A4 Photo Paper - Where to buy?

craftech wrote on 11/12/2003, 6:45 PM
I use A4 Photo paper (Epson S041140 to be exact) for DVD jacket inserts, but I have to mail order it. I get it from Buy.com for $8.99 per pkg of 20 sheets.

Does anyone know of a better place to get it? I have checked every office supply and computer store. None of them carry it. I actually ran into a Staples manager who never heard of it. (Pretty frightening).

If mail order is the only recourse, is the above a good price for Epson S041140 A4 Photo Paper?

It's kind of amazing to me that it is so difficult to find good software and paper to produce quality DVD Jacket inserts. You would think there would be real competition in this area.

John

Comments

BillyBoy wrote on 11/12/2003, 6:59 PM
I've seen it at larger so-called super computer stores like Micro Center if you have one in your area. But at double or more the price you're paying.

How about a inbetween .... quality wise

http://www.plotterpapers.com/photo-laser-paper.htm
craftech wrote on 11/12/2003, 7:14 PM
At $.41/sheet it is around the same cost. Have you tried laser photo paper on your inkjet? It is sliightly thinner than the Epson paper. I rather like the Epson paper because it seems to work very well on my Epson printer (logically).

JOhn
BillyBoy wrote on 11/12/2003, 9:16 PM
I haven't yet.
Erk wrote on 11/13/2003, 10:25 AM
I use glossy DVD inserts, die-cut for clean breaks, from Neato.com.

G
craftech wrote on 11/13/2003, 10:46 AM
I tried the Neato pre-cut stock, but they don't seem very colorful using my Epson 980. I actually have some left. They also weren't very glossy. The size was slightly off as well. It was some time ago. Perhaps they have changed. I think Staples has a Fellows version of the die cut ones. Has anyone tried those?

John
Jsnkc wrote on 11/13/2003, 12:21 PM
I just use standard glossy letter size paper, it has worked great for me. Ther hardest part was getting a template set up that was the right size, but now that I have that just design and print. I usually just get some generic or store brand glossy paper instaed of wasting money on a name brand paper.
craftech wrote on 11/13/2003, 2:05 PM
Did you create it yourself using Photoshop?

John
Jsnkc wrote on 11/13/2003, 2:11 PM
yeah

This is the template I use on any standard paper or photo paper.
I print on 2 diffrent Epson Printers, both of them have the option in the print setting to "minimise margins" this allows the whole thing to be printed on the page without cutting anything off.
jsteehl wrote on 11/28/2003, 4:02 PM
Really dumb question but don't you need to trim the A4 paper? Isn't that a pain that makes it not worth while or do you have a special paper trimmer?

Thanks,

-Jason
tfc wrote on 11/29/2003, 2:01 AM
Yes, you do need to trim the A4 paper. It is not the same size as a DVD jacket insert. I personally went out and invested in one of those office supply paper cutters - you know, the kind with a giant machette blade on them. It is awesome because it allows me to get very precise with the cutting and allows very straight lines, something very difficult with scissors. One of the worst problems I had initially cutting these inserts, was getting the cuts straight with scissors. All of my problems were solved after getting this paper cutter. They can be bought for $ 30 - $ 60 at most office supply shops.

BTW, I also use Epson A4 paper, but I use photo quality inkjet paper, rather than photo paper. It is not quite as good as true photo paper, but much better than standard stock paper. It's a great compromise as well, as I can get 100 sheets for about $ 10 (U.S.). Considering the quality and the cost, it is by far the best value in my book, especially considering how many pieces of paper I went through initially to get the margins, etc. properly set.
craftech wrote on 11/29/2003, 10:07 AM
tfc,
Where do you get the photo quality Epson A4 inkjet paper for $10.00?
John
tfc wrote on 11/30/2003, 2:05 AM
Sorry, I was a little off on my pricing as I was going from memory. It is actually $ 13.95, not including shipping. I got it from an internet only company. They can be purchased at digitallyunique.com.
jsteehl wrote on 11/30/2003, 5:06 AM
Ok, since I did not read the explination in this thread I'll be the one to ask...

What is that advantage of using A4 paper over standard size for DVD case inserts? A4 is 8.3x11.7 and Standard is 8.5x11. Either way you have to trim.

-Jason
smhontz wrote on 11/30/2003, 7:35 AM
Meritline.com sells DVD inserts. They are micro-perfed A4 size, and come in either matte or glossy. I used the Photoshop template they posted on their web site.

I picked up some of the matte ones for $9 (50 sheets) at my local Fry's electronics - actually cheaper than on the Meritline site.

You print out your insert, then you just fold on the micro perf lines and tear off. They work just fine for me.
craftech wrote on 11/30/2003, 10:17 AM
What is that advantage of using A4 paper over standard size for DVD case inserts? A4 is 8.3x11.7 and Standard is 8.5x11. Either way you have to trim.
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Printers don't print right to the edges of the paper. A4 layouts are easier to setup and print accurately for DVD jacket inserts and the various priniers.

John
cef wrote on 12/1/2003, 11:15 PM
Hi everyone. I too cannot find a4 paper here in San Diego, and yes, the staples stores i went have not heard of what an A4 size paper is. i found A3 size paper (Epson / heavyweight matte..50sheets for around 30 bucks) at Fry's electronics. i used a table top cutter to cut them in half...voila!... a4 size paper.
Jsnkc wrote on 12/2/2003, 8:02 AM
IF you use an Epson printer you can easily print on standard size paper for DVD inserts. There is a little setting that allows you to "Minimize Margins" if you use that a DVD cover will fit on the paper perfectly. I'd bet there is a way to do it on most of the other printers out there as well.
craftech wrote on 12/2/2003, 11:07 AM
IF you use an Epson printer you can easily print on standard size paper for DVD inserts. There is a little setting that allows you to "Minimize Margins" if you use that a DVD cover will fit on the paper perfectly. I'd bet there is a way to do it on most of the other printers out there as well.
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Which template are you starting out with? Are you starting out with an A4 template, then "minimizing margins"?

John