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Templates What templates do I use? We provide all the templates you will need. Below is a list of all the frequently used templates. If you find a template that isn't listed, please inquire us about it here.
Am I able to use my own templates? In most situations the answer would be no. It is imperative to layout your artwork to our provided specifications or your ultimate prints may be at risk of incorrect alignments and scaling.
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File Transfer Information Can I use your FTP server? File Transfer Protocol, or FTP, is a way the internet provides for you to upload your files onto our server. This method is sometimes preferred over sending a CD or ZIP disk by mail, or by hand delivering it.
Please click here to access our Virtual FTP Web Client, you will need to either register and call* for verification or log-in with your user name and password.
If you perfer you can use an FTP client program and the follow the instructions below or click here for the complete PDF instructions.
1. You will need to call* us to get either an account or a general access password.
2. Log-in into our FTP server using the account information you were provided.
3. Navigate to the Uploads folder (Note: This folder will not allow you to upload).
4. Navigate to the appropriate sub-folder, ie. Artwork, Audio, Masters, Multimedia, etc..
5. Next create a folder using a descriptive name that we can refer to recognize your project.
6. Navigate into the folder you just created and proceed to upload all required files to the server.
7. Once your file(s) are finished uploading, please notify us that your files are ready by calling* us.
* During regular working hours, you can speak to our receptionist or to any one of our staff members. If you reach our automated voice mail after 5:00 p.m., then you will have to wait till the next business day to receive a custom account or the password. Thank you.
Can I use my own FTP server? Yes. Just provide us the ftp host, port, connection type, Logontype, username, and password. And any additional information needed such as folder usage and file naming conventions.
Example:
FTP Host: ftp.example.com
FTP Port: 21
FTP User: user_name
FTP Password: ********** -
Can I just email files? If your file is less than 8 megabytes, you can send us an e-mail with your file as an attachment to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
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Replication vs. Duplication What is replication? In optical disc manufacturing, storage replication is the process of producing discs via methods that do not involve burning blank CD or DVD discs; the latter is called "duplication". The replication of optical discs involves the creation of a glass master from a client original master, the creation of a nickel stamper from that glass master, the injection molding of clear optical-grade polycarbonate substrates (clear discs) from that stamper, the metallizing and lacquering of those substrates to produce compact discs and DVDs.
What is Duplication? Duplication of discs refers to the process of creating additional copies of a CD or DVD master using recordable media (CD-Rs/DVD-Rs).
The content is "burned" on the recordable media rather than "stamped" as in the replication process. No glass master/stamper is required. Completed CD-Rs or DVD-Rs are verified to confirm that the content is identical to that of the master disc that the copy was made from. Duplicated discs can be silk screened before or after burning the content, giving the duplicated disc a very similar look to the replicated disc.
Duplication of discs is an alternative to replicating discs when one of the following conditions exist.
1. The quantity of discs to be produced is very small. The typical minimum quantity for replicating discs is 1000 pieces. Orders for 25, 50 or 150 discs would usually be duplicated rather than replicated.
2. The turn time to produce the discs is very short. The typical turn time for replicating discs is 7-10 working days from receipt of a master and artwork. When you need completed discs in 24 to 72 hours, duplicating is usually the best method. While replicated discs can be manufactured in less than the 7-10 working day window, there are usually rush fees associated with extremely fast turn requirements such as 5 working days or less.
3. A final scenario when duplication is appropriate would be when the total quantity is fairly large, but a small quantity is needed immediately upon approval of a disc master. Perhaps you want to run 12,000 discs to have sufficient inventory for several weeks or months but you need 500-1000 immediately for a trade show which starts in 2 days. The best scenario here would be to replicate 11,000 to 11,500 discs and to duplicate the balance.
Which is better? Many people use the terms duplication and replication interchangeably. However, they are actually two different processes. The purpose of both is similar in that they are used to put data, video or audio onto a disc.
In general terms, CD Duplication (a.k.a. Burning) is a process where lasers "burn" pits into a dye that is on the surface of recordable media. Burning is the process used in virtually every home or work computer used today. CD Replication on the other hand, is an injection molded manufacturing process that makes use of a "glass master" and stamps the image ('pits', read as zeros and ones for data or 'waves' for video and audio) into the extruded poly.
So what does this mean to the person tasked with publishing content onto a disc? What do they need to consider? Because the end product is essentially the same between duplicated and replicated discs, the most significant component of your project is how fast do you need it? The duplication process eliminates the time and labor intensive glass mastering, print set up, and project management tasks associated with replication, allowing costumers to focus in on what matters most to them. Fast, responsive, and reliable service.
We understand that in today's need it now world, our customers don't want to be troubled with talk about technical processes. They want to know that they are working with a partner who understands that Tuesday means Tuesday. So the next time you are in need of a CD or DVD project, just let us know when you need it and we'll take care of the rest.
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Blu-ray & HD-DVD What is Blu-ray? Blu-ray, also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD) is the name of a next-generation optical disc format. The format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well as storing large amounts of data. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. For more general information about Blu-ray, please see our What is Blu-ray? section.
What Blu-ray formats are planned? As with conventional CDs and DVDs, Blu-ray plans to provide a wide range of formats including ROM/R/RW. The following formats are part of the Blu-ray Disc specification:
BD-ROM - read-only format for distribution of HD movies, games, software, etc.
BD-R - recordable format for HD video recording and PC data storage.
BD-RE - rewritable format for HD video recording and PC data storage.
There's also plans for a BD/DVD hybrid format, which combines Blu-ray and DVD on the same disc so that it can be played in both Blu-ray players and DVD players.
How much data can you fit on a Blu-ray disc? A single-layer disc can hold 25GB.
A dual-layer disc can hold 50GB.
To ensure that the Blu-ray Disc format is easily extendable (future-proof) it also includes support for multi-layer discs, which should allow the storage capacity to be increased to 100GB-200GB (25GB per layer) in the future simply by adding more layers to the discs
How much video can you fit on a Blu-ray disc? Over 9 hours of high-definition (HD) video on a 50GB disc.
About 23 hours of standard-definition (SD) video on a 50GB disc.
Is Blu-ray the same thing as HD-DVD? No, HD-DVD (previously known as AOD) is the name of a competing next-generation optical disc format developed by Toshiba and NEC. The format is quite different from Blu-ray, but also relies heavily on blue-laser technology to achieve a higher storage capacity. The format is being developed within the DVD Forum as a possible successor to the current DVD technology.
What are the capacities of HD-DVDs? Like DVDs, HD DVDs will come in single layer and dual-layer versions, and new is a triple-layer version.
A single layer HD DVD will store around 15GB, which is more than 3 times the capacity of a single layer DVD. For each additional layer, an additional 15GB of storage will be available. The reason for the dramatic capacity increase over DVD is obvious when you consider that a HD transmission will take up a lot more room than a typical DVD stream, although with 15/30/45GB capacities, and better compression algorithms, capacity shouldn't be an issue (so no "flippers", or double sided disc).
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CD & DVD What different types of CDs are there? There is primarily one standard CD format; 5†CD with 650 MB of storage capacity for replicated CDs and 700 MB of storage capacity for duplicated CDs. While there aren’t CDs with dual layers, there is a format called “Dual Disc†which is a two sided disc, the equivalent of a standard CD on one side and a DVD-5 on the opposite side. The “Dual Disc†has been mostly used in the music industry with audio (songs) on one side and video (music videos) on the other side.
There are 2 additional options; the 3 inch mini CD with approximately 180 MB of storage and the “hockey rink†shaped CD with approximately 50 MB of storage. The “hockey rink†shaped CD is often referred to as a “business card†CD or a “Biz Card†CD, as it is similar in size to a standard business card. When using the vinyl protective sleeve for this size disc, you can put the “business card†CD in the sleeve and add your traditional business card, putting them back to back within the sleeve. This package makes for a more “cutting edge†perception of one’s business card image.
What different types of DVDs are there? When you think of DVD replication, do you realize that it can be broken down into a lot of options? Don't let the information below confuse you. We'll be happy to help you understand this further if need be. We strive to make ordering with Future Solutions as simple as possible.
DVD 5 replication is single-sided single layer. It is referred to as 4.7GB media which holds 4.37 computer GB (1 kilobyte = 1024 bytes) which is just over 2 hours of audio and video. DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW support this format.
DVD 10 replication is double-sided single layer. It is referred to as 9.4 GB media which holds about 8.75 computer GB (or roughly 4 1/2 hours of audio and video). Since there is data on both sides, you have to flip the disc to watch the video on the other side. To replicate this format, you'll need to send us is two DVD-R masters. One DVD-R will be for side 1 and the other for side 2. The only downside to this is printing can only be done around the hub. Please contact us and we'll send you a template if needed.
DVD 9 replication is similar to DVD 5 replication in that all printing is done on one side and all the data is on the other side. However, the difference is that a DVD 9 is single-sided dual layer. It is referred to as 8.54 GB media which holds about 7.95 computer GB (or roughly 4 hours of audio and video). It has been the most commonly used format for Hollywood movies. For submitting a master for replication, we require a DLT or two DVD-Rs with a DDP image on both discs. Disc 1 should be layer 0 and the next disc is layer 1. DVD+R DL writable media can also be used as masters if you do not need copy protection.
DVD 18 replication is double-sided dual layer. It is referred to as 17.0GB media which holds about 15.9 computer GB (over 8 hours of audio and video). We do not offer DVD 18 replication.
Do you offer Macrovision, Safe Disc CD, or CSS copy protection? Macrovision APS (Analog Protection System): We offer this for CD or DVD orders of 1000 or more. You are responsible to author your CD or DVD with Macrovision APS. CDs can be authored with Macrovision SafeDisc or SafeAudio encryption. Your master CD can be sent to us in CD-R format. Your master DVD video must be submitted in DLT format. Our cost for transferring Macrovision to your CD or DVD is $150. If you would like more information, please visit Macrovision's website.
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Memory & USB duplication What is Memory duplication? Solid state memory and storage devices are more compact, faster, can hold more data, and are more reliable then conventional mediums. Their small size and customizable look is perferred to create a higher value to consumers.
What is USB duplication? Flash drives have taken the marketing world by storm. These small devices allow marketing material to be delivered in a completely customized and unique way. Once more, the flash drive becomes a valuable memory storage tool for repeated use all the while keeping your company name in front of your customer. What better way to promote a company than provide a useful technology device with custom logos for long-lasting brand awareness.
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Media Printing & Packaging What packaging types are offered? Standard jewel cases, Amaray style DVD cases, clear vinyl sleeves, window envelopes, clamshell soft plastic cases and 2 panel/4 panel/6 panel/8 panel printed sleeves.
Am I able to request special packaging? Yes. We can create custom packaging for your unique project requirements. Call, email or drop us a line with your ideas and your "wish list".
Is fulfillment offered? Yes. We offer complete fulfillment services including assembly, warehousing and distribution. We can ship using your carrier’s account number or use our UPS or FedEx account and bill you accordingly. We’ll provide tracking numbers so that you know the status of the order until the time of arrival. We can also ship blind if the shipment is going to one of your clients. Our assembly services include disc insertion, printed material insertion, label application, shrink wrapping, barcode printing and preparation for both domestic and international shipping.
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