Frequently Asked Questions

DVD is the abbreviation for Digital Versatile Disc. A DVD is an optical disc which is molded from polycarbonate and has one or more layers of information. This is accomplished by molding two separate discs and bonding them together to create one disc. In addition, one or more reflective coatings are deposited which allow the player to read back the multiple layers of information. Because the data is compressed, it has a much greater storage capacity than a standard compact disc. DVD’s are also Read-only which means that the data has been recorded onto them; they can only be read or played and are not capable of recording.

What is the difference between DVD replication and DVD duplication ?

DVD replication is a "mass-production" injection molding method for manufacturing the highest quality and lowest price DVD copies. DVD duplication is a term that typically describes "burning" or writing low-volume production runs of DVD copies.

What is the minimum order?

1000 units.

How fast is your DVD manufacturing "turn around" or delivery time and what is day "zero"?

DVD replication "turn around" an delivery times are typically 5 to 7 working days for project reorders. New titles typically take 7 to 10 working days to replicate, package and prepare for delivery. 24 hour replication delivery services are available; however, please contact your account representative to discuss the manufacturing delivery options available for your situation. Zero day is the day that we receive your PO and your master. Both must be received by 12 PM for that day to be counted as “day zero”.

What types of masters do you accept?

CD-R, DVD-R, DLT (digital linear tape), CD & DVD

What do I need to get my project started?

Deposit, master, Purchase Order, Artwork, IPR form, Terms & Conditions, acknowledgement of order guidelines, and a California resale certificate if applicable.

Do you replicate high definition?

Yes, Reel Picture can replicate high definition.

What is the difference between a DVD 5, DVD 9 & DVD 10 and how much data can I fit into each?

All DVD’s are comprised of two 0.6 millimeter discs bonded together. The main difference between the various formats is their data storage capacity. A DVD 5 holds 4.7 gigabytes of data and is a single layer, single sided disc. A DVD 9 holds 8.5 gigabytes of data and is a dual layer, single sided disc. Both DVD 5 and DVD 9 allow the customer to print a full side disc label. A DVD 10 holds 9.4 gigabytes of data and is a single layer, dual sided disc. This format only allows a small ring to be printed on both sides of the disc.

What do I do if I want color and silver to appear on my disc?

Depending on the opacity you are trying to achieve, the disc label can be printed directly on the disc without a white flood coat or the white flood coat can be knocked out to allow the silver disc to be visible.

What template do I need for a DVD?

DVD 1, DVD 2 or DVD 3

What is an IPR form and why do I need it

Intellectual Property Rights to declare ownership of the title/project.

What is Macrovision?

An anti-taping process that modifies a signal so that it appears unchanged on most televisions but is distorted and unwatchable when played back from a videotape recording. Macrovision takes advantage of characteristics of AGC circuits and burst decoder circuits in VCRs to interfere with the recording process.

What is CSS Encryption?

CSS is an abbreviation for Content Scrambling System. It uses a proprietary 40-bit encryption stream cipher algorithm. A specific key set is needed in order to play the CSS encrypted product. Copies will not be playable due to the missing key set

Can I provide DVD-R master to replicate a DVD-9

Yes, Reel Picture does accept DVD-R masters for a DVD-9 title.

What is hybrid disc?

A hybrid disc consists of a singular optical disc which has a CD on one side and a DVD on the other side. Label printing is the same as for DVD 10 discs. The label consists of a small ring printed on both sides of the disc.

DVD PACKAGING ANSWERS:

Can I provide my own print?

Yes, however print must conform to our quality specs outlined on the website.

My print does not meet your packaging template? What are my options?

Print can be cut down to meet the template or if too small hand packing will be required at an additional charge.

CD REPLICATION ANSWERS:

What is a CD ?

CD is the abbreviation for compact disc. A CD is an optical disc which is molded from polycarbonate and has a thin coating of aluminum which serves as the reflective layer. This reflective layer allows the player to read the data which is stored digitally through a series of pits stamped into the polycarbonate. The most prevalent types of compact discs are those used by the music industry to store digital recordings (referred to as CD Audio) and discs which are used to store computer data (referred to as CD-ROM). Both of these types of CD’s are Read-only, which means the data has been recorded onto them; they can only be read or played and are not capable of recording.

What is a CD-R ?

CD-R is the abbreviation for compact disc write once. It is a polycarbonate disc which consists of a pre-grooved spiral track coated with a dye polymer coating and a thin reflective layer. The dye polymer coating is “burned” which changes the reflection characteristics of the polymer. This reflection modulation allows the player to distinguish between the areas of the polymer that have been burned and those which have not.

What is the difference between CD replication and CD-R duplication ?

CD replication is a "mass-production" injection molding method for manufacturing the highest quality and lowest price CD copies. CD duplication is a term that typically describes "buring" or writing low-volume production runs of CD copies. The decision to burn CD-R’s or to replicate CD’s is dependent upon the number of discs that you want to order. If you need a small number of discs, then burning may be the right choice. Replication (molding) of discs always should be the choice for larger orders. Consult your sales person for details.

Supplying CD master for CD duplication –What is required ?

CD-R is the media of preference. Replicated CD’s can also be used as long as they meet all Philips Red Book specifications.

What is a Glass Master ?

The first step in the process to produce a stamper for the purpose of the replication of CDs. The glass master is destroyed during the production of the nickel stamper.

What is the minimum order?

1000 units.

How fast is your CD manufacturing "turn around" or delivery time and what is day "zero"?

CD replication "turn around" an delivery times are typically 5 to 7 working days for project re-orders. New titles typically take 7 to 10 working days to replicate, package and prepare for delivery. 24h hour turn times are possible under rush circumstances. Make sure to contact Reel Picture for production delivery times and to discuss your project and avoid costly delays. Day Zero is the day that we receive your PO and your master. Both must be received by 12 PM for that day to be counted as “day zero”.

What types of masters do you accept?

CD-R, DVD-R, DLT (digital linear tape), CD & DVD

What do I need to get my project started?

Deposit, master, Purchase Order, Artwork, IPR form, signed terms & conditions, acknowledgement of order guidelines, and a California resale certificate if applicable.

What is an IPR form and why do I need it

Intellectual Property Rights to declare ownership of the title/project.

How much music can I put on a CD?

74 minutes and 40 seconds or 650 megabytes

What do I do if I want color and silver to appear on my disc?

What template do I need for a CD?

CD 1, CD 2 or CD3

What is Macrovision?

What is CSS Encryption?

What is hybrid disc?

CD PACKAGING ANSWERS:

What are my packaging options ?

CD jewel case, amaray case, clamshell, wallet, white paper sleeve and custom designed packaging are available. Ask your sales person.

Can I provide my own print?

Yes, however print must conform to our quality specs outlined on the website.

My print does not meet your packaging template? What are my options?

Print can be cut down to meet the template or if too small hand packing will be required at an additional charge.

WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTION ANSWERS:

How do I create an online account to view my warehouse inventory reports?

An online system is available, contact your account manager.

What are the standard counts for shipping boxes in my order?

30ct DVD, 120 ct CD, VHS 50

How many different addresses can you drop ship my product to?

Up to 10 addresses can be supplied. The first address is included. A $10.00 charge will be invoiced for each additional address up to 10. Fulfillment charges will apply on any request over 10 addresses.

What carriers does Reel Picture use for Fulfillment?

UPS, FedEx (with your account) USPS, various freight couriers. Free delivery within most regions of San Diego County.

INTERNET ORDER FULFILLMENT ANSWERS:

I have questions on my inventory in fulfillment, who can I talk with?

Fulfillment customer service @ ext. 3106

What carriers does Reel Picture use for Fulfillment?

UPS, FedEx (with your account) USPS, various freight couriers. Free delivery within most regions of San Diego County.

How many different addresses can you drop ship my product to?

GRAPHIC DESIGN AND MISC. ANSWERS:

What is a PMS color?

Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a proprietary color system for choosing and matching specific spot colors.

What do I do if I want color and silver to appear on my disc?

What options do I have for disc printing?

Silkscreen or offset printing.

What template do I need for a CD? DVD?

CD 1, CD 2 or CD3; DVD 1, DVD 2 or DVD 3

Why do I need Film?

Film is required to transfer the desired image to the disc label.

What is direct to plate?

A method of printing plate generation whereby an image setter generates a plate rather than film, eliminating film negatives altogether.

What is silkscreen?

A printing process in which the desired image is exposed onto a fine screen mesh. The ink is forced through this screen and onto the disc surface as it passes under the screen station. Silkscreen printing can be used for four color process printing or for spot PMS colors. Generally used for lower resolution images below 120 lines per inch (lpi).

What is offset printing?

Offset printing is a process in which a desired image is exposed onto a printing plate that in turn is loaded into an offset printer. A print roller picks up ink and rolls across the plate picking up the desired image and deposits the image onto the disc surface. This process is for four color process (CMYK) only and results in a high resolution image of picture quality at 175 lines per inch (lpi).

What is CMYK?

Abbreviation for cyan, magenta, yellow and black. It is the colors used in the four color printing process.

What is a white flood?

White flood refers to a white ink layer which is deposited over the entire print surface of the disc. It provides opacity to all other colors deposited onto the disc and allows the ability to match colors correctly to either the Pantone book or to a press match.

What type of software can I use to create art work?

Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark and Indesign.

Can Reel Picture make changes to my artwork and what is the cost?

Yes, we can make changes to certain artwork, ligaments and text. Check with graphics department. Charge is $50.00/hr.

How do I upload my art files for my project?

Contact your account manager for access to our FTP site for the uploading of your art files

What is the cost for hard copy proofs?

Cost is included in film/match print, contact your sales rep.

How can I get a UPC number for my project?

Reel Picture provides a UPC number at a charge. Contact your salesperson or account manager

Will my printed art look the same as on the computer?

The disc art design will be the same. However all monitors are not calibrated and therefore the colors you see on your monitor may not be an exact match to the label printed from your artwork file. If you are using a file set up as four color process it is always better to view a match print in order to see what the final product will look like.

BILLING AND REPLICATION ORDER ANSWERS:

What are the payment options?

Reel Picture offers payment terms to customers on approved credit click here to download credit application. First time orders require a 50% deposit based on an estimate provided by the salesperson.
1. Major credit cards accepted: Visa, Master Card, and American Express
2. Company or personal checks, money orders, and certified bank checks
3. Direct bank deposits (wire transfers)
4. Cash

We do not use a purchase order system, how should I submit my order?

Reel Picture has an online purchase order system that you can access. Contact your account representative for logon information.

Will you charge sales tax?

Businesses which hold a valid sellers permit issued by the California State Board of Equalization, and intend to resell tangible goods purchased from Reel Picture, may be exempt from sales tax. Customers who are unsure about sales tax exemption are encouraged to visit the State Board website http://www.boe.ca.gov and follow the link to Sales & Use Tax FAQs.

What is an IPR form and why do I need it

Intellectual Property Rights to declare ownership of the title/project.