Duplication Replication Tips, News

Working in this industry for a number of years now, I’ve seen CD’s in DVD cases and DVD’s in CD cases. In addition I’ve seen singles in single cases and 6-12 discs in multi disc cases. So who is to say which best fits your needs? Is it best to have individual cases compiling a “box set” or box all the discs together in a single case? What is in a case that can increase “perceived value” while helping out your bottom line?

First let’s start with “CD Jewel Case or DVD Amaray Style Case” and discuss the pros and cons of both. The first consideration is will your project be for retail or direct mail (maybe even e-commerce fulfillment). Is it absolutely necessary for the end user to maintain a hard-shell case, or will it probably be discarded shortly after purchase or arrival? If not really needed, you might consider a cardboard sleeve mailer. These are great for direct mail pieces as well as for giveaways such as at tradeshows or other special events. However, if being sold in a more retail environment and that “perceived value” is important then you’re headed in the right direction with the more traditional case type scenario.

CD jewel cases (in case you’ve never purchased one in a retail store) are those clear plastic square cases that typically have some type of printed insert slid into the front of the case, as well as a traycard that provides the artistic inside back of the case (as well as the spine information seen on the sides), resting just beneath the tray that holds the disc inside. Got it? OK, so this is your classic packaging for retail CD’s– period. Say “CD case” to practically anyone, and this is what they will think of when you utter those words. A DVD case (sometimes referred to as Amaray case, or Amaray style case) is the jewel case’s counterpart for DVD’s. It is more rectangular in shape, typically with one printed sheet that wraps around the entire outside of the case, just below the outer plastic protective covering. With me so far? Great! Now let’s move on.

While I have definitely seen CD’s in DVD cases and DVD’s in CD cases, you can either increase or decrease your retail value by choosing the wrong case. I think sometimes people will put a DVD in a CD jewel case to lessen shipping costs. If that’s the case, why not consider the cardboard sleeves discussed above? They were created for direct mail purposes. Oh, you say, “But my end user will not discard the case after they receive it, so I need a hard-shell case.” Then bite the proverbial bullet and put it in the case they most expect. Honestly, there is not that much price difference in going with the larger case, because now you don’t need two sets of printed pieces (inserts and traycards) like you will for the CD jewel case. It really becomes a coin toss, so better to not confuse the issue. If a single disc, remember the words of the famous Ring Master, P.T. Barnum, and “give the people what they want.”

One “possible” exception for a giveaway or hard-shell case that will lessen the bulk and price tag is what is known as a “slimline” jewel case, about half the thinkness of a standard jewel case, requiring no printed insert or traycard since the backside is a solid black tray with clear hinged front. Maybe that is an option for you. These are popular at tradeshows as well as for software distribution.

When offering a double-disc set of mixed media, one disc being CD with the other disc being DVD a helpful reminder– bigger is better! If you are doing a CD and DVD project, go with the double-disc DVD case. Why? Again, “perceived value.” What do most CD’s run in retail stores? What do most DVD’s run in retail stores? A lot of that has to do with the packaging perception, believe it or not. You can put a CD/DVD project in a jewel case and the simple fact is it will not have the same greater perceived value as the CD/DVD project in a DVD case. It may be psychological, but the effects to you are “economical” if trying to sell in one vs. the other. Your greater ROI (Return On Investment) will be in the DVD size case for your double-disc project.

Now if you are going crazy with a series of discs, would it best suit you to have all discs individually boxed and then put into what is typically known as a “box set” (think of the TV series you now see boxed/packaged together in retail stores for “Stargate: Season 1″ etc.) or to have all of your discs packaged together in a multi-disc case? Ahhhhhhhhhhh, shelf-hopper, here too we have experienced words of wisdom. If you are going retail, again, your greater perceived value will be with the individually-packaged CD or DVD cases in a box set. However, if you are offering maybe an inspirational or motivational teaching series, you might go by way of the multi-disc case. Why? Retail projects such as TV series or films with sequels, maybe even music collections, have probably already been individually released and are now simply being packaged for collectors’ shelves, like the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy or the “Best of Bon Jovi” or similar. It’s simply repackaging for these kinds of projects. The only thing you are probably adding “new” is the box itself that all are being packaged in. But if your project is not music driven or film driven, you will most definitely save quite a few dollars and cents by putting these all into the same case. Think of the print you’ll be saving from the individual boxes/cases as well as the boxes/cases themselves! I’ve seen cardio kickboxing programs, lecture series and even some religious TV shows (never offered as individual shows to viewers), neatly and cost-effectively packaged in multi-disc cases.

Really what this issue boils down to is the same two-part question that we ask most people coming to us with their projects: (1) what is your budget for the project, and (2) what is the expected ROI you are seeking from the project? It really, really helps to have the answers to these two questions firmly in-mind before you begin the replication, print and packaging process, not to mention your retail marketing whether in stores or online.

Think over these two questions, consider the advice that has been offered above, and give me a call. We’ll come to a decision you will both be happy with as well as maximize your hard-earned investment when presented to retail buyers. It’s the Duplium way!

By: Jeff a

In the wake of sophisticated global networking and Internet capabilities, the facilitation of sharing, sending, using, and creating digital media is done at fast speeds, and in great numbers. Websites such as MySpace and You Tube provide easier access to file sharing and viewing. For media reproduction (dvd duplication, replication), widely known as DVD copying, this makes mediums used to do so more prevalent. Read the rest of this entry »

Dallas, Texas  -  Every company needs to have an edge, something that separates it from it’s competitors, and it’s been proven time and time again that creative, eye-grabbing marketing and advertising strategies can push a product into prominence, garner media attention, and reinforce brand awareness and loyalty. In today’s market place, multimedia rules. For that reason, CDs, DVDs should be a part of your marketings strategy. Get your message out!

Start your marketing get dvd cd replication 

Look no further than Duplium! Duplium not only can take your project from finished master disc to a complete retail ready finished product, Duplium can also provide that extra, in your face exposure through professionally printed 4 color posters and postcard hand outs. Duplium is print services are second to none and offer high end offset or digital printed posters, postcards or color flyer’s. Get your band noticed by having our professionally printed posters compliment the next CD release or gig date. No job too small and no job too large, Duplium has your posters, flyer’s and postcards covered. Call today to discuss your next project.

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So you just need to “burn” a few discs, CD and/or DVD, huh? What do most people do when this occurs? They go out to their local office supply store and purchase blank discs, maybe even to some larger buyer’s “club” offering discounted prices for larger bulk quantities. Sound familiar?

Hey, no doubt, this fits the average scenario and average need. But since when did you want to be “average?” Is it possible to turn this media need around to further your marketing and branding efforts? Oh, you BET IT IS!

Consider an insurance company or insurance agent, for example. When insuring a home, whether for owner or renter, what agent does not advise their client to either take pictures or videos of their belongings for later verification should theives or natural disaster strike? Most agents I know do this. Now what if he provided a black CDR or DVDR with his agency’s name, logo, etc screened onto the disc? Would that not help his client keep up with this very important piece of information? Certainly, that disc will stick out above all others in their home for easy retrieval, correct? Would this not make an impression on the client for the agent providing such a disc?

Let’s jump ship to a college or university, maybe offered through an alumni office. Alumni purchase the blank CDRs and DVDRs with their alma mater’s logo, mascot, etc screened onto the disc. What do they do with these? They send photos or videos of weddings, new births, alumni get-togethers, family vacations, etc not only to other alumni of their institution, but maybe to family and friends from other institutions with an upcoming college-bound teen in the home. Maybe these are sold to students on campus who do the same thing and send back to friends at home still deciding on which college they will attend. Get the idea?

Blank media, screened with your company information, logo, etc can be a powerful tool to further establish your name and your business in the minds of those seeing these discs…and whoever “they” forward the disc to as well. It sure does more for your business image than those blank discs purchased at the local office supply store, doesn’t it?

These are not limited to insurance agents and colleges/universities, however. Churches many times use these to offer the pastor’s weekly sermons on a more professional looking disc that is burned on-demand vs. professionally replicated (with larger quantity requirements and turntimes). But also it’s not just churches, but seminars, conventions, etc where discs are being burned on-site and on-demand. It’s all about creating or furthering your “brand” in the minds of those who receive these discs and, again, pass them along.

The cost is not that expensive, if you look at these as a “promotional item” vs. an office supply. How much do you pay for customized/personalized pens, stationary, paperweights, paperclip holders, key rings, etc vs. those same generic items you purchase at the local office supply store. And why do you willing pay more for these items? Simple, you know these are sales tools, not just office tools. BINGO! Now apply that same mentality to the blank media you’ve been purchasing and using to currently only forward the marketing effects of Office Depot, Office Max, etc whose names are currently etched on those discs. Did they offer you a discount for helping their marketing campaign? Probably not, so why not use “their” same strategy and market yourself when using blank disc media?

You’ll never look at one of those store-bought discs again now without thinking of “marketing potential” vs. standard office supply. Good! You can pay me later for the new marketing insight via your next purchase of pre-screened blank media discs here at Duplium.

DVD’s can be packaged in a variety of ways to appeal to the audience you are targeting. For instance, a Hollywood movie usually comes packaged in a rectangular DVD case that has a custom printed outer trap sheet and cellophane over wrap. This is a very common way to package educational or entertainment media for retail distribution. The DVD cases also take up less space in a retail environment where space is at a premium.

If you have an instructional DVD for a product you are selling it may come packaged in a simple paper sleeve along side the product in the box.

DVD’s can also be packaged in four color process printed sleeve or a 4 panel wallet. These can be mailed out to a group or handed out at an event.

Jewel cases are still a popular way to package CD’s & DVD’s. They are widely used for packaging Audio CD’s in the music industry and for CD-Rom’s in the software industry. The jewel cases in both the standard size case and the slim line variety.

A newer packaging item for CD’s and DVD’s is called a Digi-Pack. This is similar to a jewel case but the digi-pack case is manufactured from 15 to 18 point card stock board that is custom printed. Inside the case is a plastic tray that is glued in to house the disc.

Recently there has been a big push toward Green Packaging. Green packaging can be

Made from Biodegradable material, recycled paper or organic material used to manufacture the package. The only downside to green packaging is that it costs more to produce. Many companies are willing to pay more to help protect the environment and be part of an environmentally friendly and responsible community.

This Blog was submitted by:

Richard Stickel -Senior Account Manager - Duplium Corporation - Dallas DVD CD Media Company   1-800-928-2018 Ext. 1114

One of the more resourceful ways I have seen clients use disc media is for add-on profits. One great example of this I have seen on several occasions (adding very little money to the project’s cost) is to take a DVD project and create a double-disc offering by adding the audio portion on CD as well. This pertains mostly to instructional/inspirational type products such as sales training, religious teaching or business motivational presentations, but the idea is great.

In many cases you’re only adding $0.50 or so in replication and packaging costs (sometimes less, based on quantity) to have that extra audio CD as well as go from a single-disc case to a double-disc case. But in the retail market this can increase your perceived value by as much as $15 or more by promoting “Double-disc Set” on your front cover printed wrap. Not a bad return on investment, and this does have appeal. How many times would you like the option of either watching a sales/motivational/religious/etc on DVD or simply listening to it on CD during your morning/afternoon commute in your car? However often or not, it is the “convenience” and “option” of being able to do so that increases both the appeal and the retail price.

So the next time you have a DVD project like this pending, talk to your sound engineer and see how much it would cost just to run that extra audio portion on CD as well. It could be a question well-worth asking considering the extra profits it can bring.

By: Jeff M - Duplium Corporation - Dallas Disk DVD CD Duplication Services  

Yes, we know you are in a hurry to get your product back and/or out the door. But there is a process to what we do, a “method to our madness,” if you will. When you are producing over 5 million discs per month as we are, you have to not only have these processes in place, but stick to them lest you create absolute chaos in the plant. But back to “you”…lol.

If you know you have a project coming up where you are not going to be able to get the disc master to us until the proverbial “last minute,” one thing you can do to DEFINITELY speed up the process is to at least provide us with artwork ASAP! Reason being, ink only dries so fast on paper and Duplium has yet to find the secret to altering the laws of nature, so we are “stuck” when it comes to printed material needs and turntime.

However, more often than not, I have clients who tell me, “Yes, I’ve already got my artwork ready to submit. You mean you can go ahead and get started?!” My response is an immediate “YES!” This GREATLY will help us help YOU in getting your project turned in the time you need. Of course there will still be rush fees associated with your disc manufacturing and replication, but if we don’t have the proper turntime for print, we’re both out in the cold (going back to that “law of nature” idea).

So, again, when you know that you know that you know you are going to be rushed in getting your project done, and that the final edited disc will be delayed for submission to us, GET US THE PRINT ARTWORK ASAP!!! With most standard printed inserts (for CD jewel cases or DVD cases) this means 3-4 days lead time. Custom print for cardboard mailer sleeve, digipaks, etc need a longer lead time, so call me on these.

At the end of the day we want you happy and returning for more business, so I simply offer this suggestion to make your next “rush project” a little (note I did say “little”) less stressful. Help us help you and we BOTH win in the end

Without question, digital downloads are becoming more popular. So often I am asked, “What is the future for disc media?” Maybe, just maybe in 5-10 years from now that will be a good question, but as for “today” disc media is still alive and well.

There is still a good bit of the populous who simply cannot (for whatever reason) access content online, either at work or at home. These issues stem from firewalls to broadband vs. dial-up issues, but not everyone has either (a) access or (b) broadband width to allow for digital media. You also have a very large market of people that would like to physically hold something in their hands to show for their dollars vs. the more intangible media offered via download. Some will prefer to download their favorite tunes and movies on their iPod, while others will continue to add to their CD/DVD collections at home. Maybe “nostalgia” plays a part in this, since who would have ever thought vinyl albums would re-appear on the American music scene? But they have, so don’t rule out disc media too quickly.

I have seen some businesses offer training seminars or new employee orientation via download while others prefer to have something they can just pull off of shelf and play without any online connection issues. So in this regard, corporate America has also not fully bought into digital downloads just yet. It therefore remains a proverbial “coin toss” at this point in professional preference.

No doubt the future for digital downloads is bright, and we certainly offer digital download services at Duplium, but don’t sell the more tried-and-true method of disc content too short either. Certainly do not plan on seeing CD’s and DVD’s disappearing from the American landscape of pop culture any time soon. They are a reliable medium for data delivery and as such will be used until digital downloads are as reliable in all businesses and homes. Beyond that, it is your choice which to use.

By: Jeff M. Dallas DVD CD Duplication Company  

Often I get called by clients asking if we can “burn” their discs. More often than not I know what they “mean,” even if what they mean is not what they just asked.

Burning or “duplication” is an entirely different process from pressing or “replication.” Think of the old LP albums or vinyl records that were once so popular (at least in “my” childhood). These were pressed discs basically.

Burning discs is something that most can do at home or at the office these days. It just takes blank CDR’s or DVDR’s and a burner. What we do, however, is a much more involved process, literally molding each disc individually with the more professional screening done on the face of the disc. But what does all this reallly mean to the consumer?

Here are the more typical problems associated with burned discs: (1) skipping, (2) random freezing, (3) “no disc” recognized by your player meaning the disc won’t play at all. Sound familiar?

The problem lies in the fact that many older CD and DVD players have older electronics inside that were programmed years ago, before newer disc formats were developed. Also know that according to PC Magazine, most burned discs only have a shelf life of about 2-3 years, and that it in “prime” climate conditions, as both extreme cold and extreme heat can adversely affect burned/duplicated discs.

The simplest way around all of this is to simply have your discs replicated. If you are one of those who have been burning 200-300 discs, you might be amazed at how cost-effectively your disc projects can be professionally manufactured and mass produced. Even if you don’t need 1,000 units (the beginning price “sweet spot”), you’ll still probably find it cheaper in the longrun to either discard the extra discs not used, use them for promotional purposes or simply hold onto them (or have us hold onto them) for future re-orders once your project takes off.

Don’t “think” that just because you only need a few hundred discs that burning is cheaper. For your customers who purchase your disc in good faith, or that corporate executive who gets your promotional CD/DVD in the mail from you, to have them put that in their player and have it NOT work is not exactly going to win you intial or repeat business. Better to have the REAL DEAL go out the first time for that lasting, professional impression.

Any questions? Just give me a shout via phone (800-928-2018 x1156) or email (jmckissack@duplium.com) and let me see what the real cost comparison will be for your project. You just might be surprised– pleasantly! http://www.duplium.com