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- How do I place my order?
- What is the difference between DUPLICATION and REPLICATION?
- Can I send jpeg files for my artwork?
- How can I make sure that the artist's name, album title, and song titles appear on ITUNES, Windows Media, Real Player and other media players when audio is played on a computer?
- What is the difference between 1-3 color and full color CMYK printing for the on-disc silk-screen? (Print on the actual disc.)
- What is a +/-10% Fill Deviation?
- What is the IPR Form and why do I have to submit this before you will make my discs?
- Do I have to have a license to replicate a "cover" version of a song?
- Can you replicate a disc that has samples or short clips of other songs or movies? Isn't this OK if the clip is only a few seconds long or if I am just using the disc for promotional purposes?
- What is the maximum playing time of an audio CD?
- Why do you recommend pdf proofs for artwork? Aren't hard copy proofs more accurate?
- What is a bar code and do I need one?
- What is a top spine and do I need one?
1.) How do I place my order?
Go to http://www.crystalclearcds.com/order/ for easy step-by-step instructions!
2.) What is the difference between DUPLICATION and REPLICATION?
Click HERE for more info.
3.) Can I send jpeg files for my artwork?
Most jpeg images are saved at 72dpi (dots per inch). As indicated in our written artwork requirements, we require images at 300dpi in order to insure professional quality insert printing. Although 72dpi is the standard for images on the internet and other computer monitor applications, when utilizing the 4-color, CMYK print process, images at 72dpi will appear "grainy", "pixilated" and at a lower quality, which we are certain you will agree, will not be acceptable for your project. In light of this, we will need you to provide images at 300dpi, or provide the original photos, logos, etc. so that we can rescan them to 300dpi. Note that there is a $75.00 per hour charge for this service, however you can be assured of the quality you expect and deserve. We will, of course, send an art proof for your review before printing!
If you have absolutely no alternative other than to use the 72dpi image provided, we would need your approval in writing that you are authorizing printing using these images and understand this will result in a lower quality product.
4.) How can I make sure that the artist's name, album title, and song titles appear on ITUNE, Windows Media, Real Player and other media players when audio is played on a computer?
The process to display the artist and title info on your computer is not done on the mastering or replication end. This function is handled by a series of databases over the web. When you place your disc into a computer, your default media player will begin to play the disc (Windows Media Player, ITunes, Real Player, etc.) and begins to search its database to see if it can find a match. If the player is unable to match the disc to the database, it should prompt you to enter or submit data for the disc. (For example: In ITunes it would ask if you want to "submit" information".) At that point you would enter the song titles, artist info, etc. Once this is done, that info will go into the database for that player allowing it to be accessed by others using the same player. You can go to http://www.allmusic.com and http://www.gracenote.com/gn_products/music_id.html or to the "Help" section of each specific media player for more info.
5.) What is the difference between 1-3 color and full color CMYK printing for the on-disc silk-screen? (Print on the actual disc.)
Our standard pricing includes up to 3-color silk-screen on-disc imprint. It is no problem to print full color (White + CMYK), however this adds $0.02 per disc plus $140.00 film costs to our standard pricing. We recommend disc art designed to "Spot" or "PMS/PANTONE" colors. Because of the way CDs are printed, the silk-screen process does not allow for a high line screen like printing on paper. The result is that the CMYK images on a disc are not quite as "sharp" when compared to paper printing. Because of this, you will find that the vast majority of major-label releases and other professionally released discs design their on-disc art using 100% "Spot" or "PMS/Pantone" colors. When using 100% of an ink (no gradients or percentages of colors like in a photo or image) the lower line screen is not relevant as you're not using percentages of colors. So, 100% SOLID images generally give you a better looking disc vs. a CMYK on-disc print.
6.) What is a +/-10% Fill Deviation?
Most CD/DVD facilities manufacture discs/inserts with an industry standard +/-10% fill deviation. As discs/inserts are manufactured, they go through a series of quality control checks and imperfect discs/inserts are discarded. A manufacturer will always start with approximately 10% when beginning production to account for any loss in the quality control process. Consequently, your final order will be within 10% of the total quantity ordered. You are invoiced for the exact number received and are assured EVERY disc/insert has made it through quality control and is a perfect product!
7.) What is the IPR Form and why do I have to submit this before you will make my discs?
The Intellectual Property Rights Form (IPR) is a standard form in the CD/DVD industry. In order to comply with current copyright and anti-piracy procedures, any reputable CD/DVD manufacturing facility would require you to submit a similar form. The IPR Form is simply a document that states that you own the intellectual property on the disc and give Crystal Clear the right to replicate this material for you.
8.) Do I have to have a license to replicate a "cover" version of a song?
You do not need permission to release your own recorded versions of cover songs. This is only required if you are trying to release someone else's actual "recording" on your CD. (For example, you can record your own version of the Beatle's song "Yesterday", and you own the intellectual property to your recording. If you wanted to release The Beatles original recording of the same song on your CD, you would have to obtain permission and show proof of permission or licensing from the current owner of that recording.) The copyright refers to the "recorded version" of the tune, not the original owner of the song itself. So, you are the intellectual property rights owner to your recorded version of any cover songs. You are required, however, to pay mechanical royalties to the owner of the song. This is inexpensive and very easy and handled exclusively by the Harry Fox Agency. http://www.harryfox.com Crystal Clear does not need to see "proof" of the mechanical licenses from Harry Fox in order to process your CD/DVD. You only need to acknowledge that you are in the process or intend to go forward with Harry Fox. (This is acknowledged as part of the IPR Form when signed and returned to Crystal Clear.)
In short, you are the IPR Owner of your versions of the cover songs.
9.) Can you replicate a disc that has samples or short clips of other songs or movies? Isn't this OK if the clip is only a few seconds long or if I am just using the disc for promotional purposes?
Federal US Copyright Law is very clear - we simply cannot manufacture a CD or DVD with existing copy-written material unless the customer has written documentation indicating the license or permission to use this material from the owner of the intellectual property. Whether the discs are being sold or given away for free is irrelevant to the law. (Note that Harry Fox would have nothing to do with this issue as they handle "mechanical licensing". Mechanical licenses are for "cover" versions of songs, not original recordings.) In order to reproduce other copyrighted original recordings onto your discs, you would have to have written permission from the owner of the copyright and intellectual property for each of these tracks. If you do not have this permission or have sought this permission, it is simply illegal, and a violation of federal law to reproduce the disc. There are no exceptions.
Click here for more information on how to obtain a license for copy-written material.
10.) What is the maximum playing time of an audio CD?
The Phillips CD specification for Audio CD formats defines the maximum playing time as 74 minutes, 4 seconds or 650Mb. Crystal Clear will accept masters up to 76 minutes, and longer playing times of up to 79 minutes may be possible but we cannot guarantee that the discs will play satisfactorily in all CD players/drives. Although I need to make you aware of this disclaimer, the practical reality is that most players will play up to a 79-minute CD.
11.) Why do you recommend pdf proofs for artwork? Aren't hard copy proofs more accurate?
Your artwork will go through an intense pre-flight and quality control procedure to ensure it is set up to our exact specifications and will print to the highest quality standards. The CD/DVD industry standard and recommended proofing method for both accuracy and efficiency is a pdf proof. Many folks have an impression that a hard copy proof is more "accurate" than a pdf. Although we acknowledge that there are anomalies with pfd proofs, with the advent of digital technology, and considering that there are just as many anomalies with a hard copy proof, we recommend, along with the vast majority of others in our industry, pdf proofs. With all of that said, we understand the sensitive nature of your project, and we are happy to accommidate a hard copy digital proof when requested. We are happy to provide this at no additional charge other than the cost to send the proof to you. (Overnight, etc.) If you need a hard copy, we would advise that you also reference a pdf proof as well, for added assurance and accuracy. Note that we print literally millions of pieces of print and millions of discs annually and 99 out of 100 of these projects are proofed via pdf with minimal or no issues - only satisfied customers! And NOTHING WILL BE PRINTED UNTIL YOU ARE COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH YOUR PROOFS!
12.) What is a bar code and do I need one?
If you are looking to make your product available to music retailers or online retailers, it is recommended that request a bar code to be affixed to the artwork of your project. The bar code is a 12-digit number that you will find on the back of any "retail-ready" project. A bar code is primarily used to simply identify your specific project with a distributor, in a retail outlet or online store, or with SoundScan. It contains elements that will uniquely identify your product and let those retailers, etc. distinguish the format (Compact Disc, DVD, etc.). Crystal Clear can offer a bar code for your specific project at NO CHARGE. This is your bar code and is connected to your project with no affiliation or link to Crystal Clear after it is on your project.
13.) What is a top spine and do I need one?
Top spine labels are highly recommended if you plan to sell a significant amount of your CDs at retail outlets. A top spine displays the artist, title of the project and bar code across the top of the jewel box. This added information will give your project a professional look and help you to compete with major label releases and other CDs on crowded retail shelves. Note: An accurate bar code number is required in order to include a top spine on your project. Crystal Clear Disc & Tape can provide a bar code for you at no charge on request.
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