wewow.co.uk - Experts in CD/DVD Duplication, Replication and Eco-friendly Media Packaging

wewow commissioned by Waterstones & HMV to produce eco-friendly DVD WowWallet

Here are wewow we always aim to deliver the highest quality products and service, even when we’re working to tight deadlines.  We recently had the opportunity to do just that for HMV and Waterstones, who commissioned wewow to produce eco-friendly DVD packaging and replicated DVDs for internal communications DVDs for both brands.

We successfully met the client’s deadline and delivered a unique, high-quality DVD WowWallet to both HMV and Waterstones. We we’re over the moon with the feedback we received, with Waterstones commenting;

 

“We gave WeWow a tough task, to produce 340 wallets in a short timescale for our internal strategy DVD.  They did a fantastic job in that short space of time.  The packaging is eco-friendly and stylish and there are various options to choose from.  The team are friendly, helpful and accommodating.  All our employees were very impressed with the finished product.  We look forward to using them again in the near future.”

 

 

The finished package was an environmentally friendly DVD WowWallet, printed in full colour with eye-catching designs to suit the HMV brand and a unique package for the Waterstones brand.  Inserted into the wallets we’re professionally printed and replicated DVDs

What are ISRC codes and why should you use them?

 

ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code and is best understood as a digital ‘fingerprint’ which identifies your sound or music video recording.  ISRC codes can be embedded into digital and physical releases and allow you to sell your music on iTunes and Amazon, submit your tracks to the Gracenote Database and they also help prevent piracy and ensure that you automatically receive royalties.

ISRC codes are unique numbers which are embedded into music files during the mastering process.  Your finished master can then be sent for CD duplication or replication and the ISRC codes will be included on all your pressed CDs.  The ISRC codes will identify your music and track copying and distribution.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) recommends that all music producers use ISRC.

ISRC codes for sound recordings in the UK can be obtained from Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) and registration is free.  If you need any guidance on ISRC codes, Gracenote Registration or anything else related to producing your own music releases then wewow’s customer service team will be happy to help.

‘My burnt CD won’t always work’…how reliable is CD duplication?

This question was recently addressed on a CD replication blog.  Their answer?  CD duplication is unreliable and CD replication is the only means of producing professional CD copies.  However, with years of expertise in CD replication and duplication and a commitment to providing professional and reliable CD production services we wanted to answer this question ourselves.

Certainly duplication and replication are two very different processes, as we have blogged about in the past.  In short, duplication involves burning data to blanks CD-R’s or DVD-Rs whereas replication is a manufacturing process which produces CDs/DVDs comparable to those found in the shops.

Duplication relies on high-quality, professional production equipment in order to output reliable results.  The CD-R’s used in the duplication process are also vitally important as cheap discs will inevitably produce cheap and unreliable results.  Here at wewow, we only use ‘A’ Grade CD-Rs and DVD-Rs, which are duplicated by top of the range duplication towers.  Our duplication equipment is highly-computerized, meaning that any ‘failed’ discs are rejected and never reach our customers.  So it is extremely rare that our clients would receive a burnt CD which doesn’t work!

Of course, CD duplication has its limitations; it is more cost-effective on smaller quantities (below 500 units) and offers a quicker turnaround than replication, but the burnt data on the back of the disc can be seen and on larger quantities it is more expensive than CD replication.  Therefore, we always advise clients of the best solution to suit their particular requirements.

What is the difference between PAL and NTSC

 

What are we talking about?

When mastering a DVD and ordering DVD replication it is important to recognize which area of the world your DVDs will be played in so that your master is produced in the correct format.

PAL – Phase Alternating Line

‘PAL’ refers to the television broadcasting standard which is used by most of Europe, amongst other countries.

NTSC – National Television Standards Committee

‘NTSC’ is used for broadcasting in United States, Canada, Japan and some parts of Central and South America.

 

Converting PAL to NTSC

If you plan on distributing your DVD to America then your master DVD will need to be converted to NTSC format prior to replication or duplication.  This will ensure that your DVD works on DVD players in America.  You should also be aware that most computer based DVD players will play both PAL and NTSC DVD’s so although your DVD may work on a computer it won’t necessarily run on a DVD player if it is not in the correct format.

 

DVD replication and duplication supplier’s, such as wewow, can convert your DVD to NTSC or PAL ready for the replication/duplication of your DVDs.

DVD Packaging Gets a Green Makeover – DVD WowWallet is launched

Looking for an eco-friendly packaging solution for your DVDs?  Check out wewow’s brand new DVD WowWallet @ www.weeco.co.uk/dvd-wowwallet

 

The DVD WowWallet is the latest addition to our range of green media packaging and incorporates all the great features of the original WowWallet but in DVD size!

So what’s special about our new DVD wallet?  Well, it’s produced from a single piece of card, features a space for a DVD booklet and can be fully printed with vegetable based inks.

 

You are free to choose your preferred card too. We offer FSC accredited, uncoated, coated or even 100% recycled. Alternatively you specify the stock and we will do the rest! If you are unsure about the best options our team are on hand to help.

 

The DVD WowWallet is the perfect alternative to the traditional, plastic DVD case…not only does it have twice as much space to print your artwork, it also protects and presents your disc in a new and refreshing way!  And even though DVD WowWallet is a premium DVD case, we’ve made sure that this package is cost-effective without skimping on quality.

 

For more information on any of our eco-friendly packaging products, give us a call on 01274 301410 or email us @ [email protected]

What is the difference between CD/DVD duplication and replication?

The difference between CD & DVD duplication and replication is often a sticking point when it comes to ordering copied media.  It is important to understand that the difference between duplication and replication is not one of quality; they are simply different processes…

  

CD-R/DVD-R Duplication

Duplication is the ideal solution for copying data onto discs where the quantity is lower than 500 units.  Duplication is done by loading a master disc into a duplication tower which will then burn the data onto blank discs.  These discs can then be branded with ink-jet or thermal print if required.  Duplication is a relatively fast process, although it is affected by the amount of data being copied.  This means that duplication is also the perfect solution for fast turnaround jobs.  However, since the data is copied onto pre-manufactured CD-Rs or DVD-Rs, duplication is a less cost effective process than replication.

  

CD/DVD Replication

Replication is a manufacturing process which is used to produce pressed discs for quantities above 500 units.  A glass master will be produced contained your original data and this will then be used to create a “stamper,” which will be used for injection moulding the information onto foil.  The information is then protected by layers of polycarbonate plastic, lacquered and packaged.  This means that rather than ‘burning’ the data onto pre-made discs, your data is embedded in a manufactured disc.  These discs can then be printed using silk-screen or lithographic print methods.  As this is a manufacturing process, it is a more cost effective option than duplication and the cost decreases as quantities increase.  Although the lead time for replication is longer than that of duplication, once the machines have been set up it is relatively quick to replicate 1,000 discs or 100,000.

  

 

wewow offer both CD/DVD duplication and replication services and are happy to discuss with you the available options for your project.  If you would like any further information on the processes involved with producing CD’s or DVD’s, feel free to contact one of experts on 01274 301410 or [email protected]

Video Production for DVD

Thanks to the help of wewow’s wonderful customers, we have complied a few top tips related to video production and mastering for CDs and DVDs…

  

  

 

"When mastering DVDs if you find your image is stuttering on shots where there is some vertical movement, try reversing the field order. This happens because a fair few editing programs are made in America, specifically Adobe Premiere, and they naturally default to NTSC format when setting up / capturing projects and can cause issues when encoding."

  

Courtesy of www.threesfilms.com

Mitch Adams

 

  

 

 

"It goes without saying that you should be as organised as possible during all Production, and the same goes for the final mastering of your projects; most notably DVDs. Assets should be kept in a place that's easily accessible to all staff, so when a client asks for a new batch of DVDs or CDs, we can quickly answer their call. We've had experience of resuming DVD projects from over 3 years ago, where we have needed to go back to the original assets to create a new glass master, as well as reprinting original artwork. Keeping this material on backup storage, as well as other media like (Data) DVDs means you never have to look too far. Plus it means projects can be put to bed quicker, saving our time and thus keeping the client happy!"

  

Courtesy of www.spectrecom.co.uk

Ben Franklin

 

 

  

  

"Make sure you understand exactly what your quote covers prior to production.  Many companies will not include expenses such as travel, and even meals for the crew in the proposed budget and will charge you by the hour for any amendments you’d like to be made to the completed video. Pluto Media include all costs in their initial proposal and promise that customer’s will not be charged for amendments, unless the customer dramatically changes the brief."

  

Courtesy of www.plutomedia.co.uk

Jon King

 

Before embarking on a video production, make sure you aim for a high production value as the priority.  No one is interested in a poorly produced video, so if you do not have the time and budget set aside to achieve an excellent result, then best to wait until you do.  The main thing is to get the message across professionally - remember that the video will represent your company or organisation, so make it good!

 

Courtesy of  www.rayafilms.com

James Smith | Director

 

For further information on CD/DVD replication or duplication please contact wewow on [email protected] or visit www.wewow.co.uk

How To Make Your CD or DVD Project Eco-friendly

Producing a CD or DVD project which is environmentally friendly can be a minefield with many different companies promoting their varied services and products as sustainable and eco-friendly.  Here at wewow, we believe in making it as easy as possible for you to go green so we have taken the time to put together a few tips to help you reduce the impact of your CD/DVD project upon the environment.

• Green CD and DVD Packaging
  CD and DVD packaging makes a significant contribution to the carbon emissions of CD/DVD duplication and replication projects.  wewow have responded to the environmental impact of disc packaging by designed a unique range of environmentally friendly CD and DVD packaging.  The WOW! Range includes the WowPak, WowWallet, WowSpiral and WowPromo products; providing earth friendly packaging solutions for projects and budgets of all sizes.
  Environmentally friendly CD/DVD packaging also adds value to a release as it is often bespoke and demonstrates a real commitment to the environment by the DVD or CD producers.
  

• Recycled Products
  There are a number of different materials used to produce eco-friendly CD/DVD packaging and paper parts, including using recycled materials.  Recycled materials can vary from recycled card or paper to recycled CDs and DVDs!
  

• Recycling
  Your CD/DVD replication, duplication and packaging supply may offer a recycling services for unwanted and wasted discs.  If you have any unwanted CDs or DVDs then please ask your supplier what they can do to help.  If they don't accept CDs and DVDs for recycling themselves, they will probably be able to recommend a recycling company that does.
  
  
• Environmental Policy
  If you're asking your replication or duplication supplier whether they will recycle YOUR unwanted CDs and DVDs it is also worth asking how they themselves dispose of waste CDs and DVDs.  Unfortunately, wasted discs are a by-product of the disc manufacturing and print process so if you are looking for a 'green' supplier be sure to find out how they deal with waste materials.  Eco-friendly companies will generally have an ethical statement and internal environmental policy
   and should be more than happy to send you a copy.
  
  
• Eco-friendly paper parts

Paper parts such as booklets, wraps and wallets can easily be produced from eco-friendly paper, such as FSC accredited or recycled stock.  In addition to the material used to produce the paper parts, look out for printers who use vegetable-based inks and low-alcohol or alcohol free printers.

If you're hoping to produce an eco-friendly CD or DVD project it is important to choose the right supplier, who is dedicated to the environment and will offer guidance and support every step of the way.