styles and types cases that we supply for larger quantities, and standard turnaround, are available on a short-run order.
The fastest cases to supply with the CDs are PVC wallets, and these can be as fast as same day. Following this would be printed card sleeves and jewel cases. We can turnaround this type of CD packaging with printed CD inserts as fast as 24-48 hours.
After card sleeves, are the other style of card based CD cases. These include gate-fold CD wallets, CD 4 panel digipaks and 6 panel digipacks.
Please note that all express turnarounds do carry an additional charge for the service.
Advantages of short-run duplication
The biggest advantage for short-run duplication is the speed of turnaround. Whereas replication requires several days for manufacture, the actual duplication of discs can be turned around in a matter of hours.
Another advantage with short-runs is to do with variable content. If the content of the disc is likely to be regularly updated, then it makes sense to order small quantities to tide over until the next content update. This way you are not left with legacy versions of the content.
If you wish to find out any more information on short-run duplication orders, do email us or give us a call to discuss.
Short Run CD duplication (UK)
Short-run CD duplication and printing
What is a short-run duplication and what are the advantages?
What is short-run CD duplication?
Short-run CD duplication services refer to the manufacture of printed CDs or DVDs, packed into a suitable CD packaging, for a quantity of up to 500 units.
Usually, a quantity that is above 500 units is manufactured using CD replication, to create CD-ROMS. CD replication refers to the creation of a glass-master disc, which is then used to create the metallised stamper, which in turn is loaded into the replication machines, to ‘press’ the CDs from raw polycarbonate.
Replication is cost effective for 500 units and more, but when a short-run quantity of discs is required, of less than 500 units, then it makes economic sense to use CD duplication. With this method, we take blank CD-Rs and duplicate the content onto them using CD duplication towers, which are rows and banks of CD burners, that can complete the copying process faster, based on the number of burners.
Short-run CD printing
Once the discs have the data, audio or video content copied, they are printed full colour using a range of CD printing methods. Usually, Disc Wizards provide either litho offset print, or screen print.
However, when a very urgent turnaround is necessary, then we offer inkjet printing.
We have put together a guide on the different CD printing methods, and what each type of printing process entails. The printing of cases or CD inserts which are on a fast turnaround are usually printed digitally, (digitally means high-end colour laser printers). If a short-run order is on our standard turnaround, then all card cases are printed using a litho offset print, which is the best type of printing.
Turnaround for a short-run duplication order
The turnaround for short-run duplication jobs tends to be faster than a standard replication job. This is due to being able to start copying the content almost instantly, (whereas in replication there are a few stages of setting up as detailed above).
Depending on your urgency, we can turnaround the job as fast as same-day. However, our standard turnaround is about 9-15 working days.
For more detailed advice on timeframes you can discuss your requirement and turnaround with our in-house experts.
Types of CD packaging cases available on a short-run
The types of packaging available for a short-run cd duplication order will depend on how soon delivery is required. However, all styles and types cases that we supply for larger quantities, and standard turnaround, are available on a short-run order.
The fastest cases to supply with the CDs are PVC wallets, and these can be as fast as same day. Following this would be printed card sleeves and jewel cases. We can turnaround this type of CD packaging with printed CD inserts as fast as 24-48 hours.
After card sleeves, are the other style of card based CD cases. These include gate-fold CD wallets, CD 4 panel digipaks and 6 panel digipacks.
Please note that all express turnarounds do carry an additional charge for the service.
Advantages of short-run duplication
The biggest advantage for short-run duplication is the speed of turnaround. Whereas replication requires several days for manufacture, the actual duplication of discs can be turned around in a matter of hours.
Another advantage with short-runs is to do with variable content. If the content of the disc is likely to be regularly updated, then it makes sense to order small quantities to tide over until the next content update. This way you are not left with legacy versions of the content.
If you wish to find out any more information on short-run duplication orders, do email us or give us a call to discuss.
Short-run CD duplication and printing What is a short-run duplication and what are the advantages? What is short-run CD duplication? Short-run CD duplication services refer to the manufacture of printed CDs or DVDs, packed into a suitable CD packaging, for a quantity of up to 500 units. Usually, a quantity that is above 500 units …
Short-run CD duplication and printing
What is a short-run duplication and what are the advantages?
What is short-run CD duplication?
Short-run CD duplication services refer to the manufacture of printed CDs or DVDs, packed into a suitable CD packaging, for a quantity of up to 500 units.
Usually, a quantity that is above 500 units is manufactured using CD replication, to create CD-ROMS. CD replication refers to the creation of a glass-master disc, which is then used to create the metallised stamper, which in turn is loaded into the replication machines, to ‘press’ the CDs from raw polycarbonate.
Replication is cost effective for 500 units and more, but when a short-run quantity of discs is required, of less than 500 units, then it makes economic sense to use CD duplication. With this method, we take blank CD-Rs and duplicate the content onto them using CD duplication towers, which are rows and banks of CD burners, that can complete the copying process faster, based on the number of burners.
Short-run CD printing
Once the discs have the data, audio or video content copied, they are printed full colour using a range of CD printing methods. Usually, Disc Wizards provide either litho offset print, or screen print.
However, when a very urgent turnaround is necessary, then we offer inkjet printing.
We have put together a guide on the different CD printing methods, and what each type of printing process entails. The printing of cases or CD inserts which are on a fast turnaround are usually printed digitally, (digitally means high-end colour laser printers). If a short-run order is on our standard turnaround, then all card cases are printed using a litho offset print, which is the best type of printing.
Turnaround for a short-run duplication order
The turnaround for short-run duplication jobs tends to be faster than a standard replication job. This is due to being able to start copying the content almost instantly, (whereas in replication there are a few stages of setting up as detailed above).
Depending on your urgency, we can turnaround the job as fast as same-day. However, our standard turnaround is about 9-15 working days.
For more detailed advice on timeframes you can discuss your requirement and turnaround with our in-house experts.
Types of CD packaging cases available on a short-run
The types of packaging available for a short-run cd duplication order will depend on how soon delivery is required. However, all styles and types cases that we supply for larger quantities, and standard turnaround, are available on a short-run order.
The fastest cases to supply with the CDs are PVC wallets, and these can be as fast as same day. Following this would be printed card sleeves and jewel cases. We can turnaround this type of CD packaging with printed CD inserts as fast as 24-48 hours.
After card sleeves, are the other style of card based CD cases. These include gate-fold CD wallets, CD 4 panel digipaks and 6 panel digipacks.
Please note that all express turnarounds do carry an additional charge for the service.
Advantages of short-run duplication
The biggest advantage for short-run duplication is the speed of turnaround. Whereas replication requires several days for manufacture, the actual duplication of discs can be turned around in a matter of hours.
Another advantage with short-runs is to do with variable content. If the content of the disc is likely to be regularly updated, then it makes sense to order small quantities to tide over until the next content update. This way you are not left with legacy versions of the content.
If you wish to find out any more information on short-run duplication orders, do email us or give us a call to discuss.
How to promote my event using CD Flyers
Information about CD flyers and why the return on investment is worthwhile
In the cut-throat industry of music promotion, it is paramount to get your event noticed, and to secure brand loyalty with your clients and guests.
A solution to this, is mass glossy printed colour flyer distribution.
Historically, printed flyers were used as a sure fire way of promoting a nightclub and attracting a big crowd to your event. After a night spent in central London, it is possible to come back home with literally tens of different club flyers promoting all sorts of nightlife, to cater for all tastes.
Most flyers, however, end up on the road or pavement a few yards from the person handing them out. The majority of people consider it a piece of junk marketing, often directly placed in your hand by its distributor. This is why flyers are distributed en-mass, as the returns are minimal. A return of 1 in 100 flyers is considered a good return.
However, because flyer distribution used to work so well, everyone uses this means to promote an event, to the point where no single event particularly tends to stand out any more.
How can event flyer promotion be taken to the next level, to ensure not only that your event is promoted and remembered in the mind of your potential guests, but to also create a status quo where you have a queue of people wanting a free flyer, rather than it being forced on them?
A more recent trend has been to use a CD as a means of promotion, known as CD flyers.
A CD flyer is a novel idea and takes the conventional printed flyer to the next level, and by its very nature it encourages product interaction with your target audience.
Often, a printed flyer does not depict the style of music on offer too well, and so a CD flyer offers your guests a chance to sample your club event, and to listen to the type of music on offer on the evening of the event.
If it’s a live event, then the artists featured that evening could have snippets of their songs on the CD. The artists could create a custom recording to introduce the event on the CD, or even record an impromptu song for the purposes of CD flyer promotion.
If the club event is more DJ-based, then the headline DJs could all feature a mini mix on the CD, letting listeners sample the kind of music they can expect on the club night.
An event with 6 different DJs could all feature on the CD, with quick 10 minute mix samples exhibiting the skills and tastes of each DJ.
Advantages of a CD Flyer
By the very fact that a person is handed a CD, rather than a piece of printed paper or card, will ensure the CD flyer is not intentionally disposed of in a rubbish bin a few yards away. The CD is very likely to find it self into a handbag, or jacket pocket, and more likely to be with the person the next day, when they can have a look at the promo CD flyer and listen to its content at their comfort.
If you have a regular club event, then you probably have video footage of past events. It’s possible to include the video on the CD too so the user can not only hear the music on offer, but also get to see past parties in the form of a video.
A CD flyer can also be extended to being a DVD flyer if you have more video rather than sound, and want the user to pop the disc into their DVD player.
Your potential guest can really get a feel for your venue, the bar, the layout, lighting, as well as the other clientele you cater to, just from the comfort of their sofa.
The main objective of any advertising campaign, is not only direct sales, but for the brand to make close connections and personal ties with its potential clients and guests. Certainly a flyer that offers levels of interaction will stand out in the thoughts of the user and be more memorable than a printed paper flyer, which may not even survive to more than a few yards of where it’s handed out.
CD Flyer printing
With CD Flyer printing, not only does can the disc contain audio and video content, but the face of the disc will be printed in full colour, to contain all the vital information about your event. This can include date and times of the event, the venue address, information about the featured artists and DJs, with colour graphics and photos depicting the evening.
CD Flyer packaging
The simplest way to distribute the CD would be in a clear plastic PVC wallet. This offers protection to the disc from scratches, but as the wallet is clear, the details of the CD print can be clearly visible through the case.
For a more luxurious promotion, say for a membership pack, or where the client is expected to make a significant investment, then a more expensive case style can be used ranging from digipacks to card wallets and jewel cases.
CD Flyer costs and prices
A short-run of 100 CDs in a plastic PVC wallets will cost about £1.00 each, however a run of 1000 CDs would be about 27p each, with this cost falling to 15p for 5000 units, and 10000 CDs in a PVC wallet costing only about 13p each. These prices include copying of the audio, video or other information onto the CD, printing of the CD in full colour, and packaging of the CD into PVC wallets, boxed and ready for distribution.
CD Flyer design
Our in-house design team can offer you cutting edge graphic design to layout your club or event design onto the printed disc, and provide PDF proofs for your approval via email before any printing work is started. This way you can ensure you are completely happy with the design and artwork for the CD.
Our in-house team also specialises in DVD and Blu-ray authoring, so if you want a DVD rather than CD, then we can create custom menus and a unique navigation system for the DVD menu. This will make it easy for the client to navigate around the content, and also ensures that your brand makes a connection on an emotional level with your potential customer.
CD Flyer printing turnaround
Once we have received your approval for the CD design, and have received the content for the CD flyer, the printing and duplication of the CDs can start. The manufacturing time on a standard turnaround is 8 to 10 working days. If a faster turnaround is required, then an express CD manufacturing service can be chosen, which can even be ready the same day.
CD Flyers
How to promote my event using CD Flyers
Information about CD flyers and why the return on investment is worthwhile
In the cut-throat industry of music promotion, it is paramount to get your event noticed, and to secure brand loyalty with your clients and guests.
A solution to this, is mass glossy printed colour flyer distribution.
Historically, printed flyers were used as a sure fire way of promoting a nightclub and attracting a big crowd to your event. After a night spent in central London, it is possible to come back home with literally tens of different club flyers promoting all sorts of nightlife, to cater for all tastes.
Most flyers, however, end up on the road or pavement a few yards from the person handing them out. The majority of people consider it a piece of junk marketing, often directly placed in your hand by its distributor. This is why flyers are distributed en-mass, as the returns are minimal. A return of 1 in 100 flyers is considered a good return.
However, because flyer distribution used to work so well, everyone uses this means to promote an event, to the point where no single event particularly tends to stand out any more.
How can event flyer promotion be taken to the next level, to ensure not only that your event is promoted and remembered in the mind of your potential guests, but to also create a status quo where you have a queue of people wanting a free flyer, rather than it being forced on them?
A more recent trend has been to use a CD as a means of promotion, known as CD flyers.
A CD flyer is a novel idea and takes the conventional printed flyer to the next level, and by its very nature it encourages product interaction with your target audience.
Often, a printed flyer does not depict the style of music on offer too well, and so a CD flyer offers your guests a chance to sample your club event, and to listen to the type of music on offer on the evening of the event.
If it’s a live event, then the artists featured that evening could have snippets of their songs on the CD. The artists could create a custom recording to introduce the event on the CD, or even record an impromptu song for the purposes of CD flyer promotion.
If the club event is more DJ-based, then the headline DJs could all feature a mini mix on the CD, letting listeners sample the kind of music they can expect on the club night.
An event with 6 different DJs could all feature on the CD, with quick 10 minute mix samples exhibiting the skills and tastes of each DJ.
Advantages of a CD Flyer
By the very fact that a person is handed a CD, rather than a piece of printed paper or card, will ensure the CD flyer is not intentionally disposed of in a rubbish bin a few yards away. The CD is very likely to find it self into a handbag, or jacket pocket, and more likely to be with the person the next day, when they can have a look at the promo CD flyer and listen to its content at their comfort.
If you have a regular club event, then you probably have video footage of past events. It’s possible to include the video on the CD too so the user can not only hear the music on offer, but also get to see past parties in the form of a video.
A CD flyer can also be extended to being a DVD flyer if you have more video rather than sound, and want the user to pop the disc into their DVD player.
Your potential guest can really get a feel for your venue, the bar, the layout, lighting, as well as the other clientele you cater to, just from the comfort of their sofa.
The main objective of any advertising campaign, is not only direct sales, but for the brand to make close connections and personal ties with its potential clients and guests. Certainly a flyer that offers levels of interaction will stand out in the thoughts of the user and be more memorable than a printed paper flyer, which may not even survive to more than a few yards of where it’s handed out.
CD Flyer printing
With CD Flyer printing, not only does can the disc contain audio and video content, but the face of the disc will be printed in full colour, to contain all the vital information about your event. This can include date and times of the event, the venue address, information about the featured artists and DJs, with colour graphics and photos depicting the evening.
CD Flyer packaging
The simplest way to distribute the CD would be in a clear plastic PVC wallet. This offers protection to the disc from scratches, but as the wallet is clear, the details of the CD print can be clearly visible through the case.
For a more luxurious promotion, say for a membership pack, or where the client is expected to make a significant investment, then a more expensive case style can be used ranging from digipacks to card wallets and jewel cases.
CD Flyer costs and prices
A short-run of 100 CDs in a plastic PVC wallets will cost about £1.00 each, however a run of 1000 CDs would be about 27p each, with this cost falling to 15p for 5000 units, and 10000 CDs in a PVC wallet costing only about 13p each. These prices include copying of the audio, video or other information onto the CD, printing of the CD in full colour, and packaging of the CD into PVC wallets, boxed and ready for distribution.
CD Flyer design
Our in-house design team can offer you cutting edge graphic design to layout your club or event design onto the printed disc, and provide PDF proofs for your approval via email before any printing work is started. This way you can ensure you are completely happy with the design and artwork for the CD.
Our in-house team also specialises in DVD and Blu-ray authoring, so if you want a DVD rather than CD, then we can create custom menus and a unique navigation system for the DVD menu. This will make it easy for the client to navigate around the content, and also ensures that your brand makes a connection on an emotional level with your potential customer.
CD Flyer printing turnaround
Once we have received your approval for the CD design, and have received the content for the CD flyer, the printing and duplication of the CDs can start. The manufacturing time on a standard turnaround is 8 to 10 working days. If a faster turnaround is required, then an express CD manufacturing service can be chosen, which can even be ready the same day.
How to promote my event using CD Flyers Information about CD flyers and why the return on investment is worthwhile In the cut-throat industry of music promotion, it is paramount to get your event noticed, and to secure brand loyalty with your clients and guests. A solution to this, is mass glossy printed colour flyer …
How to promote my event using CD Flyers
Information about CD flyers and why the return on investment is worthwhile
In the cut-throat industry of music promotion, it is paramount to get your event noticed, and to secure brand loyalty with your clients and guests.
A solution to this, is mass glossy printed colour flyer distribution.
Historically, printed flyers were used as a sure fire way of promoting a nightclub and attracting a big crowd to your event. After a night spent in central London, it is possible to come back home with literally tens of different club flyers promoting all sorts of nightlife, to cater for all tastes.
Most flyers, however, end up on the road or pavement a few yards from the person handing them out. The majority of people consider it a piece of junk marketing, often directly placed in your hand by its distributor. This is why flyers are distributed en-mass, as the returns are minimal. A return of 1 in 100 flyers is considered a good return.
However, because flyer distribution used to work so well, everyone uses this means to promote an event, to the point where no single event particularly tends to stand out any more.
How can event flyer promotion be taken to the next level, to ensure not only that your event is promoted and remembered in the mind of your potential guests, but to also create a status quo where you have a queue of people wanting a free flyer, rather than it being forced on them?
A more recent trend has been to use a CD as a means of promotion, known as CD flyers.
A CD flyer is a novel idea and takes the conventional printed flyer to the next level, and by its very nature it encourages product interaction with your target audience.
Often, a printed flyer does not depict the style of music on offer too well, and so a CD flyer offers your guests a chance to sample your club event, and to listen to the type of music on offer on the evening of the event.
If it’s a live event, then the artists featured that evening could have snippets of their songs on the CD. The artists could create a custom recording to introduce the event on the CD, or even record an impromptu song for the purposes of CD flyer promotion.
If the club event is more DJ-based, then the headline DJs could all feature a mini mix on the CD, letting listeners sample the kind of music they can expect on the club night.
An event with 6 different DJs could all feature on the CD, with quick 10 minute mix samples exhibiting the skills and tastes of each DJ.
Advantages of a CD Flyer
By the very fact that a person is handed a CD, rather than a piece of printed paper or card, will ensure the CD flyer is not intentionally disposed of in a rubbish bin a few yards away. The CD is very likely to find it self into a handbag, or jacket pocket, and more likely to be with the person the next day, when they can have a look at the promo CD flyer and listen to its content at their comfort.
If you have a regular club event, then you probably have video footage of past events. It’s possible to include the video on the CD too so the user can not only hear the music on offer, but also get to see past parties in the form of a video.
A CD flyer can also be extended to being a DVD flyer if you have more video rather than sound, and want the user to pop the disc into their DVD player.
Your potential guest can really get a feel for your venue, the bar, the layout, lighting, as well as the other clientele you cater to, just from the comfort of their sofa.
The main objective of any advertising campaign, is not only direct sales, but for the brand to make close connections and personal ties with its potential clients and guests. Certainly a flyer that offers levels of interaction will stand out in the thoughts of the user and be more memorable than a printed paper flyer, which may not even survive to more than a few yards of where it’s handed out.
CD Flyer printing
With CD Flyer printing, not only does can the disc contain audio and video content, but the face of the disc will be printed in full colour, to contain all the vital information about your event. This can include date and times of the event, the venue address, information about the featured artists and DJs, with colour graphics and photos depicting the evening.
CD Flyer packaging
The simplest way to distribute the CD would be in a clear plastic PVC wallet. This offers protection to the disc from scratches, but as the wallet is clear, the details of the CD print can be clearly visible through the case.
For a more luxurious promotion, say for a membership pack, or where the client is expected to make a significant investment, then a more expensive case style can be used ranging from digipacks to card wallets and jewel cases.
CD Flyer costs and prices
A short-run of 100 CDs in a plastic PVC wallets will cost about £1.00 each, however a run of 1000 CDs would be about 27p each, with this cost falling to 15p for 5000 units, and 10000 CDs in a PVC wallet costing only about 13p each. These prices include copying of the audio, video or other information onto the CD, printing of the CD in full colour, and packaging of the CD into PVC wallets, boxed and ready for distribution.
CD Flyer design
Our in-house design team can offer you cutting edge graphic design to layout your club or event design onto the printed disc, and provide PDF proofs for your approval via email before any printing work is started. This way you can ensure you are completely happy with the design and artwork for the CD.
Our in-house team also specialises in DVD and Blu-ray authoring, so if you want a DVD rather than CD, then we can create custom menus and a unique navigation system for the DVD menu. This will make it easy for the client to navigate around the content, and also ensures that your brand makes a connection on an emotional level with your potential customer.
CD Flyer printing turnaround
Once we have received your approval for the CD design, and have received the content for the CD flyer, the printing and duplication of the CDs can start. The manufacturing time on a standard turnaround is 8 to 10 working days. If a faster turnaround is required, then an express CD manufacturing service can be chosen, which can even be ready the same day.
Computer optical drive loading mechanisms
Exploring the different types of drive loading mechanisms and how to decide on the best option for you
When searching for a CD or DVD drive, there are several factors to consider, and the disc loading mechanism is an important consideration.
The loading mechanism is the mechanical component that is responsible for loading the optical disc into the reading / writing drive.
There are three loading mechanisms available in the market, they are; tray, slot and the caddy.
Because you come into contact with the loading system every time, during the loading and unloading of a disc, it is important to choose the most suitable one for you.
Let’s have a closer look at each of the three.
Tray loading mechanism
The most common of the three, the tray loading mechanism, is made of a plastic tray driven by rubber belts and gears.
The tray moves in and out when the eject button is pushed. When open, a gentle push of the tray can also retract the tray.
Unlike the caddy, which we will look at briefly, the tray is overall less expensive. However, it has several disadvantages, one of them being that it is prone to breakage, which can happen from mis-usage.
The tray loading mechanism is made of plastic that can crack or split if pressure is applied to it when it is open. The tray mechanism doesn’t hold the disc securely, so if the disc is not placed properly, either the disc or the tray may be damaged.
Another major disadvantage is that it cannot work well when in a vertical position because gravity disallows proper loading. However, this can be overcome by opting for a version that has clips that will grab the CD.
Slot loading optical disc drive
The slot loading is identical to the system used in the CD player of most modern vehicles or the drives of Apple laptops and iMacs.
It is the simplest of the three to use because all you need to do is just slip the disc into the slot and a mechanical arm grabs the disc, drawing it inside the drive.
Most of the time, the drives that use this mechanism tend to have the capability of holding more than one disc inside.
The main drawback of the slot is that if the CD jams, it can be difficult to repair.
Another disadvantage is that if you are using flexible eco discs, then these have a tendency to have readability issues in a slot loading drive.
Caddy-style disc drive
Though the caddy-style disc drive is less popular due to the convenience offered by the tray, it is still widely used in many high-end drives.
This mechanism requires that the CD be placed in a caddy, which is a casing with a shutter that is made of metal. The container has a lid that opens to insert a CD, and thereafter the lid is closed. The caddy is then inserted to the main drive. The metal shutter at the bottom of the caddy gives access to the laser that reads the CD. If you have ever seen a minidisc, then it is a similar concept.
The caddy is most advantageous if all of your CDs are in their own caddies, so you can handle the caddy without touching or contaminating the disc. This system also ensures that the disc is properly positioned when inside the drive.
The caddy has a faster access time and it works well whether it is in a vertical or horizontal position.
The disadvantage of a caddy is that it is expensive and you can only get one caddy per drive.
Caddies are suitable for rugged computers that are used in harsh environments and where a person with gloves or dirty hands will have to change the disc.
Summary
The tray based drives are the most common types found in computers and other devices using drives. The caddy-based system is expensive, but very useful if the contents of the disc are very valuable and/or are being used in an environment where an exposed disc is at risk of damage.
Do bear in mind the caddy-based system is probably the most expensive of the three options especially if you need separate caddies for all your discs. The slot mechanism is very neat and tidy to use, but you may have issues with playing certain types of discs.
Hopefully the above details will provide you with enough information to choose the right type of drive for your requirement.
Optical drive loading mechanisms
Computer optical drive loading mechanisms
Exploring the different types of drive loading mechanisms and how to decide on the best option for you
When searching for a CD or DVD drive, there are several factors to consider, and the disc loading mechanism is an important consideration.
The loading mechanism is the mechanical component that is responsible for loading the optical disc into the reading / writing drive.
There are three loading mechanisms available in the market, they are; tray, slot and the caddy.
Because you come into contact with the loading system every time, during the loading and unloading of a disc, it is important to choose the most suitable one for you.
Let’s have a closer look at each of the three.
Tray loading mechanism
The most common of the three, the tray loading mechanism, is made of a plastic tray driven by rubber belts and gears.
The tray moves in and out when the eject button is pushed. When open, a gentle push of the tray can also retract the tray.
Unlike the caddy, which we will look at briefly, the tray is overall less expensive. However, it has several disadvantages, one of them being that it is prone to breakage, which can happen from mis-usage.
The tray loading mechanism is made of plastic that can crack or split if pressure is applied to it when it is open. The tray mechanism doesn’t hold the disc securely, so if the disc is not placed properly, either the disc or the tray may be damaged.
Another major disadvantage is that it cannot work well when in a vertical position because gravity disallows proper loading. However, this can be overcome by opting for a version that has clips that will grab the CD.
Slot loading optical disc drive
The slot loading is identical to the system used in the CD player of most modern vehicles or the drives of Apple laptops and iMacs.
It is the simplest of the three to use because all you need to do is just slip the disc into the slot and a mechanical arm grabs the disc, drawing it inside the drive.
Most of the time, the drives that use this mechanism tend to have the capability of holding more than one disc inside.
The main drawback of the slot is that if the CD jams, it can be difficult to repair.
Another disadvantage is that if you are using flexible eco discs, then these have a tendency to have readability issues in a slot loading drive.
Caddy-style disc drive
Though the caddy-style disc drive is less popular due to the convenience offered by the tray, it is still widely used in many high-end drives.
This mechanism requires that the CD be placed in a caddy, which is a casing with a shutter that is made of metal. The container has a lid that opens to insert a CD, and thereafter the lid is closed. The caddy is then inserted to the main drive. The metal shutter at the bottom of the caddy gives access to the laser that reads the CD. If you have ever seen a minidisc, then it is a similar concept.
The caddy is most advantageous if all of your CDs are in their own caddies, so you can handle the caddy without touching or contaminating the disc. This system also ensures that the disc is properly positioned when inside the drive.
The caddy has a faster access time and it works well whether it is in a vertical or horizontal position.
The disadvantage of a caddy is that it is expensive and you can only get one caddy per drive.
Caddies are suitable for rugged computers that are used in harsh environments and where a person with gloves or dirty hands will have to change the disc.
Summary
The tray based drives are the most common types found in computers and other devices using drives. The caddy-based system is expensive, but very useful if the contents of the disc are very valuable and/or are being used in an environment where an exposed disc is at risk of damage.
Do bear in mind the caddy-based system is probably the most expensive of the three options especially if you need separate caddies for all your discs. The slot mechanism is very neat and tidy to use, but you may have issues with playing certain types of discs.
Hopefully the above details will provide you with enough information to choose the right type of drive for your requirement.
Computer optical drive loading mechanisms Exploring the different types of drive loading mechanisms and how to decide on the best option for you When searching for a CD or DVD drive, there are several factors to consider, and the disc loading mechanism is an important consideration. The loading mechanism is the mechanical component that is …
Computer optical drive loading mechanisms
Exploring the different types of drive loading mechanisms and how to decide on the best option for you
When searching for a CD or DVD drive, there are several factors to consider, and the disc loading mechanism is an important consideration.
The loading mechanism is the mechanical component that is responsible for loading the optical disc into the reading / writing drive.
There are three loading mechanisms available in the market, they are; tray, slot and the caddy.
Because you come into contact with the loading system every time, during the loading and unloading of a disc, it is important to choose the most suitable one for you.
Let’s have a closer look at each of the three.
Tray loading mechanism
The most common of the three, the tray loading mechanism, is made of a plastic tray driven by rubber belts and gears.
The tray moves in and out when the eject button is pushed. When open, a gentle push of the tray can also retract the tray.
Unlike the caddy, which we will look at briefly, the tray is overall less expensive. However, it has several disadvantages, one of them being that it is prone to breakage, which can happen from mis-usage.
The tray loading mechanism is made of plastic that can crack or split if pressure is applied to it when it is open. The tray mechanism doesn’t hold the disc securely, so if the disc is not placed properly, either the disc or the tray may be damaged.
Another major disadvantage is that it cannot work well when in a vertical position because gravity disallows proper loading. However, this can be overcome by opting for a version that has clips that will grab the CD.
Slot loading optical disc drive
The slot loading is identical to the system used in the CD player of most modern vehicles or the drives of Apple laptops and iMacs.
It is the simplest of the three to use because all you need to do is just slip the disc into the slot and a mechanical arm grabs the disc, drawing it inside the drive.
Most of the time, the drives that use this mechanism tend to have the capability of holding more than one disc inside.
The main drawback of the slot is that if the CD jams, it can be difficult to repair.
Another disadvantage is that if you are using flexible eco discs, then these have a tendency to have readability issues in a slot loading drive.
Caddy-style disc drive
Though the caddy-style disc drive is less popular due to the convenience offered by the tray, it is still widely used in many high-end drives.
This mechanism requires that the CD be placed in a caddy, which is a casing with a shutter that is made of metal. The container has a lid that opens to insert a CD, and thereafter the lid is closed. The caddy is then inserted to the main drive. The metal shutter at the bottom of the caddy gives access to the laser that reads the CD. If you have ever seen a minidisc, then it is a similar concept.
The caddy is most advantageous if all of your CDs are in their own caddies, so you can handle the caddy without touching or contaminating the disc. This system also ensures that the disc is properly positioned when inside the drive.
The caddy has a faster access time and it works well whether it is in a vertical or horizontal position.
The disadvantage of a caddy is that it is expensive and you can only get one caddy per drive.
Caddies are suitable for rugged computers that are used in harsh environments and where a person with gloves or dirty hands will have to change the disc.
Summary
The tray based drives are the most common types found in computers and other devices using drives. The caddy-based system is expensive, but very useful if the contents of the disc are very valuable and/or are being used in an environment where an exposed disc is at risk of damage.
Do bear in mind the caddy-based system is probably the most expensive of the three options especially if you need separate caddies for all your discs. The slot mechanism is very neat and tidy to use, but you may have issues with playing certain types of discs.
Hopefully the above details will provide you with enough information to choose the right type of drive for your requirement.
Using disc imaging software to create backups of your discs
Why is it important to backup your data and what’s the best method of doing it?
If there is one thing that all computing experts agree upon it’s that software backups are probably the most critically important task that a company needs to carry out on its data to protect its intellectual property. This also applies to individuals who have large collections of music albums, videos or data stored on CD, DVD or Blu-ray discs.
When writable CDs and DVDs came onto the market in the 90s, they instantly became the most favoured choice for data transfer and back up, ranging from computer files to audio music. Right up to today, optical discs still hold the pole position of market share compared to other storage media and the introduction of Blu-ray discs, capable of much higher storage capacity, indicate that optical discs will still be around for many years to come.
A major issue with CDs and DVDs is that the integrity of the data stored on them can be easily compromised from a simple tiny scratch on the disc surface leading to a partial or complete loss of the stored data. The best way to circumvent this inherent issue of the disc, is to back up the contents of a CD, DVD or Blu-ray as an image file. A disc image is a single file containing the complete contents and structure as the actual physical disc.
Disc Image Formats
There are several standard file formats for backing up the disc contents to an image file, which include ISO, DAA, CUE, NRG, BIN, MDF and MDS to mention but a few.
Making an image backup of your CD or DVD is much simpler than one might imagine, all you need is suitable software with the correct functionality. There are two classes of software that can be used to create a disc image; specialised image-making software and most modern disc burning or writing software.
Specialised image making software includes PowerISO, Alcohol 120% and Daemon-Tools. Apart from their main function of creating the software images, these software are able to create virtual drives that can be used to mount the images. This means that one can use the backed up image without burning them to a physical optical disc first.
Examples of disc burning software that are also able to create images include Ashampoo, Nero, Roxio, Deep Burner, Apple Disk Copy, and K3b for the Linux fans.
Both the specialised disc imaging software and burning software listed above are available for free from their respective websites and repositories.
How do disc imaging software’s work?
The internal workflow of imaging software is not overly complex. All it does is emulate the actual disk writing device such as a DVD writer, but instead of writing the data to an actual blank physical disc, it writes it into a computer file, this is what we refer to as the image file.
Some of these software go a step further and eliminate the free, empty or error-containing sectors from the disc in the image files. This leaves you with a compressed version of the disc, therefore saving valuable storage space on the backup medium.
Advantages and disadvantages of Disc Imaging
Having disc backups as images is advantageous because the images can be compressed, they can be used and accessed without burning them back to physical media again, and they can be password protected and encrypted. Data can be added or removed from the image if necessary before burning it to a disc again and because it’s a normal computer file it can be easy transferred across a network, or sent to the other side of the world faster than it would take by posting the physical disc.
On the flip side, it can take quite a long duration to create an image file, bearing in mind that all sectors of the original disk have to be read first. Another disadvantage is that in case the original file contained a virus or any malicious program, mounting the resulting image or burning to a disk again might cause the host computer to be infected.
It is vital to ensure that adequate back up processes are in place for your vital information stored on CD, DVD or Blu-ray.
Using disc imaging software to create backups of your discs
Using disc imaging software to create backups of your discs
Why is it important to backup your data and what’s the best method of doing it?
If there is one thing that all computing experts agree upon it’s that software backups are probably the most critically important task that a company needs to carry out on its data to protect its intellectual property. This also applies to individuals who have large collections of music albums, videos or data stored on CD, DVD or Blu-ray discs.
When writable CDs and DVDs came onto the market in the 90s, they instantly became the most favoured choice for data transfer and back up, ranging from computer files to audio music. Right up to today, optical discs still hold the pole position of market share compared to other storage media and the introduction of Blu-ray discs, capable of much higher storage capacity, indicate that optical discs will still be around for many years to come.
A major issue with CDs and DVDs is that the integrity of the data stored on them can be easily compromised from a simple tiny scratch on the disc surface leading to a partial or complete loss of the stored data. The best way to circumvent this inherent issue of the disc, is to back up the contents of a CD, DVD or Blu-ray as an image file. A disc image is a single file containing the complete contents and structure as the actual physical disc.
Disc Image Formats
There are several standard file formats for backing up the disc contents to an image file, which include ISO, DAA, CUE, NRG, BIN, MDF and MDS to mention but a few.
Making an image backup of your CD or DVD is much simpler than one might imagine, all you need is suitable software with the correct functionality. There are two classes of software that can be used to create a disc image; specialised image-making software and most modern disc burning or writing software.
Specialised image making software includes PowerISO, Alcohol 120% and Daemon-Tools. Apart from their main function of creating the software images, these software are able to create virtual drives that can be used to mount the images. This means that one can use the backed up image without burning them to a physical optical disc first.
Examples of disc burning software that are also able to create images include Ashampoo, Nero, Roxio, Deep Burner, Apple Disk Copy, and K3b for the Linux fans.
Both the specialised disc imaging software and burning software listed above are available for free from their respective websites and repositories.
How do disc imaging software’s work?
The internal workflow of imaging software is not overly complex. All it does is emulate the actual disk writing device such as a DVD writer, but instead of writing the data to an actual blank physical disc, it writes it into a computer file, this is what we refer to as the image file.
Some of these software go a step further and eliminate the free, empty or error-containing sectors from the disc in the image files. This leaves you with a compressed version of the disc, therefore saving valuable storage space on the backup medium.
Advantages and disadvantages of Disc Imaging
Having disc backups as images is advantageous because the images can be compressed, they can be used and accessed without burning them back to physical media again, and they can be password protected and encrypted. Data can be added or removed from the image if necessary before burning it to a disc again and because it’s a normal computer file it can be easy transferred across a network, or sent to the other side of the world faster than it would take by posting the physical disc.
On the flip side, it can take quite a long duration to create an image file, bearing in mind that all sectors of the original disk have to be read first. Another disadvantage is that in case the original file contained a virus or any malicious program, mounting the resulting image or burning to a disk again might cause the host computer to be infected.
It is vital to ensure that adequate back up processes are in place for your vital information stored on CD, DVD or Blu-ray.
Using disc imaging software to create backups of your discs Why is it important to backup your data and what’s the best method of doing it? If there is one thing that all computing experts agree upon it’s that software backups are probably the most critically important task that a company needs to carry out …
Using disc imaging software to create backups of your discs Read More »
Using disc imaging software to create backups of your discs
Why is it important to backup your data and what’s the best method of doing it?
If there is one thing that all computing experts agree upon it’s that software backups are probably the most critically important task that a company needs to carry out on its data to protect its intellectual property. This also applies to individuals who have large collections of music albums, videos or data stored on CD, DVD or Blu-ray discs.
When writable CDs and DVDs came onto the market in the 90s, they instantly became the most favoured choice for data transfer and back up, ranging from computer files to audio music. Right up to today, optical discs still hold the pole position of market share compared to other storage media and the introduction of Blu-ray discs, capable of much higher storage capacity, indicate that optical discs will still be around for many years to come.
A major issue with CDs and DVDs is that the integrity of the data stored on them can be easily compromised from a simple tiny scratch on the disc surface leading to a partial or complete loss of the stored data. The best way to circumvent this inherent issue of the disc, is to back up the contents of a CD, DVD or Blu-ray as an image file. A disc image is a single file containing the complete contents and structure as the actual physical disc.
Disc Image Formats
There are several standard file formats for backing up the disc contents to an image file, which include ISO, DAA, CUE, NRG, BIN, MDF and MDS to mention but a few.
Making an image backup of your CD or DVD is much simpler than one might imagine, all you need is suitable software with the correct functionality. There are two classes of software that can be used to create a disc image; specialised image-making software and most modern disc burning or writing software.
Specialised image making software includes PowerISO, Alcohol 120% and Daemon-Tools. Apart from their main function of creating the software images, these software are able to create virtual drives that can be used to mount the images. This means that one can use the backed up image without burning them to a physical optical disc first.
Examples of disc burning software that are also able to create images include Ashampoo, Nero, Roxio, Deep Burner, Apple Disk Copy, and K3b for the Linux fans.
Both the specialised disc imaging software and burning software listed above are available for free from their respective websites and repositories.
How do disc imaging software’s work?
The internal workflow of imaging software is not overly complex. All it does is emulate the actual disk writing device such as a DVD writer, but instead of writing the data to an actual blank physical disc, it writes it into a computer file, this is what we refer to as the image file.
Some of these software go a step further and eliminate the free, empty or error-containing sectors from the disc in the image files. This leaves you with a compressed version of the disc, therefore saving valuable storage space on the backup medium.
Advantages and disadvantages of Disc Imaging
Having disc backups as images is advantageous because the images can be compressed, they can be used and accessed without burning them back to physical media again, and they can be password protected and encrypted. Data can be added or removed from the image if necessary before burning it to a disc again and because it’s a normal computer file it can be easy transferred across a network, or sent to the other side of the world faster than it would take by posting the physical disc.
On the flip side, it can take quite a long duration to create an image file, bearing in mind that all sectors of the original disk have to be read first. Another disadvantage is that in case the original file contained a virus or any malicious program, mounting the resulting image or burning to a disk again might cause the host computer to be infected.
It is vital to ensure that adequate back up processes are in place for your vital information stored on CD, DVD or Blu-ray.
How to Clean Your CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray Discs
A guide on how to clean and maintain your discs
Proper care and cleaning of your CD, DVD and Blu-ray is important to ensure the data contained on the disc plays correctly, and lasts for lifespan of the disc, which should be about 20 years.
Fingerprints, scratches, dust and dirt on the data side of the discs are usually the main cause of any damage incurred to a disc.
Unlike CDs and DVDs, Blu-Ray discs usually have a harder coating and are therefore slightly less prone to the data being unreadable due to scratches. However, Blu-ray are susceptible to smudges dirt and dust, so should be thoroughly cleaned to remove these artefacts as soon as possible; this will maintain the playability quality of the disc, as well as its lifespan.
For discs that are vitally important, it would be advisable to duplicate these and make back-up copies. This can be physical backups or using disc imaging software to create soft backups. This would apply to your critical data, and music. If your master disc was to get damaged beyond readability then you would have a backed up version to revert to if necessary.
What you need
To clean a CD or DVD a microfiber cleaning cloth or cotton based tissue or cloth is recommended.
Any materials used should be checked to ensure they are non-abrasive. In most instances water will suffice as a cleaning agent. If water does not remove everything then a more powerful cleaner such as isopropyl alcohol can be used, but this should only be used in the most extreme of cases.
Dedicated CD and DVD wipes are also available which are already coated in a suitable cleaning solution.
For Blu-ray discs a soft cloth can be used instead of the tissue because it has a much harder surface, and a very mild detergent can also be used if necessary.
How to clean
Once you have your cloth and appropriate detergent ready, you’re ready to start cleaning.
Hold the disc from the outer edges with the index finger and thumb of one hand. Avoid directly holding the playing surface, as this is likely to introduce further smudges, and possible damage. If a detergent is being used then it should be sprayed on the cloth or tissue rather than directly to the disc.
The discs must be cleaned in a specific pattern; Do not move the cloth in a circular pattern, rather wipe the disc from the centre, out towards the edges. This greatly reduces the chances of spoiling the disc as any scratches caused by such a motion will have very minimal effect on the readability of music or data. Specifically, Blu-ray discs should never be wiped in a circular pattern.
How to dry and maintain the discs
After the initial cleaning using water or any other detergent, it is important to wipe off the cleaning agent from the surface of the DVD, CD or Blu-ray using a dry cloth; if it is still not as clean, repeat the process again until the grease, fingerprints or any other smudges are removed. Make sure you repeat the cleaning in the same motion as described above.
Once you are satisfied that the disc is clean, let it dry completely before attempting to play it, or place it inside any electronic equipment. Playing a wet CD, DVD or Blu-Ray will damage the machine and the disc.
It is also advisable to routinely clean the internals of your equipment used to play the discs, as this can also contribute to the dirt on a disc, due to years or months of accumulated dust within the machine.
Ideally, discs should be looked after from the start to avoid emergency cleaning, and the best way to store discs is in their original casing, or a multi-pocket CD wallet. Well maintained discs will last for a long time and will need very little cleaning.
If you have a large collection of discs that require cleaning then it is advisable to invest in a disc cleaning kit which will have a selection of cleaning cloths and liquid solutions.
How to Clean Your CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray Discs
How to Clean Your CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray Discs
A guide on how to clean and maintain your discs
Proper care and cleaning of your CD, DVD and Blu-ray is important to ensure the data contained on the disc plays correctly, and lasts for lifespan of the disc, which should be about 20 years.
Fingerprints, scratches, dust and dirt on the data side of the discs are usually the main cause of any damage incurred to a disc.
Unlike CDs and DVDs, Blu-Ray discs usually have a harder coating and are therefore slightly less prone to the data being unreadable due to scratches. However, Blu-ray are susceptible to smudges dirt and dust, so should be thoroughly cleaned to remove these artefacts as soon as possible; this will maintain the playability quality of the disc, as well as its lifespan.
For discs that are vitally important, it would be advisable to duplicate these and make back-up copies. This can be physical backups or using disc imaging software to create soft backups. This would apply to your critical data, and music. If your master disc was to get damaged beyond readability then you would have a backed up version to revert to if necessary.
What you need
To clean a CD or DVD a microfiber cleaning cloth or cotton based tissue or cloth is recommended.
Any materials used should be checked to ensure they are non-abrasive. In most instances water will suffice as a cleaning agent. If water does not remove everything then a more powerful cleaner such as isopropyl alcohol can be used, but this should only be used in the most extreme of cases.
Dedicated CD and DVD wipes are also available which are already coated in a suitable cleaning solution.
For Blu-ray discs a soft cloth can be used instead of the tissue because it has a much harder surface, and a very mild detergent can also be used if necessary.
How to clean
Once you have your cloth and appropriate detergent ready, you’re ready to start cleaning.
Hold the disc from the outer edges with the index finger and thumb of one hand. Avoid directly holding the playing surface, as this is likely to introduce further smudges, and possible damage. If a detergent is being used then it should be sprayed on the cloth or tissue rather than directly to the disc.
The discs must be cleaned in a specific pattern; Do not move the cloth in a circular pattern, rather wipe the disc from the centre, out towards the edges. This greatly reduces the chances of spoiling the disc as any scratches caused by such a motion will have very minimal effect on the readability of music or data. Specifically, Blu-ray discs should never be wiped in a circular pattern.
How to dry and maintain the discs
After the initial cleaning using water or any other detergent, it is important to wipe off the cleaning agent from the surface of the DVD, CD or Blu-ray using a dry cloth; if it is still not as clean, repeat the process again until the grease, fingerprints or any other smudges are removed. Make sure you repeat the cleaning in the same motion as described above.
Once you are satisfied that the disc is clean, let it dry completely before attempting to play it, or place it inside any electronic equipment. Playing a wet CD, DVD or Blu-Ray will damage the machine and the disc.
It is also advisable to routinely clean the internals of your equipment used to play the discs, as this can also contribute to the dirt on a disc, due to years or months of accumulated dust within the machine.
Ideally, discs should be looked after from the start to avoid emergency cleaning, and the best way to store discs is in their original casing, or a multi-pocket CD wallet. Well maintained discs will last for a long time and will need very little cleaning.
If you have a large collection of discs that require cleaning then it is advisable to invest in a disc cleaning kit which will have a selection of cleaning cloths and liquid solutions.
How to Clean Your CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray Discs A guide on how to clean and maintain your discs Proper care and cleaning of your CD, DVD and Blu-ray is important to ensure the data contained on the disc plays correctly, and lasts for lifespan of the disc, which should be about 20 years. Fingerprints, …
How to Clean Your CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray Discs
A guide on how to clean and maintain your discs
Proper care and cleaning of your CD, DVD and Blu-ray is important to ensure the data contained on the disc plays correctly, and lasts for lifespan of the disc, which should be about 20 years.
Fingerprints, scratches, dust and dirt on the data side of the discs are usually the main cause of any damage incurred to a disc.
Unlike CDs and DVDs, Blu-Ray discs usually have a harder coating and are therefore slightly less prone to the data being unreadable due to scratches. However, Blu-ray are susceptible to smudges dirt and dust, so should be thoroughly cleaned to remove these artefacts as soon as possible; this will maintain the playability quality of the disc, as well as its lifespan.
For discs that are vitally important, it would be advisable to duplicate these and make back-up copies. This can be physical backups or using disc imaging software to create soft backups. This would apply to your critical data, and music. If your master disc was to get damaged beyond readability then you would have a backed up version to revert to if necessary.
What you need
To clean a CD or DVD a microfiber cleaning cloth or cotton based tissue or cloth is recommended.
Any materials used should be checked to ensure they are non-abrasive. In most instances water will suffice as a cleaning agent. If water does not remove everything then a more powerful cleaner such as isopropyl alcohol can be used, but this should only be used in the most extreme of cases.
Dedicated CD and DVD wipes are also available which are already coated in a suitable cleaning solution.
For Blu-ray discs a soft cloth can be used instead of the tissue because it has a much harder surface, and a very mild detergent can also be used if necessary.
How to clean
Once you have your cloth and appropriate detergent ready, you’re ready to start cleaning.
Hold the disc from the outer edges with the index finger and thumb of one hand. Avoid directly holding the playing surface, as this is likely to introduce further smudges, and possible damage. If a detergent is being used then it should be sprayed on the cloth or tissue rather than directly to the disc.
The discs must be cleaned in a specific pattern; Do not move the cloth in a circular pattern, rather wipe the disc from the centre, out towards the edges. This greatly reduces the chances of spoiling the disc as any scratches caused by such a motion will have very minimal effect on the readability of music or data. Specifically, Blu-ray discs should never be wiped in a circular pattern.
How to dry and maintain the discs
After the initial cleaning using water or any other detergent, it is important to wipe off the cleaning agent from the surface of the DVD, CD or Blu-ray using a dry cloth; if it is still not as clean, repeat the process again until the grease, fingerprints or any other smudges are removed. Make sure you repeat the cleaning in the same motion as described above.
Once you are satisfied that the disc is clean, let it dry completely before attempting to play it, or place it inside any electronic equipment. Playing a wet CD, DVD or Blu-Ray will damage the machine and the disc.
It is also advisable to routinely clean the internals of your equipment used to play the discs, as this can also contribute to the dirt on a disc, due to years or months of accumulated dust within the machine.
Ideally, discs should be looked after from the start to avoid emergency cleaning, and the best way to store discs is in their original casing, or a multi-pocket CD wallet. Well maintained discs will last for a long time and will need very little cleaning.
If you have a large collection of discs that require cleaning then it is advisable to invest in a disc cleaning kit which will have a selection of cleaning cloths and liquid solutions.
The history and evolution of the compact disc (CD)
A look into the origins of the CD and how it has evolved over the years
In the late 1970s, the two companies Philips and Sony, separately developed prototypes in a bid to become the first to develop the Compact Disc (CD).
Below, we delve into the history of the CD and its evolution.
How it began
The story of the CD started way back in 1957 with experiments involving the rudimentary video disc by the Italian Antonio Rubbiani, that stimulated an entire generation of scientists to think along the lines of digital technology.
Almost 12 years after this, Philips started work on the Audio Long Play (ALP) disc that used the laser technology and which rivaled the traditional analogue vinyl records. The ALP discs played for longer times and occupied less space than their vinyl counterparts.
Under the guidance of the technical director (audio) in Eindhoven, the Philips team tried many experiments with the digital disc technology, including the idea of quadraphonic sound that required a disc as big as 20 cm in diameter. These experiments were later abandoned.
However, in 1978, the project took off on a more serious note and Philips launched the Compact Disc Project. The aim of the Compact Disc Project was for the new format to eventually replace both the analogue video equipment and the Compact Cassette Tape. Both were popular technologies at the time, that had been in use and established for a good many years.
The name for the project (decided in 1977), Compact Disc Project, was chosen by Philips with the hope that it would bring to peoples’ minds, the Compact Cassette’s success. Philips, by then, had started paying more heed to the work done by its digital audio research department. All this research into the project led to a very interesting juncture.
Philips, having already released the commercial laser disc player in to the market, was ahead of its competitors in terms of the physical design of the compact disc. However, Philips lacked the experience of digital audio recording to develop the compact disc any further.
On the other hand, Sony, that was also working alongside to develop the Compact Disc, had exactly the opposite problem to contend with. Whereas it had over a decade of experience in developing and implementing the best digital audio circuitry, it lacked the know-how to make the actually physical CD.
As a result of these developments, in 1979, during a conference in Japan, Philips and Sony stunned the world with the announcement that both the companies would jointly develop the Compact Disc. Thus, a new deal was forged, and the two companies worked together for the next few years.
Engineers at Philips concentrated on the physical design of the disc: how the laser would read off the information from the pits and lands on the disc surface. Sony’s digital technology specialists worked on the analogue to digital conversion circuit design, with emphasis on the encoding of the digital signals and design of the error correction code.
How CD ‘Red Book’ Standard was developed and got its name
In the year 1980, Philips and Sony, in general acceptance of certain specifications regarding the CDs, brought out the Red Book. The name was attributed to the colour of the cover of the first publication.
The Red Book contained specifications that included the size of the disc, the recording details, the sampling, and other standards, many of which remain unchanged even today.
The CDs could be played in stereo systems, had a diameter of 120mm (making it portable and smaller than the vinyl record), and could hold an immense amount of data, much more than the vinyl record or the cassette did.
The size of the CD has an interesting story to it: Philips’ idea of a 115mm CD had to be shelved because Sony insisted that the longest musical performance should fit on to the disc, which was Beethoven’s entire 9th Symphony, at 74 minutes, and the size of the CD was increased to 120mm.
Soon after, Sony and Philips parted ways and started working separately, trying to produce their own CD-drive equipment. The first commercial CD drive was released a month earlier by Sony on 1st of October 1982, making it a notable event in the history of CD development. The CDP-101 Compact Disc Player by Sony hit the market first in Japan, followed by Europe. It did not reach the shores of America until the early part of 1983.
Sony beat Philips once again for a second time when it released the first portable CD player in the year 1984. The time was ripe for commercial CDs to make a foray into the market. The first commercial CD to be pressed was Visitors by ABBA, the Swedish pop group. Soon after this, the first album, Billy Joel’s 52nd Street, followed.
In spite of the concerns of the major music labels, the popularity of CDs soared and over a thousand different singles and albums were released in the first year alone.
The lesser known ‘Yellow Book’ standard
The second book of standards was once again a collaborative effort of the two companies in spite of the fact that both of them were still on the race separately. The Yellow Book of standards released in 1983 comprised of the basis of the Compact Disc-Recordable (CD-R).
The electronics of the CD could be tweaked in a manner such that one would be able to store data on the disc that could be read off by a computer. This was a landmark development in the history of CDs that had far-reaching effects.
CDs would prove to be an ideal replacement for the existing floppy discs and would store a large amount of data in spite of their size. They would have a greater speed that positively impacted data access times. It was 1990 by the time the standard was ready for commercial use by businesses and individuals.
The next major landmark was in the year 1995, when Sony initiated a move to standardise Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), a plan that they had had in the pipeline. DVDs were not only expected to replace analogue video storage and video cassettes, but could also be used in computers in place of CD-ROMs and CD-Rs for data storage. The nine-company conglomerate that Sony pioneered for the purpose of standardisation ensured that DVDs could easily be accessed by the public.
However, it is also true that DVDs are not completely standardised even till today as both DVD+Rs and DVD-Rs are still available in the market, offering slightly different functionality, however the difference can be considered negligible as they are quite small.
The future of the compact disc
Although CDs have been put to many uses for several decades, including their intended designation as a replacement for analogue vinyl records and cassettes, they are also used to store, back-up and transfer computer data, and continue to remain popular as proved by recent entertainment sales figures.
The discoveries spurred by the development of CDs are, by themselves, astonishing. The development of the CD led directly to the DVD format and digital video recording. The impact of the simple disc on subsequent technology has still not stopped. The advent of the Blu-Ray disc, which brings high definition video in to our homes, is a direct descendant of the compact disc.
We wait with bated breath for the next advancement in optical disc storage.
The history and evolution of the Compact Disc (CD)
The history and evolution of the compact disc (CD)
A look into the origins of the CD and how it has evolved over the years
In the late 1970s, the two companies Philips and Sony, separately developed prototypes in a bid to become the first to develop the Compact Disc (CD).
Below, we delve into the history of the CD and its evolution.
How it began
The story of the CD started way back in 1957 with experiments involving the rudimentary video disc by the Italian Antonio Rubbiani, that stimulated an entire generation of scientists to think along the lines of digital technology.
Almost 12 years after this, Philips started work on the Audio Long Play (ALP) disc that used the laser technology and which rivaled the traditional analogue vinyl records. The ALP discs played for longer times and occupied less space than their vinyl counterparts.
Under the guidance of the technical director (audio) in Eindhoven, the Philips team tried many experiments with the digital disc technology, including the idea of quadraphonic sound that required a disc as big as 20 cm in diameter. These experiments were later abandoned.
However, in 1978, the project took off on a more serious note and Philips launched the Compact Disc Project. The aim of the Compact Disc Project was for the new format to eventually replace both the analogue video equipment and the Compact Cassette Tape. Both were popular technologies at the time, that had been in use and established for a good many years.
The name for the project (decided in 1977), Compact Disc Project, was chosen by Philips with the hope that it would bring to peoples’ minds, the Compact Cassette’s success. Philips, by then, had started paying more heed to the work done by its digital audio research department. All this research into the project led to a very interesting juncture.
Philips, having already released the commercial laser disc player in to the market, was ahead of its competitors in terms of the physical design of the compact disc. However, Philips lacked the experience of digital audio recording to develop the compact disc any further.
On the other hand, Sony, that was also working alongside to develop the Compact Disc, had exactly the opposite problem to contend with. Whereas it had over a decade of experience in developing and implementing the best digital audio circuitry, it lacked the know-how to make the actually physical CD.
As a result of these developments, in 1979, during a conference in Japan, Philips and Sony stunned the world with the announcement that both the companies would jointly develop the Compact Disc. Thus, a new deal was forged, and the two companies worked together for the next few years.
Engineers at Philips concentrated on the physical design of the disc: how the laser would read off the information from the pits and lands on the disc surface. Sony’s digital technology specialists worked on the analogue to digital conversion circuit design, with emphasis on the encoding of the digital signals and design of the error correction code.
How CD ‘Red Book’ Standard was developed and got its name
In the year 1980, Philips and Sony, in general acceptance of certain specifications regarding the CDs, brought out the Red Book. The name was attributed to the colour of the cover of the first publication.
The Red Book contained specifications that included the size of the disc, the recording details, the sampling, and other standards, many of which remain unchanged even today.
The CDs could be played in stereo systems, had a diameter of 120mm (making it portable and smaller than the vinyl record), and could hold an immense amount of data, much more than the vinyl record or the cassette did.
The size of the CD has an interesting story to it: Philips’ idea of a 115mm CD had to be shelved because Sony insisted that the longest musical performance should fit on to the disc, which was Beethoven’s entire 9th Symphony, at 74 minutes, and the size of the CD was increased to 120mm.
Soon after, Sony and Philips parted ways and started working separately, trying to produce their own CD-drive equipment. The first commercial CD drive was released a month earlier by Sony on 1st of October 1982, making it a notable event in the history of CD development. The CDP-101 Compact Disc Player by Sony hit the market first in Japan, followed by Europe. It did not reach the shores of America until the early part of 1983.
Sony beat Philips once again for a second time when it released the first portable CD player in the year 1984. The time was ripe for commercial CDs to make a foray into the market. The first commercial CD to be pressed was Visitors by ABBA, the Swedish pop group. Soon after this, the first album, Billy Joel’s 52nd Street, followed.
In spite of the concerns of the major music labels, the popularity of CDs soared and over a thousand different singles and albums were released in the first year alone.
The lesser known ‘Yellow Book’ standard
The second book of standards was once again a collaborative effort of the two companies in spite of the fact that both of them were still on the race separately. The Yellow Book of standards released in 1983 comprised of the basis of the Compact Disc-Recordable (CD-R).
The electronics of the CD could be tweaked in a manner such that one would be able to store data on the disc that could be read off by a computer. This was a landmark development in the history of CDs that had far-reaching effects.
CDs would prove to be an ideal replacement for the existing floppy discs and would store a large amount of data in spite of their size. They would have a greater speed that positively impacted data access times. It was 1990 by the time the standard was ready for commercial use by businesses and individuals.
The next major landmark was in the year 1995, when Sony initiated a move to standardise Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), a plan that they had had in the pipeline. DVDs were not only expected to replace analogue video storage and video cassettes, but could also be used in computers in place of CD-ROMs and CD-Rs for data storage. The nine-company conglomerate that Sony pioneered for the purpose of standardisation ensured that DVDs could easily be accessed by the public.
However, it is also true that DVDs are not completely standardised even till today as both DVD+Rs and DVD-Rs are still available in the market, offering slightly different functionality, however the difference can be considered negligible as they are quite small.
The future of the compact disc
Although CDs have been put to many uses for several decades, including their intended designation as a replacement for analogue vinyl records and cassettes, they are also used to store, back-up and transfer computer data, and continue to remain popular as proved by recent entertainment sales figures.
The discoveries spurred by the development of CDs are, by themselves, astonishing. The development of the CD led directly to the DVD format and digital video recording. The impact of the simple disc on subsequent technology has still not stopped. The advent of the Blu-Ray disc, which brings high definition video in to our homes, is a direct descendant of the compact disc.
We wait with bated breath for the next advancement in optical disc storage.
The history and evolution of the compact disc (CD) A look into the origins of the CD and how it has evolved over the years In the late 1970s, the two companies Philips and Sony, separately developed prototypes in a bid to become the first to develop the Compact Disc (CD). Below, we delve into …
The history and evolution of the Compact Disc (CD) Read More »
The history and evolution of the compact disc (CD)
A look into the origins of the CD and how it has evolved over the years
In the late 1970s, the two companies Philips and Sony, separately developed prototypes in a bid to become the first to develop the Compact Disc (CD).
Below, we delve into the history of the CD and its evolution.
How it began
The story of the CD started way back in 1957 with experiments involving the rudimentary video disc by the Italian Antonio Rubbiani, that stimulated an entire generation of scientists to think along the lines of digital technology.
Almost 12 years after this, Philips started work on the Audio Long Play (ALP) disc that used the laser technology and which rivaled the traditional analogue vinyl records. The ALP discs played for longer times and occupied less space than their vinyl counterparts.
Under the guidance of the technical director (audio) in Eindhoven, the Philips team tried many experiments with the digital disc technology, including the idea of quadraphonic sound that required a disc as big as 20 cm in diameter. These experiments were later abandoned.
However, in 1978, the project took off on a more serious note and Philips launched the Compact Disc Project. The aim of the Compact Disc Project was for the new format to eventually replace both the analogue video equipment and the Compact Cassette Tape. Both were popular technologies at the time, that had been in use and established for a good many years.
The name for the project (decided in 1977), Compact Disc Project, was chosen by Philips with the hope that it would bring to peoples’ minds, the Compact Cassette’s success. Philips, by then, had started paying more heed to the work done by its digital audio research department. All this research into the project led to a very interesting juncture.
Philips, having already released the commercial laser disc player in to the market, was ahead of its competitors in terms of the physical design of the compact disc. However, Philips lacked the experience of digital audio recording to develop the compact disc any further.
On the other hand, Sony, that was also working alongside to develop the Compact Disc, had exactly the opposite problem to contend with. Whereas it had over a decade of experience in developing and implementing the best digital audio circuitry, it lacked the know-how to make the actually physical CD.
As a result of these developments, in 1979, during a conference in Japan, Philips and Sony stunned the world with the announcement that both the companies would jointly develop the Compact Disc. Thus, a new deal was forged, and the two companies worked together for the next few years.
Engineers at Philips concentrated on the physical design of the disc: how the laser would read off the information from the pits and lands on the disc surface. Sony’s digital technology specialists worked on the analogue to digital conversion circuit design, with emphasis on the encoding of the digital signals and design of the error correction code.
How CD ‘Red Book’ Standard was developed and got its name
In the year 1980, Philips and Sony, in general acceptance of certain specifications regarding the CDs, brought out the Red Book. The name was attributed to the colour of the cover of the first publication.
The Red Book contained specifications that included the size of the disc, the recording details, the sampling, and other standards, many of which remain unchanged even today.
The CDs could be played in stereo systems, had a diameter of 120mm (making it portable and smaller than the vinyl record), and could hold an immense amount of data, much more than the vinyl record or the cassette did.
The size of the CD has an interesting story to it: Philips’ idea of a 115mm CD had to be shelved because Sony insisted that the longest musical performance should fit on to the disc, which was Beethoven’s entire 9th Symphony, at 74 minutes, and the size of the CD was increased to 120mm.
Soon after, Sony and Philips parted ways and started working separately, trying to produce their own CD-drive equipment. The first commercial CD drive was released a month earlier by Sony on 1st of October 1982, making it a notable event in the history of CD development. The CDP-101 Compact Disc Player by Sony hit the market first in Japan, followed by Europe. It did not reach the shores of America until the early part of 1983.
Sony beat Philips once again for a second time when it released the first portable CD player in the year 1984. The time was ripe for commercial CDs to make a foray into the market. The first commercial CD to be pressed was Visitors by ABBA, the Swedish pop group. Soon after this, the first album, Billy Joel’s 52nd Street, followed.
In spite of the concerns of the major music labels, the popularity of CDs soared and over a thousand different singles and albums were released in the first year alone.
The lesser known ‘Yellow Book’ standard
The second book of standards was once again a collaborative effort of the two companies in spite of the fact that both of them were still on the race separately. The Yellow Book of standards released in 1983 comprised of the basis of the Compact Disc-Recordable (CD-R).
The electronics of the CD could be tweaked in a manner such that one would be able to store data on the disc that could be read off by a computer. This was a landmark development in the history of CDs that had far-reaching effects.
CDs would prove to be an ideal replacement for the existing floppy discs and would store a large amount of data in spite of their size. They would have a greater speed that positively impacted data access times. It was 1990 by the time the standard was ready for commercial use by businesses and individuals.
The next major landmark was in the year 1995, when Sony initiated a move to standardise Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), a plan that they had had in the pipeline. DVDs were not only expected to replace analogue video storage and video cassettes, but could also be used in computers in place of CD-ROMs and CD-Rs for data storage. The nine-company conglomerate that Sony pioneered for the purpose of standardisation ensured that DVDs could easily be accessed by the public.
However, it is also true that DVDs are not completely standardised even till today as both DVD+Rs and DVD-Rs are still available in the market, offering slightly different functionality, however the difference can be considered negligible as they are quite small.
The future of the compact disc
Although CDs have been put to many uses for several decades, including their intended designation as a replacement for analogue vinyl records and cassettes, they are also used to store, back-up and transfer computer data, and continue to remain popular as proved by recent entertainment sales figures.
The discoveries spurred by the development of CDs are, by themselves, astonishing. The development of the CD led directly to the DVD format and digital video recording. The impact of the simple disc on subsequent technology has still not stopped. The advent of the Blu-Ray disc, which brings high definition video in to our homes, is a direct descendant of the compact disc.
We wait with bated breath for the next advancement in optical disc storage.