CD/DVD Release - Top 10 Common Mistakes

1. Book a release party before the CD/DVD are replicated
   Having a release party is exciting, but it would be even better if you know sure that they will be at the party! Schedule the release party as much in advance as possible so you have plenty of time for replication or do not schedule it until you have the finished products in your hands. Things such as mastering and artwork could go wrong, mother nature has its own way of things, bottom line is, better be safe than sorry.
   
   
2. Having a friend or yourself design the art
   You might know a thing or two about Photoshop, so does your neighbor next door. Design for printing requires a different skill set from web design for example. So don't just ask anyone who claims himself as a designer. Find a professional who had experience with CD DVD packaging, so your hard work can be complemented by a design that reflects your style.
   
   
3. Having a friend or yourself author the disc
   Nothing is more important than making sure the playability, as well as navigation, and user-friendliness of the DVD. Getting professional help on DVD authoring is essential to your success. A good author will know the optimal compression rate for the video, the logical flow of navigation, and best colors to use for the menu. One little authoring mistake will not only cost you money, time, most importantly your reputation!
   
   
4. Not testing the DVD master
   Even if your authoring facility has tested and viewed the video, no one knows it better than yourself. So it is best that you watch the master from start to finish at least once on a set-top DVD player and a computer DVD player.More
   
   
5. Leaving the master just anywhere!
   After making sure that the disc plays well, it's time to put it a way in a safe place. Dust, hair and fingerprints are bad on master, so the less handling of the disc the better.More
   
   
6. Sending the replicator the only master you have
   It might seem logical that you send the one master you have from the authoring facility. The truth is, always keep a copy for yourself Ask the authorer to make you an additional copy, after thoroughly testing it yourself, send it off to the replicator and keep the other one for yourself. In case something does happen to the copy your are sending off, you will still have backup.More
   
   
7. Not getting a check disc
   When making a large run of CDs or DVDs, a glass master is made. Any skipping or freezes of the DVD master will tend to magnify when it is being replicated. So even if you did not notice any problems on your master, it might pop up on the replicated discs. A check disc will act as a safety net and last round of defense before your thousand copies are made. Again, allowing plenty of time for replication will give you time for getting a check disc.
   
   
8. Choosing the cheapest replicator you can find
   Not all replicators are created equal. Their printing and replicating technology can all play a part in the success of you release. When shopping for a replicator make sure you get samples of their work and a complete quote, including shipping cost, full color printing and any additional proofing fee. You can always find companies who would promise the lowest price and the quickest turnaround, but find a company who are real experts and you can trust.
   
   
9. Not understanding the different copy protection schemes
   Region coding, CSS, Macrovision are all copy protection that are commonly used on DVDs. Before deploying it first understand what it is all about, also the cost associated with each one. For example, for each DVD made with Macrovision copy protecting technology, a royalty fee is paid. This will add to the per unit cost of the production. Ask all the questions on these before making the decision on which one to use.
   
   
10. Making changes to artwork after sending it to replicator
    After we receive the artwork we will send a proof to customer before sending them to print. This proof is meant to verify that all the art we receive is complete and there has been no transmission problem. It is not the time to do design proofing. Each revision at that point will add to the production cost It is best that all the internal design changes and proofing is done PRIOR to submitting the art to us.
    Click here to find out our art proof process.