OT: The business of Replicating - How to

dand9959 wrote on 11/22/2005, 8:16 AM
Let's say I need to make a large number of copies of my DVD production, say, 10,000 - 20,000. (I don't need to, but let's say it anyway.)

Let's also say I'm a complete neophyte at this. (True enough.)

Obviously, I need to use a replication service, but beyond that, I'm clueless.

So here are some very broad questions:

1) What does a replication service typically need from the client? A DVD-R burned straight from DVD-A? Something else?

2) What about disc labels? Do they need an image file? Or the artwork on the master disc itself? Or is that another party?

3) What about jacket artwork and inserts?

4) Turnaround time?

5) What are the price ranges?

6) Are reorders cheaper once the original run is completed?

Comments

Jay Gladwell wrote on 11/22/2005, 8:56 AM

Do a web search on "DVD replication" and you'll find tons of businesses who can answer each of your questions in great detail.


DavidMcKnight wrote on 11/22/2005, 9:00 AM
The one I've dealt with personally is cdtechnical.com. Great work, fast service if you need it, and as much handholding as you need. Also very competitive pricing.

Whoever you choose will need camera ready art, meaning that any booklets, covers, etc need to be ready to go. They will have templates available for download that you can use photoshop, etc to design with. The graphics will be a separate deliverable by email or shipped on a separate disc.

As far as media, dvd-r or in some cases tape will be acceptable, depends on the house.

Turnaround time can be as fast as a few days if you pay extra, normal is probably 2 weeks or so. Check out their website and give them a call.

- David