CDs & DVDs

• Blu ray
• DVD Cases
• Jewel Cases
• Jackets & Sleeves
• DigiPaks
• Wallets
• Bulk Discs
• Eco-Packaging
• Printed Blank Media
• Short Runs

Support

• Preparing Artwork
• Preparing Masters
• Replication Timing
• Related Resources
• Templates

Services

• DVD Authoring
• CD Mastering
• Design Central
• Fulfillment

Replication Options

DVD-5 vs. DVD-9

When you are replicating a DVD, you can create a single layer DVD-5, which holds the same amount of information as a DVD-R. Or you can make a DVD-9, which holds almost twice the amount of data and is therefore a good choice for titles with more than about two hours of video. Please note that you can put up to about three hours of video on a DVD-5 if you have a very high quality encoder.

Many of the DVDs created by Hollywood are DVD-9s - the extra length is used to hold the special features, trailers, and other extras on a single disc. A DVD-9 has two layers stacked on top of each other on the same side of the disc, so viewers don't have to turn it over (though there is often a slight pause as the player switches between layers).

PacificDisc can replicate both DVD-5 & DVD-9 discs.

Copy Protection

There are two different methods of copy protection available with DVDs: Macrovision & CSS.

• Macrovision is a technology which makes it difficult to copy DVDs with analog equipment, such as VCRs. Applying Macrovision protection to your DVD must be done during the authoring phase, and there is a per-disc royalty due to Macrovision for titles protected by their technology. We support Type 2 Macrovision, which is the type most commonly used.

• CSS (Content Scramble System) is the digital copy protection system built into the DVD format. CSS makes it more difficult to copy DVDs using computers and other digital devices. There is no per-disc royalty for using CSS, but the DVD must be authored properly to allow for CSS and there us a extra flat-fee for each project, regardless of qty of discs. Supporting CSS requires that the master must be on DLT tape, not a DVD-R. We support Type 3 CSS, which is the type most commonly used.

It is important to remember that no form of copy protection is guaranteed to prevent people from copying your titles. There are various VCRs and electronic components available which defeat Macrovision, and there are several different software programs available that easily copy CSS protected DVDs.

If you are preparing a DVD master yourself and wish to include copy protection, please contact us so we can ensure that you master your title correctly.

Region Coding

"Region coded" DVDs are designated to only play in a particular part of the world. For example, Hollywood studios regularly release titles at different times in the US, Europe and Asia markets and use region coding to attempt to prevent viewers from buying titles early from other areas.

As with copy protection, region coding can be defeated. There are DVD players and devices which don't respect the region coding on DVDs and will play any disc despite its region code.

Please contact us for details on how to properly master your own DVD for region coding

NTSC vs. PAL

See list of PAL Countries here

As with television, there are two predominant worldwide formats for DVD-Video: NTSC and PAL. NTSC is used in the US, Canada, and parts of Asia. PAL is used in Europe and other parts of Asia.

NTSC has a somewhat lower-resolution image with a higher frame-rate (30 fps). PAL has a higher resolution image, better color fidelity, and a lower frame rate (25 fps).

Almost all new PAL DVD players are compatible with NTSC DVDs, so it is fairly common to sell titles worldwide in this format. Most NTSC players do not play PAL titles, so it is hard to watch a European video in the US, for example.

We can replicate both NTSC and PAL discs. Please call us if you have questions about a PAL DVD you'd like to replicate with us.

Article: NTSC or PAL - how do I maximize my audience?

Spine labels & Security tags

Spine labels are the clear adhesive stickers used to seal the edges of DVD cases, which makes it difficult to open the package quickly. Security tags are small devices inserted into the case to set off anti-theft alarms at stores. Both of these options are used help prevent theft in retail environments. If you're interested in either option, please give us a call for a custom quote.

DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, Hybrid DVD

We can replicate all three types of common DVD formats: DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, and Hybrid DVD. Most of what we replicate is DVD-Video, so please let us know if your master will be something else.

DVD-Video is intended for viewing on a DVD player, and is what you generally rent from a video store.

DVD-ROMs contain computer data, and are essentially the same as a CD-ROM, but much larger. DVD-ROMs don't usually play on DVD players.

Hybrid DVDs are a combination of DVD-Video and DVD-ROM which plays in a set-top DVD player and also contains computer files. Hybrid discs are a great way to present instructional videos along with companion materials, such as text files, graphics for tutorials, etc.

UPC Barcodes

Before you can add a spine label to your DVD or CD project, you'll need a UPC. Fortunately PacificDisc can issue you a UPC barcode for just $75. Just leave a space on the back cover artwork (top right-hand corner is typical) and we'll drop one in for you.

For everything you ever wanted to know about barcodes - click here to review our Barcode FAQ