If you have any questions about the authoring process, or for pricing, call Disc Makers’ help line at 1-800-237-6666.
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Q: What is the difference between DVD replication and DVD duplication?
A: Replicated discs such as DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, and DVD-18, which are sometimes called "pressed" discs, begin with a process called glass mastering. During glass mastering, a stamper containing the data is created, which is then used to injection-mold the discs. These “pressed” discs have their data encoded as a series of microscopic indentations molded directly into the disc surface. The resulting disc is only half of a finished DVD and is half as thick as a normal disc. The process is then repeated to make the other half of the disc. The two disc halves are then metallized, usually with aluminum, which gives the discs their silver color. The process is completed when the two halves are bonded together to create one complete DVD. Artwork is silk-screened onto the disc after manufacturing. The replication process takes place in a manufacturing facility and is how all retail-ready products are produced. Replicated discs have virtually 100% compatibility with DVD playback devices. Recordable DVDs (DVD-R and DVD+R) differ from replicated DVDs in that their data is not stored as actual indentations, but as laser marks made by burning tiny holes in the dye layer of the DVD-R media. DVDs created this way are called “duplicated” as opposed to “replicated” discs.
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Q: Should I get replication or duplication?
A: In general, it is more cost-effective to duplicate DVDs onto recordable media for runs under 300 units, and to replicate them onto DVD-5's or DVD-9's (like most commercial DVD releases) if printing more than 300. However, there are other advantages and disadvantages of each method of production:

Advantages and drawbacks of DVD Replication:
• Greatest consistency of production; the manufacturer goes from the glass master, replicated from your supplied master. Also offers most consistency of playability from player to player.
• Most cost-effective over a few hundred units
• More packaging options become cost-effective, such as DVDigipaks and Amaray-style cases with shrinkwrap and barcoding, which widens possibilities of retail distribution for your product
• More options for larger capacity; a DVD-9 can hold as much data as two DVD-Rs
• Small runs (under around 500 units) are less cost-effective due to set-up costs.
• Replication runs under 1000 take slightly longer to produce than duplication, although some manufacturers such as Disc Makers have the capability of providing fast service.

Advantages and drawbacks of DVD-R Duplication:
• Professional-looking graphic design and printing are available even in short runs.
• More cost-effective below 300 pieces, all the way down to 10 pieces.
• Extremely fast turnaround times for short runs, which can be done in-house with affordable DVD±R duplication systems like the Disc Makers Elite.
• Depending on the quality of the blank media, this process results in slightly less consistency of playability from player to player.
• Compatibility: Currently about 90% of standalone players can handle DVD-Rs or DVD+Rs, and this number is increasing.
• Not as robust as a pressed and screen-printed DVD and is more susceptible to damage from handling and environmental contaminants.
• Becomes less cost-effective at runs over 300 units.

One compromise might be to do some of each - duplicate a small quantity for quick-turn needs such as promotion or testing, and replicate the rest as a commercial run. Disc Makers offers both replicated and duplicated DVDs, and your product specialist will be happy to advise you on the proper format for your needs. Another option is to purchase a DVD±R duplicator to handle your short-run duplication needs in-house quickly, and then send your large runs out to a replicator. Call us at 1-800-237-6666.
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Q: Should I get copy protection for my DVD?
A: This decision depends on the intended end-use of the disc. CPSA (content protection system architecture) is the name given to the overall framework for security and access control across the entire DVD family. These include analog systems such as Macrovision, "serial" copy protection (CGMS), and Content Scrambling System (CSS). None of these copy-protection schemes will stop well-equipped pirates, and including them will add to the cost of replication. In addition, many DVD manufacturing plants require you to supply a DLT master in order to provide you with CSS or region coding.
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2. ARTWORK AND PACKAGING

Q: What are the differences between the packaging options which are available to me?
A: Packaging can make all the difference in getting your film noticed by the industry, by distributors, and retail buyers. Your options vary widely, and the appropriate packaging solution really depends on the ultimate destination of the DVD. The packaging of DVDs is generally different from the CD jewel case; this was done because manufacturers did not want customers to become confused and assume that their DVDs would play in their CD player. A DVD that is used for a promotional screener may not require the same type of case that you might need for a film that will be sold in a video store. Many packaging options exist and new ones are being devised all the time. Here are some examples of a few types of the more popular available DVD cases:

Amaray-style case
This is the most popular DVD packaging format, usually seen in major studio releases. This "keep case" box is an all-plastic clamshell with clear vinyl pockets for inserts. It also features a push-button locking tray hub for easy disc release and clamps for multi-page booklets. The "safe boxes" are made from impact-resistant polypropylene to protect the discs, and the wide spine offers high visibility and added retail impact for your DVDs. The insert can include all information about the film and filmmakers, chapter titles and menu points, and the film's website address where people can go for information and discussion - and where you can collect their information to put them on a mailing list for a newsletter for announcements of future releases and screenings.

DVDigipak
This is a premium packaging alternative to the Amaray-style case for your DVD video. It retains many of the advantages of the Amaray and offers the impact of high quality packaging and plenty of space to make an elegant and impressive graphics presentation.

Jewel box
This is the standard package for audio CDs, but if packaged with shrinkwrap and a barcode, it can often be used for DVDs for online retail. Although uncommon for DVD-video, it offers compact size, affordability, and attractiveness when used with a printed insert.

Digipak
Full graphics panels replace traditional jewel box paper inserts, and a secure locking tray keeps your disc in place. Digipaks have lower mailing costs than a conventional jewel box.

Custom-printed cardboard jacket
This is an economical way to have beautiful packaging on promotional screeners or DVDs that will be sold on your own website. It can be mailed directly without an additional envelope if you leave a blank area on the back of the jacket for an address and postage.

Tyvek sleeve
The most economical packaging option for promotional copies. Sleeves can be all-white or have a window for visibility of label copy.

Disc Makers, with a staff of over 20 full-time award-winning designers, specializes in great-looking custom DVD packaging. Call us at 1-800-237-6666 if you have questions or need suggestions.
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Q: I don't have design for my packaging - could you do it for me?
A: The Design Studio at Disc Makers specializes in DVD package design at low prices and can help you create a one-of-a-kind design for your DVD that reflects your style and your film. Our award-winning staff of 20 full-time graphic designers is nationally-recognized for their creative work in package design. Call us today at 1-800-237-6666 or visit our Design Studio website for more information.
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Q: I'd like to submit my own artwork for my DVD's packaging; what do I need to do?
A: If you are creating your own artwork for the DVD package, follow these tips for optimum results:
• Use our templates. We offer a huge selection of free, downloadable design templates for most popular design programs. Click here for details.
• Keep your design simple. While Disc Makers uses a 100-line screen, the industry standard line screen is 85 lines per inch (lpi), or about the same screen ruling as you find in newspaper print. Also, the tonal range allowed is 15-85%, meaning that tints less than 15% may not show up and tones darker then 85% may close up. These factors limit the amount of detail you can present in an image and also cause gradients to reproduce poorly.
• Work from your manufacturer’s template. Each manufacturer’s DVD has a slightly different printable area depending on the mold they use, so only their templates will be perfectly accurate for their DVD. Disc Makers offers free downloadable design templates at www.discmakers.com/rgf/.
• Bleeds, design areas that run past the outer edge of the printed media, are not permitted.
• DVD label proofs usually show more detail than the actual on-disc silk-screen print and do not always give an accurate impression of what these kinds of problem areas will look like.
• As many as four or five spot PMS colors can be printed, but again this is still not the same as full-color process. If a white instead of silver background is desired, a “donut” of white ink can be laid down first. Any of these on-disc print options involve additional cost.
• Full-color silk screen printing is available, again at an additional cost. Disc Makers offers deluxe, full-color silk screen printing at 200-line screen, which is the highest in the industry.
• Trap aggressively, depending on what colors you’re using. Trapping addresses possible registration problems that can occur between adjacent colors in a printed design by slightly expanding one color region into the other. If it is type on black, give it as much as a one-point trap. Many graphics applications include support for trapping. If you are supplying electronic files to Disc Makers, a pre-press specialist will check and trap all of your files for the best results when printed.
• PMS inks have varying levels of opacity, so the color combination from printing the inks on top of each other may be different from what you expected. Other screened blends of two or more colors can also present problems for these same reasons.
• True duotones cannot be done predictably, since registration in silk-screening is difficult, and a moiré pattern can easily occur. Also for this reason, avoid using fine type knocked out of a screened background or screened type in small sizes.
• When proofing, keep in mind that printing your label proofs on white paper will be misleading because your design will be printed directly over the silver surface of the disc (unless you are laying down a flood coat of white). This may cause some of your lighter tones to disappear due to the gray value of the silver being similar to the value of those tones. You can get around this by using the silver as a design element - so it becomes an extra color.

Short of printing the ink on a DVD, there is no totally accurate means for viewing what the actual printed surface will look like. Skilled professionals can anticipate many of the effects that may occur, but even they are surprised from time to time. The fewer unpredictable elements you have in your design, the less chance you will be surprised by the outcome. As long as you’re aware of the unique nature of silk-screening ink on a silver DVD, you can adjust your design accordingly and come up with creative and impressive results.
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Q: Will I get graphics proofs?
A: Whether we do your design or you supply your design, we will check your content and send you a proof for your approval. In most cases, we email the proof, but we may mail them via overnight delivery. In order for an order not to be delayed, you must approve the proof the day they you receive it from us; each day you hold onto it without approving it will result in a day you will lose in production, so please approve or call with changes and corrections immediately.
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Q: How can I get a barcode on my package to sell my film online?
A: To sell your product in stores, you’ll need a barcode. Buying one yourself would cost you $750 and would take several weeks. Independent filmmakers already have plenty of expenses in producing and promoting their films – which is why Disc Makers gives you a unique barcode absolutely free when you replicate your CDs or DVDs with us. All you have to do is ask.
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3. PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS

Q: How can I protect my rights?
A: Any artwork you create is your property, but that can sometimes be difficult to prove in court. We strongly advise that you copyright your original material with the United States Copyright Office (www.copyright.gov, 202-707-9100), where you can also get information about registration, and the appropriate forms. Disc Makers participates in the International Recording Media Association (IRMA) Anti-Piracy Compliance Program, which protects property rights owners from the unauthorized distribution of their content. For compliance information, go to www.discmakers.com/film/irma.
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Q: How can I copyright my film?
A: Any screenplay or film you create is your property, but that can sometimes be difficult to prove in court. We strongly advise that you copyright your original material with the United States Copyright Office, where you can also get information about registration, and the appropriate forms. The current registration fee is $30 per work or collection of works. Learn more at http://www.copyright.gov/register/performing.html.
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Q: My film has other people's video and images in it. Can I still get it replicated?
A: Permission is required to use 3rd party video and images unless use of said images pass the Fair Use Guidelines. There are four basic factors which determine whether a work can bypass the necessity of obtaining permission, and the work would have to pass all four. They involve 1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes; 2) the nature of the copyrighted work; 3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and 4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work. Generally, however, clearance is required in most cases to use 3rd party content. More information can be found at http://www.cetus.org/fairindex.html.
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Q: My film has other people's music in it. Is that OK?
A: Permission is required for every piece of music used in your film, whether you use a whole composition or merely a part. There are two licenses you need to obtain for every piece of music you use in your film:
• Synchronization license. The sync license covers the piece’s words and music; the difference between it and a song’s mechanical license is that while it is compulsory for the music’s creator to grant you permission to be able to musically perform it (in public or on an audio medium), they have the option to refuse to allow their work to be wedded to your film or visuals. In most cases, however, they grant permission. If you were performing someone else’s song yourself, this would be the only license you would need to get. To determine the publisher, contact ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, or visit www.songfile.com; fees vary.
• Film Master Use license. This license covers the use of another artist’s performance of a piece of music to be included in your film. To secure licenses and permission, you will need to contact the performer’s record label. Clearance prices will vary depending on the intended distribution of your film.
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Q: What Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) documentation do I need to send in to inform you that I own the copyrights or license?
A: You will need to send in the following documents:
• Cover sheet
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) form – this is the main form which informs us that you own the copyrights or license. Orders without this form cannot be processed.
• Proof of license of all 3rd party content (images, sound, video) used in your project.
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4. PRICE, SHIPPING, AND GUARANTEE

Q: What does the price include?
A: Many facilities will tell you their price is complete, but there may be hidden costs. We recommend that you consult the following checklist to confirm what items are included in each company’s package.
• Label film and proofs
• Replication overruns
• Print overruns
• Art file prep and proofs
• Printing
• Replication
• Assembly
• Glass mastering
• Freight on proofs and tests
• Rush charges
• Polywrap (if required)
• Shipping
• Sales tax (if you don’t have a resale certificate)

When you call us, the price we quote is the price you pay. Every Disc Makers package includes mastering, graphics printing, packaging, and we’ll give you an accurate quote on two-day freight (at ground prices) and tax (if applicable). Unlike the quotes of some of our competitors, at Disc Makers, there are no hidden extras.
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Q: How long will shipping take and what will it cost?
A: Product shipping is for Pennsauken, NJ. Disc Makers products do not include freight unless specifically mentioned.

Most orders ship via UPS or DHL and will arrive within two business days. Orders over 3,000 pieces will ship by truck and may take longer. Posters, shipping supplies, and other items may ship via ground or motor freight. Please discuss shipping details with your product specialist. Please call Disc Makers at 1-800-468-9353 to discuss rates and delivery times for outside Mainland USA.
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Q: Will I be satisfied?
A: All of our work on your project is done in-house to such exacting standards that Disc Makers is the only manufacturer in the industry that offers you this satisfaction guarantee: You must be 100% satisfied with your graphic design proofs and audio tests or we’ll cheerfully refund your deposit in full. Your finished product will match the proofs and tests you approved within commercial standards, or we’ll make it right. You must be satisfied!
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