What is a 'glass master'?
A 'glass master' is the type of master that is made from your supplied audio pre-master and it is used to replicate your CD's during the manufacturing process. Technically speaking, a glass master is a data image of the final CD or DVD disc generated by a Laser Beam Recorder (LBR), normally consisting of a thin photosensitive organic layer supported by a polished, optically flat glass substrate. From the glass master a stamper is made which is the electroformed part made from a mother and containing a reversed data image of the final disc which becomes part of a mold for the injection molding replication process.
What is 'injection molding'?
Replicated Audio CD's are manufactured from raw plastics and substrate materials. 'Injection molding' is used in replication involving injection under pressure of molten plastic into the cavity of a mold followed by cooling and removal of the solidified part that retains a replica of the mold.
How much audio can I fit on a CD?
EDT Media guarantees the playability of up to 76 minutes of stereo audio on our replicated CD's. It is important to understand that some older CD players were designed to play 74 minutes, which was the previous industry standard. You can fit more on a manufactured CD if you wish, however as more content is fit onto a CD, the closer the program gets to the outer rim, and not all lasers in CD players are designed to track this close to the outer edge.
do I need 'mastering'?
'Mastering' is a recommended process when replicating CD-Audio for public release. Please visit the Mastering section of our website for important information regarding Audio Mastering.
what type of 'audio master' can I send?
EDT Media accepts two standard formats for CD-Audio replication:CD-R and DAT. Other types of masters may be submitted with the consultation of a representative prior to order submission.
what is 'silkscreen printing'?
'Silkscreen printing' is the industry standard for labeling of CD-Audio products. The silkscreen printing process applies a series of inks directly onto the face of the CD resulting in a CD label that balances the best durability and image resolution possible. CD label silkscreen printing requires the use of 'film separations' in the screen preparation to print each layer of color. These colors can be individual Pantone or PMS colors or duotone and multi-tone color processes such as CMYK which combines four primary colors to create a full color image.
what are 'pantone' colors?
'Pantone colors' refer to a color matching system adopted as the standard in the print industry. Every individual shade of color is identified by a number and can be referenced to in a 'pantone color book' or 'pantone color chart'. Pantone colors are also referred to as 'PMS colors' which is an acronym for 'Pantone Matching System'. When choosing Pantone Colors for your CD label it is best to use the Pantone Solid Coated color selections.
what are 'PMS' colors?
'PMS' is an acronym for 'Pantone Matching System' and is the print industry's standard for color identification. Please see "what are 'pantone colors'?" for more details.
why and when do I need a 'full white bleed'?
The use of photos on CD labels is very common. It is important to understand the silkscreen process and effect it has on the final imaging of the label. As well, photos are often in color, and not all CD packages provide full color (4 - 5 color) labels. Please refer to "why do I need a 'full white bleed'?" for more details on full color printing on CD labels. Consult an EDT Media representative for accurate pricing based on the number of CD label colors your require.
what are 'ISRC codes'?
'ISRC' stands for 'International Standard Recording Code' and is a code that can be encoded onto your CD for identification in the industry including the tracking and payment of royalties. Please visit the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) website for important information on ISRC at www.ifpi.org/isrc/
what is a 'catalog' number?
A 'catalogue number' is a unique code that is assigned to your product. You may assign your own catalogue number in order for easy reference to you and/or your company. EDT Media recommends that a catalogue number be made up of at least three letters and three numbers.
I know I can make up my own Catalogue Number, but what should it be?
EDT Media recommends that a catalogue number be made up of at least three letters and three numbers. For example, if your record label was called 'Rock Rules Records', then your first release may have the catalogue number "RRR001". Some distributors prefer that your catalogue number be referenced to the UPC barcode used on the product. For example, if your UPC barcode number was '6-98198-0037-2" then your catalogue number could be "RRR00372", as a method of cross referencing both the label or company initials and the UPC barcode of that particular release. If you do have or do not wish to choose your own catalogue number, EDT Media will assign your product it's internal job reference number as your catalogue number.
why do I need a 'UPC barcode'?
'UPC Barcodes' are used by the majority of the retail CD-Audio sales industry. Some retailers will not accept CD products without barcodes. There are two important elements to a UPC barcode: 1) it's worldwide 'uniqueness' to your product, 2) the accuracy and quality of the generation and print of the barcode on your product. EDT Media guarantees both of these elements with every UPC barcode that is assigned. Besides retail, other users of CD-Audio products, such as distributors and radio stations, find the UPC barcode advantageous for cataloguing and tracking.
why and how do I register with 'SoundScan'?
'Soundscan' is a U.S. based firm that tracks and collects retail sales and distribution figures for the music industry. Since 1991, Billboard's charts have been based on Soundscan reports. If you are planning on releasing your product, including retail sales and distribution, it's worth registering your product with Soundscan. You need a UPC barcode, which is provided with most EDT Media CD-Audio packages. You can visit www.soundscan.com/register.html for the application form and instructions.
what do I need to know to be able to sell my CD in retail stores, as well as with online retailers such as 'CD Baby', 'Amazon.com', 'CD Now', 'Borders.com', 'HMV.com', 'Chapters.com', etc?
A 'retail ready' product is your basic requirement. Following industry standards in terms of CD replication, printing and packaging is important. Retailers are interested in selling product and if their opinion of your product is that it may be difficult to sell, they may not want to offer your product as part of their catalogue. Opinions do vary, however, for the most-part, your product should follow standard size, wrap and UPC barcode specifications.
what are 'bulk CD's'?
If you are only looking for the CD with no packaging, then you are looking for "Bulk CD's". Bulk CD's typically come in stacks of 200 CD's with heavy plastic tightly wrapped around them to prevent shifting and scratching. Bulk CD's are sometimes referred to as CD's "on a spindle", when in fact, most often there is no actual 'spindle' that they come on.
what is the difference between a 'jewel box' and a 'jewel case'?
This is simply a difference in terminology and actually describes the same product. A jewel box or jewel case is a plastic box that has a snapped in tray for the CD and a hinge to allow the box to close to protect the contents. There are four tabs on the front pane that hold the folder or booklet. A tray card sits underneath the tray and is inserted before the tray itself is assembled in the jewel box. The tray has a hub in the center where the CD is snapped into place. Standard jewel box trays are most commonly black or clear, but do come in a wide variety of colors. There are many different types of jewel boxes however the regular jewel box is the standard for CD packaging in the industry.
what are the different types of 'slimline jewel boxes'?
For CD-Audio retail sales, 'slimline jewel boxes' are typically used for CD Singles or EP's. The standard slimline jewel box accommodates a CD J-Card which has a spine and a j-flap that can be seen from the back side, much like the j-cards that are used for Audio Cassettes. Similar to the regular jewel box, the slimline jewel box is made of plastic and has a hinge, however the CD snaps right onto the hub which is molded right into the back pane. There is no separate tray that can be removed as with the regular jewel box. There is a similar slimline jewel box that is often used as packaging for CD-R (or CD-Recordables) which typically has a solid rear pane and a hole/space along the back on the hinge side. This product is sometimes referred to as an 'ultra slimline jewel box' and is not very commonly used for CD-Audio.
what are the different types of 'double CD jewel boxes'?
There are two types of double CD jewel boxes commonly used for CD-Audio. The 'regular double jewel box' is a double thick jewel box that has a tray snapped into the front pane as well as a tray snapped into the back pane, thus accommodating two tray cards. A folder or booklet may sit inside the jewel box in the middle section. Increasingly popular is the 'double slimline jewel box' which is the same thickness as a regular jewel box, however the tray is attached as part of the hinge system allowing it to flap forwards and backwards (similar to the page of a book). A CD is attached to the hub on the front side, and the second CD is attached to the hub on the rear side of the hinged tray. The double slimline jewel box uses a regular folder/booklet and tray card.
what is the difference between 'shrinkwrap' and 'overwrap'?
Often the plastic packaging on retail ready CD packages is referred to as 'shrinkwrap' when in fact it is 'overwrap'. Overwrap is the industry standard for regular jewel box wrap, and is sometimes compared to cigarette packaging with it's clean folds and seals on each side spine. Shrinkwrap is easily distinguished by it's heat shrunk look and melted seal along the outer edges.
what does 'retail ready' mean?
For the most-part your CD-Audio product is 'retail ready' if it has a cover (insert, folder or booklet), a tray card, overwrap and a UPC barcode (either in the artwork of the tray card or as a sticker on the outside of the overwrap). Different retailers and distributors may have different requirements for the packaging such as a 'tear strip', or 'top spine label'. Replicated (manufactured/molded) CD's and Offset Printing can sometimes be additional requirements in the retail community.
do I need a 'tear strip', 'top spine label', 'sticker', or any other retail packaging?
As part of the planning process for your product, you may want to research the requirements of the retailers and/or distributors you plan to use. A 'tear strip' is a handy plastic strip that is part of the overwrap packaging and is used for easy tear and removal of the overwrap by the final user (customer). 'Top spine labels' are often used by retail stores so that CD's can be easily catalogued and referenced to in the warehouse and in the retail store. Top spine labels contain the artist name, title, catalogue number and UPC barcode. Other 'stickers' may be adhered to the overwrap for marketing purposes.
what is 'manual insertion' or 'manual assembly', and when is it used?
'Manual assembly' and/or 'manual insertion' refers to the manual or physical human requirements of assembling your product versus an automated machine process. If you wish to include a separate insert or sticker, for example, as a promotional piece, this product may have to be manually inserted into the jewel box before overwrapping. If you are supplying pre-printed inserts and tray cards that do not meet specifications and cannot be 'machine assembled', manual assembly will be required. Please request a quote if you think you may require these services.
what is the difference between a 'folder' and a 'booklet'?
A 'folder' refers to an insert that has one or more folds that reduces the size of the printed piece in order to fit properly into a jewel box. A 'booklet' is clearly distinguished by the staples and is commonly referred to as a 'stapled booklet'. A folder has a minimum of 4 pages with a single fold. A booklet has a minimum of 8 pages, composed of two 4 page folders stapled together in the middle to form the stapled booklet.
what is the difference between a 'page' and a 'panel' when talking about folders and booklets?
When referring to inserts, folders and booklets, one panel equals two pages. A 'single panel insert' has one page on one side and one on the flip side. A '4 page folder' has two pages on the outside of the folder and two pages on the inside. A 'booklet' has multiple pages. The format of pages is often understood by the comparison to the pages of a book when opened with page 2 on the left and page 3 on the right, for example.
what does '4/0', '4/1', and '4/4' mean?
The color designation and format for the printing of the insert, folder, booklet or tray card is described by a '4/0', '4/1', or '4/4'. These designations are pronounced as "four over zero", "four over one", and "four over four", respectively. In the case of 4/0, the "4" describes the front side and the "0" describes the opposite or flip side of the printed piece. The number itself identifies the number of colors used, and in the case of "4", it is typically referring to a '4 color' or 'CMYK' printing process. With CD inserts, folders, booklets and tray cards, '4/1' usually describes a CMYK print on the outside (or cover side) with a single color on the inside, often the '1' being 'black' or 'greyscale'. Although the industry standards are 4/0, 4/1 or 4/4, where the '4' is color and the '1' is black, any number of colors could possibly be used for CD print packaging. 'Pantone colors' or 'PMS colors' are sometimes used in conjunction with the 4/0, 4/1 or 4/4 base designation.
what is a 'tray card' (or 'traycard')?
The 'tray card' is the printed piece that sits underneath the tray in a regular jewel box. The tray card has a spine on either side that is perforated and they sit at 90 degrees to the tray card when assembled in the jewel box. For CD-Audio, the tray card typically lists the song titles, copyright information and UPC barcode. Tray cards can be printed on both sides often requiring a clear tray to view the artwork on the inside or back of the tray card.
do I automatically get 'spines' with my CD packaging?
The 'spines' are attached to the tray card and are perforated. The spines sit at 90 degrees to the tray card when assembled in the jewel box which allows the spines to be legible from the outside of the jewel box on the right and left edges. For CD-Audio, the spine usually contains the artist name, title and catalogue number.
how much can I fit on a page?
How much or how little information that is contained on the page of a CD insert, folder or booklet is really a subjective decision that should be decided between you and your Graphic Artist. It is recommended that you do not use font sizes less than 6 point, and text is often more legible when there is more defined contrast between the text and the background. A high resolution printed sample at the actual size of the insert is recommended to determine your ultimate comfort with the contents of your CD artwork.
what is the biggest folder or booklet I can get?
EDT Media offers folders up to 14 pages and stapled booklets up to 32 pages. Larger folders and booklets, as well as 'custom printing' formats, are available. Please inquire regarding your custom printing needs and the associated packaging and assembly requirements.
what is a 'CD j-card'?
A 'CD j-card' is a printed CD insert or folder used with a regular slimline jewel box. Similar to the j-card used with Audio Cassettes, a CD j-card has a spine and flap that is view from the rear side of the jewel box. As with insert, folders, booklets and tray cards, the standard print designation for CD j-cards is 4/0, 4/1 or 4/4.
what is a '5" mailer'?
A '5" mailer' is a cardstock based CD packaging product often referred to as a 'CD sleeve'. 5" mailers are often used as promotional packaging for the CD-Audio industry. The CD slips into the 5" mailer and a clear tab seal or shrinkwrap is used to complete the packaging. 5" mailers are often described as "the same type of sleeve that vinyl records used to come in, only smaller to fit a CD". 5" mailers are printed flat and then cut, folded and glued, thus their color designation is typically 4/0.
what is a 'CD sleeve'?
A 'CD sleeve' is also referred to as a '5" mailer'. Please see "what is a '5" mailer'?" for more details.
what is a 'digipak' or 'digi-pak'?
A 'digipak' is a cardstock based CD packaging option with a plastic tray where the CD sits. A digipak has a minimum of 4 pages (one fold) and is printed flat and then cut, folded and glued into form, thus the typical color designation is 4/0. A plastic tray, similar to the tray in a regular jewel box, is glued into one of the inside pages. Digipaks are sometimes referred to as 'wallet' style packaging due to their folding format. Digipaks can have pockets for folders and booklets, as well as multi-panel and multi-CD formats. Digipaks are an attractive packaging option and are being more readily used at retail for CD-Audio due to their 'environmentally friendly' use of recycled stock and minimal plastics.
what does 'artwork supplied' mean?
You may supply your own artwork files set up according to EDT Media's specifications. Templates and Artwork Specification are available in the Graphic Design section of . If you are not using a professional graphic design application or the services of a graphic artist, we offer CD packages that include Graphic Setup, as well as Graphic Design packages.
what is the difference between 'full graphic layout' and 'full graphic design'?
The industry tends to refer to the process of setting up CD artwork as 'full graphic design'. Although the process of setting up graphic artwork for a CD project requires graphic design skills, there is a difference between 'layout' and 'design'. 'Conceptual graphic design' extends beyond the parameters of many inclusive graphic layout and design packages, for the most-part. If you have a concept that requires 'photo manipulation', 'layering', 'touch ups', or 'complex design work', you do require graphic design and therefore will need additional graphics time to create and complete your concept. 'Full Graphic Setup' is a more simplified graphics process where images, text, and background layers are organized in a professional and appealing manner representing your completed artwork. In many cases, a full graphic layout package is adequate for the preparation of an artwork concept. Please contact your EDT Media representative or speak to someone in the Graphic Design department to discuss your artwork design concept.
can I design the artwork myself?
You are more than welcome to prepare your design and artwork yourself. Please ensure that you are meeting all EDT Media artwork supplied specifications. Graphic design is a valuable skill and talent, and whenever possible, we recommend the use and/or advice of a professional graphic artist.
what do I need to know about 'digital photos'?
It is important to take digital photos at the highest possible resolution your digital camera will allow. Although the default settings for photos taken with digital cameras may be suitable for use with email and web pages, low resolution images will not give you the best result possible with 'offset printing'.
what graphics programs or applications can I use to design my own artwork?
Please refer to the Graphic Design section for detailed information of acceptable professional graphics applications and artwork supplied specifications.
can I use another company's templates?
Although there are standards for artwork specification within the industry, sizes and artwork supplied requirements may vary slightly from company to company. It is recommended that when supplying artwork that you use EDT Media's specifications and templates. If artwork is received not meeting EDT Media's specifications, additional artwork charges will apply.
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