CD/DVD Replication and Duplication Q: What is the difference between Duplication and Replication?
A: During the duplication process your video, music or data files are 'burned' onto recordable discs (CD-Rs & DVD-Rs) using a laser recorder whereas during the replication process your video, music, or data files are 'stamped' into an injection molded disc. Q: What is a DVD5?
A: A DVD5 is a single layer DVD that has a capacity of 4.7GB. It's the most widely used format for DVD replication. Q: What is a DVD-R?
A: It's a recordable DVD format. A DVD-R has a capacity of 4.7GB and can only be written once but read many times. Creating a DVD-R is commonly referred to as 'burning' a DVD. Q: What is a CD-R?
A: It's a recordable CD format. A CD-R has a capacity of 650 or 700MB and can only be written once but read many times. Creating a CD-R is commonly referred to as 'burning' a CD. Q: What is the lead time for replication?
A: The lead time for replication is 8-15 working days. Q: What is the lead time for duplication?
A: Our standard lead time is 3 working days but we offer a same day or next day service. Q: What CD and DVD recordable media do you use?
A: We use Taiyo Yuden recordable media. Q: How many 'master' copies should I send with my project?
A: We recommend that you send 2 copies of your master to us with your project. Q: What is a glass master?
A: It is a glass disc etched with data that is used to create the stamper. The creation of a glass master is the first step in the injection molding process. Q: What is a stamper?
A: A stamper is a nickel disc used to mold CDs and DVDs. Q: What are overages?
A: To ensure the highest quality, each of our replicated discs is tested during manufacturing. Those discs that do not meet our quality standards are rejected and need to be replaced. Therefore, we produce an additional 5% to ensure that we have sufficient discs to complete your order. Q: What is overwrap?
A: A clear plastic film that is used to enclose CD and DVD packaging. Q: What is an amaray case?
A: It is a plastic case that is widely used for DVD packaging. Most DVDs in retail stores are packaged in amaray cases. Q: What is the time limit for a CD?
A: We recommend 76 minutes for maximum playback compatibility. Q: What is the time limit for a DVD?
A: There is not one. A single layer DVD has a capacity of 4.7GB. You can compress your file(s) to fit as much as you want on a DVD, but greater compression of the file(s) equals reduced video quality. Artwork Q: What is offset printing?
A: It is a printing technique that employs 4 standard colors - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. Also known as 4-color process or CMYK printing. Q: What is silk screen printing?
A: It is a printing technique in which artwork is converted into screens and ink is forced down through the screens onto a CD or DVD. Ideal for single color projects or ones in which the artwork contains PMS colors. Q: What disc printing options are available for duplication?
A: We offer inkjet and thermal transfer printing. Q: What is a PDF proof?
A: This low resolution file is intended for layout and type verification NOT color matching. It is a reflection of the files submitted. Q: Are physical proofs possible?
A: Yes, but there is a charge for the generation of physical proofs. Q: What is an insert?
A: It is a printed piece that is place behind the tabs in the front of a jewel case. Q: What is a traycard?
A: It is a printed piece that is inserted behind the tray in a jewel case. It has 'spines' that fold up the sides of the case. Q: What is a white flood?
A: It is a white base coat of ink that is applied to the silver surface of a CD/DVD. Its purpose is to make the colors printed on the disc more vibrant. Q: What does 4/0 mean?
A: It indicates 4 color process printing on one side and white on the other side. Q: What does 4/1 mean?
A: It indicates 4 color process printing on one side and black and white printing on the other side. Q: What does 4/4 mean?
A: It indicates 4 color process printing on both sides. Q: What is a 2 Panel Insert?
A: It is a printed piece (4.75" x 4.75") that is placed behind the tabs in the front of a jewel case. Q: What is a 4 Panel Insert?
A: It is a printed piece with 4 panels that is folded and placed behind the tabs in the front of a jewel case. Q: What is a DVD case wrap?
A: It is a printed sheet that is inserted behind the clear cover on the outside of an Amaray case. It 'wraps' around the front, spine and back of the case. Q: What is bleed?
A: Bleed is the area on printed material that will be cut off so that the finished piece does not have white borders. Q: What is a template?
A: A template provides the framework and dimensions for a design. Q: Which design software should I use when creating my artwork?
A: Please use a program we support (Quark, InDesign, PDF, TIFF, Illustrator, or Photoshop). Q: How should I send my artwork to you?
A: You can send your files to us on a CD with a print out for reference purposes or you can upload your files to our ftp site and send us the print out with your master. Q: How should I prepare my images?
A: All images should be CMYK and 300dpi. Q: Do you need the fonts I used in my artwork?
A: Please include all supporting elements such as embedded images, photos, and fonts. Q: What is the smallest font size I can use for disc artwork?
A: We suggest using 7 point type or larger on disc artwork. Q: What is a water base coating?
A: It is a clear protective coating on some printed materials. General Q: Why should I choose Benchmark?
A: At Benchmark Multimedia, our goal is simple. We strive to provide exactly the product you want, with a customer service that is second to none. Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept all major credit cards, Paypal, cash, personal and business checks, and money orders. Q: What if I'm not satisfied when my order arrives?
A: If you are not satisfied when your order arrives please call us. We will address any concerns you have immediately. We offer a 100% money back guarantee, so if you are unhappy and we can't remedy the problem you will not pay for the product. Q: How much will shipping cost?
A: Once we have your order information we will be able to provide you with an accurate shipping cost. Q: Can you drop ship?
A: Yes, we can drop ship your product for you. DVD Authoring Q: What is encoding?
A: It is the process of converting your video to MPEG-2 format. Q: What is MPEG-2?
A: MPEG-2 is the broadcast quality video found on DVDs. Q: Will my video be enhanced when transferred to DVD?
A: Unfortunately, the picture quality of your DVD will only be as good as its source. Q: What are the guidelines for designing a DVD menu?
A: Here's the really important information you'll need if you are designing your own DVD menu:
- Final image size should be 720 x 480.
- Text should be no smaller than 14 point.
- Overlays should be black, red, blue, or white.
- If you're working on a computer be sure to look at your design on a TV. The viewable area on a TV is smaller than a computer screen so you'll need to determine the safe area and keep all buttons and text within that area.
Q: Will my DVD be Region specific?
A: Not unless you request it.
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