CD & DVD Duplication, Printing & Packaging

TechnoVisual provides short-run and large volume, high-quality media duplication, printing and packaging.  We can offer an array of CD, DVD and Blu-ray Disc duplication and replication options tailored to your needs.  Our duplication and printing service is fast, yet makes no compromise on product quality and we only use the best quality discs.  TechnoVisual are happy to manufacture very short runs if this is required and will always advise and guide you on the best solution for your project.   There is no set up cost for the duplication and printing of discs, assuming there is one set of artwork per run.
Call us now on 01280 815161 for a very competitive quote, fast turnaround and personal service, including fast courier delivery.  Please see our guidelines and process requirements, shown in maroon text at the bottom of the page, we will supply any templates required for artwork. 

Are You An Artist, Band Member or Small Independant Record Label?

We work closely with many artists and small record labels.  We know it isn't easy to arrange for the production of a run of good looking CD packs to sell at gigs and a set of professional looking promo packs for sending out to protential venues and radio stations.  We can help!  A offer a 'White Label' CD in a plastic wallet for just £1.00 each (quantities from 30 and above). Add a printed insert @ 40p each to make a good value personalised package with room to add photos and track listings.   Our digipacks and card wallets are great quality, good looking packs, which can be sold including disc at a good profit. Visit our Disc Packaging Page to see the huge range we can supply at TechnoVisual.

PRINTED DISCS

THE TWO MAIN PRINT TYPES WE SUPPLY ARE:

1) BLACK ONLY THERMAL DISC PRINTING  

CDs: from 80p each         DVDs: from 90p each

Black thermal title print option - Durable, waterproof print, great for titles and simple images such as logos.  Printed onto a white or shiny silver disc, please layout your artwork on the template supplied and keep minimal and as high quality as possible for a better print (300dpi minimum). Please ask for the correct template and instruction.

• Thermal print is used for simple images & horizontal text  Maximum 50% disc coverage.
• Remember that this type of print is black only - it can not be used for colour or grey-scale.
  
• Ring images or text around the edge of the disc will increase the cost  - This print method uses a roll of film rather than inks, similar to a fax printer and text or a ring image around the edge of these discs uses the maximum length of film.  Horizontal lines of text or a small area of curved text at the bottom of the disc is ideal, but if you need to add text or a black border around the full disc edge we would increase the cost by an extra 10p per disc.

GOLD DISCS: we can supply this print type on coloured discs, we have an offer on at present for GOLD DVDs at 85p each

RED PRINT: we can use red thermal print instead of black for these discs, please call for a quote. 01280 815161

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2) FULL COLOUR DISC PRINTING

From 80p each plus vat.  Numerous Disc Types available with either a matt or gloss finish - See Table Section Below for Costings

Full colour disc printing - Great for photos and other detailed images and text.  Either with a matt or gloss lacquered finish.  Longer run discs are either litho or screen printed. Most shorter run colour printed CDs and DVDs use ink jet print, which is water soluble, so please store in a cool dry environment.  TechnoVisual can supply short run colour printed discs with a durable waterproof gloss lacquer, see further details on various disc types in the table below.

 Please call and we will send the correct template for the disc you require plus all the guidelines and instruction you will need.  Our colour print is extremely high quality, but please make sure your artwork is of a high resolution, at least 300dpi.  We can accept most file formats, e.g. jpg, pdf, png, psd etc.  Alternatively we can set up the artwork for you if you give us the instruction to do so. Our design/layout charges are based on rates of £35.00 plus vat per hour.

VINYL LOOK-A-LIKE CDS - 2 options:

i) High Grade CD manufactured with a full black burn side and white printable surface, which takes a full colour print with standard matt finish.  Could be designed to look like a record with black grooves and inner printed label @ 90p plus 

ii) High Grade Discs manufactured to look like a vinyl record, with black burn side, and the on-body side of the disc has plasticy looking black grooves just like a record, plus a white printable area in the centre for your own artwork, which can be made to look like a record label @ 92p

NB: Black burn side CDs are more sensitive than most because of the black colouring to the burn side of the disc, but they do play well in good quality, more modern players. We only sell one make of vinyl CD 'Ritek', which in our opionion is a good trusted manufacturer.

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     1 x Vinyl CD Packaged in a plastic wallet for a quantity between 30 - 100 @ £1.10 each

   1 x Vinyl CD Packaged in a fold plastic wallet with second pocket for a second disc or card insert for a quantity between 30 - 100 from £1.60 each

We can also print a simple image, logo or titles on the front of these Eco Digifiles @ £1.25 per pack (printed package only)

Vinyl CD Packaged in a 2 printed panel wallet example price for a quantity of 30+ @ £1.80 each

See our 'Disc Packaging' page for many other printed package options.

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TOP OF THE RANGE DISCS WITH PHOTO GRADE PRINT SURFACE - TechnoVisual stock very high quality CDs and DVDs both for colour and black only thermal printed discs.  Examples include Taiyo Yuden,  Falcon Medical Grade and Ritek, the Taiyo Yuden CD has a special high quality cyanine die, which gives these discs a blue/green burn side colouring, and the Falcon and Ritek discs have a true diamond silver burn side, resembling shop purchased CDs.

NB: Most ink jet discs are susceptible to damp, please be sure to store them in dry conditions.  Some of the gloss lacquered discs are waterproof, e.g. The gloss lacquered Accu, Ritek and Taiyo Yuden watershield discs

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FOR LARGER VOLUMES OF DISC REPLICATION, PRINTING AND PACKAGING, WE CAN OFFER EXCELLENT PRICES AND FAST TURNAROUND, PLUS FREE DELIVERY-  CALL US FOR A COST - A NEW WEBSITE WILL FOLLOW SOON...

Short Run Duplication Vs Replication

TechnoVisual specialises in Short Run duplication and printing in-house and we also carry out larger volume jobs where Replication is used for copying the content to disc.  In order to make dealing with small quantities of discs a viable option, we use a process called 'Duplication,' which involves literally copying exactly the data from a master disc.  Replication will only be used if quantities required go above 300.

CD/DVD duplication the process we used for shorter runs.  A duplication tower facility copies data from the master disc and writes it to a blank disc, each tower contains several CD/DVD trays so that many copies can be created simultaneously. After all the data has been written unto the blank CD/DVD-R, the information is verified with the master, and the process is complete.

CD/DVD replication creates copies during the manufacturing process. Before the replication process starts, the client master is evaluated for data corruption. Then, a glass master containing relevant data from the client supplied master is created. Replication only begins when a flawless glass master is assured. The glass master is used to develop a stamper, which, in turn, is loaded into an Injection Molding machine to create the CD/DVD replicates. A layer of micro-thin aluminum is applied to the polycarbonate disc. It is then lacquered for additional protection and printed before packaging.

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The finished product of either process performs in the same manner and there are no noticable differences, a CD-R/DVD-R can be printed to appear as if it were a 'replicated' disc very easily, if this is the required outcome.  From a short-run point of view, duplication wins the day as there are is no set up time or cost involved and therefore it has the huge advantage of speed of turnaround.

Replication will always be the best choice for longer runs, once the glass master has been manufactured and a stamper produced the process of creating replicates is extremely fast and accurate.

We will always advise you of the best method to use for your project.

Call us for a competitive quote on 01280 815161.

CD & DVD Content, Design and Packaging Solutions

As well as supplying the disc duplication, printing and packaging for small or large volumes, we also offer an excellent quality design service for any project, from CD and DVD inlays to company brochures and presentations for distribution on a CD or DVD.  We supply photography and Video in house and have a good understanding or what is required to supply a rich and powerful media presentation.  Please visit our Video/Special Effects page

TechnoVisual stocks a number of quality products for packaging your CDs and DVDs. If you have any specific packaging requirements or ideas on how to package and present your project we will do our best to accommodate you. TechnoVisual can supply any other printing materials required for your project, e.g. booklets or posters, please see Short Run Printing. 

High End Technical & Graphic Design

GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT

Our skilled technical and graphic designers will work with you to make sure your CD or DVD will work as it should and look good.  Our team of graphic designers can help with the design and layout of your artwork both for the print on the CD or DVD face and the packaging.  Our team are happy to take your graphics, text and ideas and then layout the artwork following your instruction.  We will consult with you throughout this design process and send jpgs for preview in order to work towards a finished design, which you are entirely happy with.  We can also include bar codes in your design should this be required.  Any layout or design work will be charged for on an hourly basis and this service is charged at just £35.00 per hour.

Alternatively, we can simply send you a template and instruction for the disc and packaging if you would prefer to do the artwork yourself.  Our designers will then check that your atrwork will work before we attempt make up the prototype/proof, however, we do require that your final arwork is print ready.  TechnoVisual will never go ahead with the print and manufacture of your package if we can see that there will be problems.  We will always let you know first and if it is possible, we will attempt to resolve any issues before printing.   

TechnoVisual can also help with the design of bespoke and shop web sites for selling your discs and we offer a hosting, management and fulfilment service for small numbers of discs and/or packaging.  We can also help with the design and printing of other promotional products such as posters and tickets, please ask for a quote.

3D Design and Visualisation - TechnoVisual uses a number of 3D design packages and we have been involved in many projects which have required 3D images or animation.  A 3D design is sometimes a very sensible and economical option if the subject is a complicated design, for example a building, an engine or even an item of clothing.  We can use the same image once created to show many angles and positions and various colours or textures can be added very easily.

For further information please visit www.videoartists.co.uk

Our technical team can also help you with your audio or video disc content, ensuring your project comes to life.  You will have the benefit of our many years of experience in design, video and audio production together with the additional services we offer including;  photography, special effects, 3D animation, CD mastering and DVD authoring.  We have an on-site well equipped studio set up entirely for the purpose of video production, audio and photography.  Our technical team will deploy the finished project in a variety of formats for your website and/or YouTube, or as a CD or DVD to send to clients as a powerful marketing tool, or perhaps for use at exhibitions, either way we are sure to achieve a result you will be proud of.

SEE A DETAILED LIST OF ALL THE PACKAGING WE PROVIDE PLUS PRICES, ON THE DISC PACKAGING PAGE

DVDS PAL AND NTSC

There are a lot of misunderstandings and misconceptions about DVD playability worldwide. Many sellers say that DVDs will play on any DVD player, when this may not be the case. Most of the problems concern US and Canadian buyers who have a DVD and TV system called NTSC, whereas most of the rest of the world has a system called PAL. The differences in systems are explained below. Simple incompatibility of systems/regions can prevent playback or the disc may play but with a distorted or jumping picture. The onus is always on the buyer to ensure they have a compatible DVD and TV system. Sellers cannot know which system a buyer has or whether the DVD is being purchased for themselves or as a present for somebody else. Hopefully this guide will help DVD sellers understand compatibility issues. At the end of the day sellers want happy buyers and buyers want a DVD they can watch.

REGIONS

Due to rights issues, the staggered theatrical release of films worldwide and pricing differences, DVDs are issued with a Region code (shown on reverse of sleeve often in a small world symbol) as follows

Region 1 USA, Canada, US Territories
Region 2 Japan, UK Europe, South Africa, Middle East
Region 3 Southeast Asia and East Asia (including Hong Kong and Thailand)
Region 4 Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, South America, Caribbean
Region 5 Eastern Europe, Indian Subcontinent, Africa,
Region 6 China
Region 7 Reserved
Region 8 Special International Venues (Planes, Ships etc)
Region 0 Region Free DVD's

All Region 1 DVDs are NTSC format. DVDs from other Regions may however be in either PAL or NTSC format. The main difference between North American systems and other countries is that other countries' TV systems can play either PAL or NTSC DVDs whereas many US and Canadian TVs are NTSC only. Most North American DVD players are NTSC Region 1 only players.

PAL AND NTSC

Film on a DVD is stored in digital format, and is formatted for one of two TV standards (NTSC or PAL). So apart from the region code issue there is the problem of disc format (two different formats of DVD, NTSC or PAL).

The UK, Europe, Australia, etc use the 625 line 50Hz PAL system.

Japan, USA and Canada use the 525 line 60Hz NTSC system.

If you can't play a PAL format DVD, although you have a multi-region DVD player, it's possible that your TV is the problem and not the DVD.

COMPATIBILITY

Most DVD players and TVs sold in PAL countries can play both formats of discs, however, this does not mean they can play any DVD (because of region restrictions). For example, a basic European DVD player (PAL Region 2 only) will be able to play a Japanese disc (NTSC Region 2), but not a US (NTSC Region 1) disc. An American basic DVD player (NTSC Region 1) will not play any other Region's DVD irrespective of format.

Many people have multi-region DVD players. People in regions other than Region 1 who have a multi-region DVD player can play any region’s DVD in ether format. Americans and Canadians however may have a multi-region DVD player, but if their TV has not been converted or is not PAL compatible then play will be affected.

Most North American DVD players can't play PAL discs.

Basically if North Americans want to purchase DVDs from around the world then they must have a multi region DVD player and a PAL compatible TV system; or be willing to watch the movie using a pc/laptop's DVD ROM drive (pc's are not format dependent.

There are always different versions/deleted/oop DVDs and films not released in some countries, which buyers are after. So if you still want to play other Region DVDs the equipment you'll need is:

1. A multi-region DVD player.

2. A PAL compatible TV set or a PAL/NTSC signal converter. Or alternatively you can watch a DVD via your DVD ROM drive on your PC/Laptop.

The British, Europeans and Australians really have few problems playing any countries/other region DVDs in whatever format as long as they have a multi-region DVD player.

Hope you've found this guide helpful!

Templates, Set up of Artwork and Getting your Artwork to us.

TechnoVisual have experienced graphic designers on hand who can help in the design of the artwork for your disc face, packaging or any printed promotional material and this service is charged at £35.00 per hour plus vat.  Our designers will work with you to get the look and feel you are wanting.  We will keep you updated throughout the design process and send you proofs by email to make sure we are going in the right direction.  All we need from yourself is any ideas you may have on things like font, colour, background and style and any images or photos you want to include.  Once we have designed the disc print face, package or print material for you, we will follow our normal protoype or proofing service as explained below. 

Emailed proofs are always free of charge and but we do insist that you accept our proof or full prototype service for most of our printed packaging e.g. jewel cases digipacks and printed wallets. Afterall, this way you can be sure of your package and how it will look and feel before committing yourself to the full print run (see details in section below). 

TechnoVisual are happy for you to provide your own artwork and we will give you all the support you will need, as long as our templates and instruction are used and that the final submission fits in with our requirements/guidelines for printing.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY OF OUR DISCS OR PACKS AND WISH TO ORDER - LET ME KNOW WHICH ONES AND WHICH FINISH YOU ARE INTERESTED IN AND I WILL SEND YOU THE TEMPLATES AND INSTRUCTION YOU WILL NEED FOR YOUR ARTWORK

Artwork Instruction Guidelines and Process Requirements

 Should you wish to provide your own artwork, we will be happy to supply all the instruction and templates you will need for your specific disc print, package or printed material.  For printed and or duplicated discs only, no set up charge is made and we will always send you a scan of the first disc of the run via email free of charge.  However, if the project involves printed packaging, there will be a set up charge involving the supply of a full prototype for review and we would ask that the full charge is paid on confirmation of the order or on acceptance of the prototype. (see prototype and proof section below).   We ask that you follow our simple instruction and process requirements for artwork which includes these main points:

1) Please supply your artwork at the highest resolution possible - minimum 300dpi

2) Please add 3mm bleed  

We don't need bleed if there is a white border all the way around the design but if you require colour/design right up to the edge, please carry on the background for another 3mm all round to give us some leeway when cutting to size.  Digital printers can not print without a printer margin. This bleed area will be shown on the template -  (bleed is not required for the disc artwork)

3) Please do not take any text or graphics too close to the cut or fold marks - if possible leave at least 3mm margin.  Most of our templates show this 'safe area' and we would ask that all text and important graphics are kept within this area, it always looks bad if text especially is taken right up to the edges of the pack.

4) If you are supplying your own artwork for the project, we would ask that you make sure it is a FINAL VERSION as future changes and re-works would be subject to further set up charges.  Our set up and colour profiling process can be quite long winded for some packages and artwork, if the client submits artwork and then decides to change it in any way, we then have to go through this set up process a second time - the profits we make with short runs are very small and so we have to pass this extra labour and material cost back to the customer. 
We always strongly suggest that you take up our proof print option so that you will see how your print will look and have chance to proof read it if necessary before we start on the run.  If you are not happy with the finished run then we can not be held responsible if you have not seen a proof first.

5) The main printers we use here are digital CMYK printers, although they will simulate RGB very accurately as well. Therefore we would prefer that artwork is sent in CMYK mode although this is not essential.  The digital printers we use (both Xerox) print to a high resolution and have a good colour profile set up.  Our main printer has a sophisticated Fiery Rip system on board which deals with colour profiling and enables us to control the set up for each file printed to give us a very good likeness to the colours seen on the computer monitor, however, this may differ considerably from any print out you make on your printer, colours can vary hugely depending on the type of printer used, the quality and type of inks and the colour and type of media used.  We do change the printer settings if we think this will be of a benefit to the look of the artwork and we probably spend more time than most printers ensuring that we get as high quality and colour accurate print as possible.  If you are concerned about the colours on your print, it may be an idea to print out your artwork first to your taste and then send in this print so that we have a physical print to match to, however, any excessive time spent on colour matching will incur further charges. If your print requires an extremely high colour and print quality, we do have very high spec inkjet printers and photo quality media here for this purpose, however, using these alternative methods will mean that the prints will be charged at a higher cost per item.

6) Artwork always looks good if the text appears very crisp and sharp, and a good high resolution helps here, our templates are sent out as 300dpi but there is no reason why you shouldn't increase this if you want to.  Also if you are sending us an editable file we would recommend that you either embed the text (if using design programs such as Illustrator) or send us all the fonts you have used for your artwork, this way we can ensure that they stay as vectorised high resolution text.

7) FULL COLOUR PRINTED DISCS - Regarding artwork for the disc print surface if the disc is printed in full colour print, we are happy that you send the artwork as a solid circular or square image, PLEASE DO NOT CUT OUT THE INNER HUB CIRCLE FROM YOUR IMAGE, we ask that you let us deal with this, just make sure that you don't put anything important like text in this hub area.

DISK MATCHING - We do need to also point out at this point that we will try to match the disc to packs if this is required as closely as possible, however the printing method and surface type is completely different for both products and if we feel we have to spend longer than usual to get a close match, we will let you know first as this will incur further charges

8) THERMAL BLACK TITLE DISCS - For black titles and simple images such as logos (black only no greyscale).  Please input the text and simple images using the template we supply and leave a good margin round the edge of the disc and at the hub area.  This type of print is not meant for detailed images such as photos and we can not use it for full disc coverage e.g. a full black background (50% coverage max).  Lastly, should you want to add text or an image in a ring around the edge of the disc, the cost will increase as this is equivalent to a full disc print for this print method. We can either use shiny silver or white discs.

9) ARTWORK FORMATS - The best format to use for your artwork is a PDF files as this is the preferred format used by digital printers, though we can deal with most, if necessary.  The file can be flattened or compressed but try and keep it as high quality as possible and please remember to either take out the template layer or make it invisible. If you send us a layered/editble file we are happly to make any small tweaks if it aids the print output but we will always tell you first and we will never change your artwork without telling you, we always prefer that any changes which may be required are done by the client or their designer.

10) COPYING COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL If you are going to use covers of songs written by other artists or full songs or music recorded by the original artist in your production, then you will probably be subject to copyright laws, even if you are not selling the CD or DVD copies.  It is the client's responsibility to make sure he has the correct license when making copies of copyrighted material.  Please refer to the Music Licensing page of the TechnoVisual website, which describes in plain English everything you need to know about the MCPS licensing for using copyrighted material.  Please allow for this cost in your budget.

We also ask that you do not use copyrighted images from the internet without buying the license to use them.  We are not allowed to print copyrighted material.

  You can use one of three ways to get your artwork to us: 

a) By Email - We can accept files up to 8mb in size, however, your email provider may not allow files of this size to be sent. 

b) By Post (most ideal option if you are sending in a master disc anyway) - If you burn all your artwork onto a CD you can pop it into an envelope and send it in to us for the price of a first class stamp.  It is a good idea to send us your master disc for duplication at the same time (clearly marked please).  See below for the address to send it to. 

Attn: Chris Bryan, Lower Ground Floor, TechnoVisual Ltd, Chandos House, School Lane, Buckingham, Bucks, MK18 1HD

c) Use a file share service like WeTransfer or Yousendit, or Dropbox, this method also allows you to send large files easily and quickly at no charge.  Alternatively if you have access to FTP, we can give you details to upload files to our server. just give me a call for this option on 01280 815161 or 018450096147.  Make sure you let us know when you have uploaded anything to our server.   

THE MASTER CD OR DVD MUST BE SENT TO US IN DISC FORM (AUDIO CD OR DVD FORMAT) SO THAT A DIRECT COPY CAN BE MADE USING OUR DUPLICATORS (SEE ADDRESS ABOVE).  PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOUR DISC INCLUDES ISRC CODES AND/OR CD TEXT.

WE DO EXPECT FULL PAYMENT EITHER ON ACCEPTANCE OF THE ORDER OR IF THERE IS A PROOF/PROTOTYPE THEN ON ACCEPTANCE OF THIS.

Please find three methods of payment below:

1) by credit/debit card over the phone - 01280 815161.  (We do accept Amex cards, with a charge of £1 per transaction).

2) by Paypal to TechnoVisual - You would just make a direct payment from your paypal account to ours which is paypal@technovisual.co.uk.  Use the ‘Tools’ tab and then ‘Send Money.’ (We ask that you pay half of the fee for using this payment method, which amounts to 1.7% plus 10p per transaction)

3) or by bank transfer - here are the details:
NAME OF ACCOUNT:    TechnoVisual Ltd.
SORT CODE:     40 15 33
ACCOUNT NUMBER:    81247344

If you do use a bank transfer, we would appreciate it if you let us know at the time of payment via email or phone call.

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