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Media Press LLC
78 Sanford Road
Woodbury , CT 06798
Call Toll Free!
866-597-9898
203-597-9898
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A Brief Introduction to CD-ROM Manufacturing The Steps Involved in mass replication of a CD-ROM are:
Pre-mastering If you do not have your own CD-R writer, you can send your data to us for pre-mastered. You send it via Email, FTP, UPS, Airborne or FedEx. We will make the test CD and overnight it back to you for your approval. Once you approved the Test CD, as the pre-mastered, we will begin the replication process. Mac users often prefer the hybrid because it retains the icons, window placement and long filenames that are lost on a ISO 9660 disc. Another advantage of the hybrid is that Mac data is invisible to PC users, and PC data is invisible to Mac users. We will normally ship pre-masters the same day if we have the data by 10:30 am. Artwork for silk-screen labeling of the CD CD replication normally includes up to 3 color silk screen labeling on the surface of the disk. We can screen up to 6 colors for an additional fee. Please note that if you intend on using a white background, it is considered color; i.e. 3 color on white will be considered 4 colors. The specifications for the artwork (which must be converted to film positives) must be followed precisely for the silk screening to work. If you would like us to output your artwork files to film, you must deliver it to us in a format that is readable. See the specifications on our Client Support Site of our home pages. Any work required to your graphics file will be billed per hour basis for any alterations that must be made to bring the artwork into specification or for unusual problems in opening your artwork files. We have the capability to can create very simple text layouts, your approval, and output them to film positives. If you would like our graphic arts staff to create the layout from your pictures, the cost is billed at a per hour rate. If you are using halftones or more than two colors for a more professional look, this may be your best option as our artists are experts on what type of art looks good through the silk-screening process. You will get your order faster if the artwork is completed before we begin preparing it for replication, but we will be flexible to your needs if you do not require a rush job. We prefer receiving artwork as either Adobe Illustrator (.ai or .eps) or QuarkXPress (.qxd) files. Be sure your spot colors are properly named and indicated on the artwork. Eliminate any colors that are not being used within the art file itself. If using QuarkXPress, do a collect to insure that all files (fonts and artwork) are included when you send the files. If you are sending Illustrator files, please convert all type to outlines before you send the files. Placed artwork and logos (photos, TIFFs, etc) should be at least 170 dpi. Please include any placed images with the art files. They must be high-resolution. Do not use 72 dpi images (such as those used on web pages), as the resolution is too low for good printing quality. The resolution for line art (PostScript, Illustrator, etc.) is determined by the output device. If you are outputting your own film, make sure that it is at least 600 dpi for the best results. Films for silk-screening must have all registration marks on each film, and must be output as right reading, emulsion up (RREU) positives. There are no bleeds in CD printing. Create a mask (white donut) to eliminate artwork and graphics that exceed the edge of the CD. Contact MediaPress (203-597-9898) for any templates and specifications you may require for preparing your artwork. Mastering/Replication Using the pre-master as the source, we first make a glass master (stamper) and then we replicate the CDs from that master. Standard turn-around time is 10 business days. Day zero is the day we received everything for your job. Rush jobs can be arranged, but will cost slightly more. Please contact MediaPress to get an idea of what your job will cost. There is a setup charge for reorders from the same master on orders over 500 disks. Turnaround time for re-orders is normally 7 to 10 business days. CD/DVD Master Preparation Tips "CD/DVD Master" is the disc you provide to your CD/DVD vendor for replication or duplication of that media. Here are some helpful tips for creating a high quality master: Printed Materials If you are packaging your disks in jewel cases, you will most likely want to print tray cards (back liner) and booklets (front insert card). The minimum print run is 1000 pieces. The pre-press work, the artwork and film expenses as well as the overall procedures are similar to that of silk-screening. Please allow 10 business days for printing. We can begin the CD duplication before the completion of the printing, saving you about five days off the schedule. Please note that, if you provide your own printed inserts, they must be cut precisely to our specification or we will have to insert them manually, at an addition cost and possibly a delay in the schedule. Again, we prefer receiving artwork as either Adobe Illustrator (.ai or .eps) or QuarkXPress (.qxd) files. As mentioned above be sure your spot colors are properly named and indicated on the artwork. Eliminate any colors that are not being used within the art file itself. If using QuarkXPress, do a collect to insure that all files (fonts and artwork) are included when you send the files. Do not use 72 dpi images (such as those used on web pages), as the resolution is too low for good printing quality. If you are sending Illustrator files, please convert all type to outlines before you send the files. Allow for a 1/8" bleed on all artwork and graphics that exceed the trim area. Please note: When preparing files for CD and accompanying sleeves, folders, and mailers, spot colors used on CDs must be converted to CMYK for traditional printing. There may be a slight variation in the final color output because of this. You might want to consider this when designing your complete CD project. If you absolutely need spot color for printing your sleeves, folders, and mailers, there may be additional charges applied. We prefer to receive electronic files for conventional printing jobs. A color proof (a .pdf or high resolution .jpeg) file should accompany these files as a visual reference. Contact MediaPress (203-597-9898) for any templates and specifications you may require for preparing your artwork. Packaging Many clients prefer the standard shrink wrapped jewel case as it is the de facto industry standard for packaging and storing CDs and CD-ROMs. It generally has a perceptually higher value than other packaging and is often more convenient for the customer. If you are distributing your software through retail outlets, you will probably want to use jewel cases. If you are mailing a jewel case, keep in mind that it weighs about 4 ounces and often cracks under the stresses of shipping, so you might want to consider using special packaging for shipping them to your customers. Tyvek sleeves are an inexpensive way to package discs that can be distributed by mail in jiffy-packs or handed out in person. Of course, the perceived value tends to be much lower and any printed material must be included separately. Cardboard self-mailers are very popular with ISPs because of their relative indestructibility and ease of use. A disk, mailer and printed material typically weighs between 1.1 to 2 ounces. Because the mailer can be preprinted, fulfillment is somewhat easier. You can include your return address and your bulk postage permit right on the mailer. Because the mailer can also store the disk, you saved the expense of a Tyvek sleeve or a shrink-wrapped jewel case. We, also, offer custom sleeves and mailers. Distribution/Fulfillment Once the CD is completed and inserted in the appropriate packaging, we will ship them to you or to our distribution warehouse if you are using our fulfillment services. |
  
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