FAQ
Q: How long does it take to get my CDs back?
A: The product can be manufactured in about 3 weeks after we have final authorization of your artwork, but this assumes that your master and your art files are perfect. If we need fonts, you've given us artwork in another company's templates, your designer hasn't created bleed, or used low resolution images, etc., your project can drag on for as long as it takes for us to receive professional, print-ready files. The most common reason a project is delayed is that the client has not used a professional print designer!
Q: Will my master sound any different than the one I give to you?
A: We guarantee that the product we give back to you is an exact "replication" of what you give us. In the very rare instance when a client gets a product that has "clips", or unusual noises in the product, these defects have always been on the master given to us. We are not responsible for listening to your master.
Q: Why do the electronic proofs that were sent to me look like the resolution isn't as high of resolution as my art, or why are the colors different?
A: Electronic proofs are only meant for proofing content. Whatever your art looks like on your computer monitor is completely irrelevant -- just go into an electronics store and look at how different television sets look. If you do not get a hard copy proof, we cannot guarantee color matching. However we produce (and courier to the Printer) a Digital match proof that has been calibrated to the Printer's equipment
Q: I am not a designer; can you help with my CD design?
A: We have professional designers who can make your product look great. We can show you how to provide them with the information they need to quickly assemble your art files so that you save money and get a professional looking product. Our hourly rates are $75/hr. Normally a project is finished in 3 hours, but keep in mind, each job is different!
Q: What is ISO-9002 certification?
A: ISO-9002 is a Sony certification verifying that the manufacturing facility fulfills all of the necessary requirements in order to meet this quality standard. This inspection checks for defective discs, sterile conditions, and functional equipment. Our manufacturer is ISO-9002 certified, ensuring you receive the highest-quality discs.
Q: With all the CD Duplication companies out there, what is the real difference?
A: Customer Service! We provide you with the intangible, that being an "Uptown" Experience…… No Charge. We will provide customer service that exceeds your expectations.
Q: Can you recommend any sites that offer related services?
A: Absolutely! Check out our links page for helpful resources related to music and film production. We will actively participate in finding and adding new and helpful resources to assist you.
Q: What is 2-panel and 4-panel?
A: The easiest way to understand this is that each surface you see equals 1-panel. A single sheet with printing on both sides would be considered a 2-panel insert. A 4-panel insert would be a single sheet with one fold.
Q: What do 4/1 and 4/4 mean?
A: For full color printing four colors are used: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (known as CMYK). In other words, 4 represent full color. The numbers four and one refer to the number of colors which will be used in printing your artwork. So if your cover is full color on the front and the back, we note that as 4/4. If the front is full color and the back is black, that would be represented as 4/1.
Q: What are Process Colors?
A: These are colors that are made up of percentages of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black. This is the standard in 4 color printing. This is the standard process for full color printing. Your design work is separated into 4 pieces of film, each representing one of the 4 colors used in this process. Every imaginable color is created by the subtle overlapping of these 4 inks when printed.
Q: What is the difference between duplication and replication?
A: There are two ways of making copies of CD's. Duplication means recording onto a recordable CD (CD-R). A laser "burns" pits on the CD. Replication is stamping out the CD and the pits are molded into the CD. Duplication is usually preferable for short run copying (a project that needs a quick turn time or a small quantity), whereas replication is often used for large volume distribution.
Q: Do I get to see a proof?
A: We provide electronic proofs for free. Electronic proofs are not meant for color proofing, only positioning and content. If you are very fussy about exact color matching, get a proof! We can send a digital match proof for an additional $30.00 plus courier charges. Additional PDF proofs, sent via email, are at a cost of $20.00
Q: What do you mean by "plus or minus 10%" and why can't you guarantee an exact number?
A: While the replication process is highly accurate, the same cannot be said for the printing process. When your CDs are printed, there is always the chance that something may go wrong. A smudge while the ink is still wet, a dirty silkscreen, or even a disc entering the machine a little bit off center could cause the disc image to be less than ideal, and thus not meet the quality standard.
Q: What if I need a barcode or top spine label?
A: We can provide a barcode for you from Independent Records. Simply ask and we will create the barcode and place it on the artwork or send it to your graphic designer. We offer top spines for a cost of $.06 per piece, on replication jobs only.
Q: What are Pantone Colors?
A: These are custom colors that are chosen from a Pantone chip book. The benefit of using Pantone colors for text and line work is in the fact that the color is solid and not made up of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black dots, thus giving a more crisp and accurate edge. The color does not vary with Pantones as it does when a 4 color process is used.
Q: What is a Bit Map?
A: Bit Map images are digital images that are made up of pixels. They are usually photographic in nature and cannot be scaled up without a loss in quality, since an exact number of pixels are contained in a given Bit Map image.
Q: What are Vector Graphics?
A: Vector Graphics have edges that are determined by mathematical equations. The scale of vector graphics can be changed without sacrificing line quality. Post Script fonts are one form of vector graphics. Lines, Shapes and Text created in Adobe Illustrator, Quark Express or Adobe Photoshop 6 or higher are other examples of Vector Graphics. Always use Vector Graphics for your text and line/shape based design work to preserve the quality of edges.
Q: What is DPI?
A: This refers to the number of dots per inch in your image files. The standard dpi of images for printed materials is 300.
Q: What is Bleed?
A: A bleed is the area that will be cut off the print to prevent your final artwork from having white edges. If images are scanned, keep the bleed in mind. If the image needs to be resized it will inevitably cause a loss of sharpness and make the pixels more apparent.
Q: Do I need a barcode?
A: If you plan to sell your product at retail or online stores like Amazon, a barcode is essential. If you have a distributor they would usually give you the barcode number and art. Promotional products, off-stage CD sales and corporate projects do not require a barcode.
Q: Why 10% overrun on printing?
A: This is a standard production variance of the printing and manufacturing industries to ensure that the minimum quantity ordered is comfortably met. The final product is assembled on high-speed automated assembly machines. It is very possible that the machine will jam and you could lose 10 or 20 covers. If we were only to produce the exact quantity of inserts then you could end up with less than you wanted
Q: Will my CD/DVD work in all players?
A: Replicated CDs/DVDs will work in all commercially available players. Duplicated CDR's and especially DVD-Rs are much more finicky, and will play on some, but not all players. If you are unsure, check the specs of your machine to ensure that they will play the formats you plan on using.
Q: How many minutes can I put on a CD?
A: 74 minutes in the maximum for a standard replicated CD.
