CDs & DVDs
Replication Timing
In order to better explain the timing of replication and duplication, a customer should know how the process works.
- Once you have decided on what service and how many discs you need, you will be sent a formal quote.
- You are asked to sign the quote and provide appropriate Intellectual Property Rights paperwork, along with two copies of your project, a CD-R containing artwork assets and if possible a matchproof of your print work - which we use to ensure good color accuracy.
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Once we receive your masters and signed paperwork, the artwork files are sent to prepress for proofing and the master discs are used to create glass masters (stampers). - Shortly after we receive everything, you will be emailed a low-res PDF proof of the face art, the cover art and any inserts. These low-res proofs are provided to ensure we are using the correct files and check that nothing has been cut off around the edges - they are not intended to check for color-accuracy, because how something looks on a computer screen differs greatly from what the final artwork will look like when printed on an offset printing press.
- At this stage, if you have ordered hard matchproofs, or checkdiscs, these will be shipped to you for approval. If not, we process to step 6 below.
- Once we have your written approvals for artwork proofs and checkdiscs (if applicable), we begin to print your covers and inserts, as well as stamp out and print your discs.
- When we have all the components made, we assemble and inspect everything ahead of shipping finished products to you.
Blu-ray Replication.
Due to the complex nature of Blu-ray mastering, procuring and applying the AACS media keys, AACS content certification and the replication process itself, the standard turnaround time is 14-21 days + shipping time. Although PacificDisc can proof your artwork files and print covers & inserts while the mastering, AACS and replication of discs is being completed, faster turnarounds are difficult to achieve, so projects should be planned accordingly.
DVD Replication
The most time-consuming aspect of DVD replication is printing the DVD covers (wraps), which typically take several days to complete. Overall DVDs that need to be packaged inside amaray cases, or sleeves, or wallets will take about 7-8 days to complete (+ shipping time) once we have your final approvals emailed back to us. If you are ordering DVDs in bulk (no packaging), or discs inside paper sleeves, clamshells or slimline cases where there is no other printing besides the DVD faces, turnarounds are generally 3-4 days + shipping time after the face artwork or checkdisc is approved.
DVD Duplication
Duplication projects can normally be completed in 3-4 days + shipping time, regardless of quantities ordered, or whether they are packaged, or in bulk. Because DVD covers (wraps) are printed digitally, rather than offset printed, these aren't the bottleneck that they are in DVD replication.
CD Replication
Like with DVD replication, the slowest part of a CD replication project is printing the various inserts and traycards needed to complete a Jewel Case. And the more complicated the insert, a simple 4-panel vs 16-page stapled booklet for example, can add a day or two too. But in general terms, packaged CDs take 7-8 days + shipping time and CDs in bulk take only 3-4 days + shipping time to complete
Printed Blank Discs
Like with DVD duplication, if you are buying blank CD-Rs or blank DVD-Rs that we are printing for you, but you will burn data/video/audio to at a later time, the turnaround time is 3-4 days + shipping time.
Fine Print: These timing estimates are just that - estimates. At certain times of the year, especially in the months leading up to the holidays in December, turn times can be extended by a few days. If your project is time-sensitive, please let your sales rep know and arrangements will be made to meet your deadline. One thing is for sure, we will never promise you a delivery date if we cannot hit that date. We would rather turn your business away than give you false promises.