Confusing Terminology

If you're not familiar with the manufacturing process the terminology can sometimes be a bit confusing. Shown below is a list of commonly used words/phrases along with their definitions. If you require further clarification or have any questions please contact us right away... we're always here to help!

Contents:

• Design & Artwork
• The CD & DVD Discs
• Packaging
• Print
 

About 'Design & Artwork'

• Design:
At ExoMedia Inc. we refer to the arrangement of graphic images that will be printed or reproduced as the 'design'.  If you require design assistance we have our own professional team of graphic designers to work with you.
 
• Artwork:
After the design stage is complete, it needs to be formatted properly and supplied in an electronic form for printing. This is what we refer to as the 'artwork'.  If you are providing your own artwork please refer to the 'Specs' page of the website for details information.
 
• Pre-Press (also referred to as File Check):
Upon receiving client-supplied artwork we open the files and put them through a 20-point checklist to make sure they meet our printing specifications before going 'to press'.
 
• Proofs:
After completing the Pre-Press, we either provide (a) .PDF file proofs forwarded by e-mail, or (b) printed paper proofs that are available to be picked up from our office. The proofs are generated for your final review prior to the printing process. Please note that we must receive approval in writing before we can proceed with production. Please refer to the 'Specs' page of the website for details information.
 
• CMYK:
Four Colour Process Printing (referred to as CMYK) is a printing process using four primary pigments: C stands for Cyan, M stands for Magenta, Y stands for Yellow, and K stands for Black.  As children we learned that you can mix colours together to create other colours (ie: mixing red and yellow together creates orange) but mixing and combining different amounts of each CMYK colour literally provides a palette of millions of colours for the printing process.
 
• RGB:
RGB is another method to combine different amounts of primary colours (in this case using Red, Green and Blue) to create a larger palette of colours.  Because computer monitors use the RGB colour mode to display images it is very common for scanners and design/paint software programs to automatically format your designs in the RGB colour mode.
 
• Pantone Colours (also referred to as PMS colours): 
For larger runs of CDs/DVDs it is most cost-effective to screenprint the design onto the discs. You can set up your disc design to be printed in CMYK (most commonly used for multi-coloured designs or designs which contain photo quality images) or, for designs that feature less detail and more solid colours, they can be screenprinted using Pantone Matching System colours. You graphics or paint software program should have the Pantone library of colours built in to it, or you can reference a printed colour 'swatch' which is available at most graphic supply stores.
 

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About 'The Discs'
 
• Duplication:
Small quantities of CDs/DVDs (less than 300) are typically 'duplicated' which is also referred to as being 'burned'. This is the most cost-effective way to produce small numbers of discs.  In order to provide you with the best quality product as possible, at ExoMedia Inc. we use good quality CDR/DVDR discs, state-of-the-art Duplicators, and we duplicate the discs at a slow speed.
 
• Replication:
For quantities of 500 CDs/DVDs or greater, a glass-master is used to physically 'replicate' the discs. This is the highest quality and most durable method of manufacture.
 
• CD/DVD Surface Print:
At ExoMedia, we refer to the design that is printed onto the disc as its 'surface print'. For replicated discs your design is typically screenprinted directly onto the disc surface. For small orders of duplicated discs it is much more cost-effective to apply digitally printed paper labels or to use a *thermal print onto the CD surface. (*limitations apply, please contact us for details)
 
• Film:
For CDs that are being screenprinted, film is made from the supplied artwork. The film is used to image the screenprinting screens.
 

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About 'Packaging'
 
• Packaging:
Packaging refers to the type of case, container or sleeve that your disc or tape is placed in. Some types of packaging can be printed and others can have print inserted into them. At ExoMedia Inc. we always have the most popular packaging options in-stock, but there are also custom packaging options available to suit your needs though some may have minimum order requirements. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
 
• Jewel Case: The 'jewel case' is the most popular method for packaging CDs. It is comprised of a case with a hinged lid, and a tray that holds the CD. Print can be inserted into the lid of the jewel case as well as into the bottom of the tray. Available in single disc and double disc formats.
 
• Slimline Jewel Case: A thinner version of the jewel case that allows for print to be inserted in its lid, but doesn't accommodate print in the tray. Available in single disc or double disc formats.
 
• DVD Library Case: The 'library case' is the most popular method for packaging DVDs. It is a solid plastic hinged case that has a built in hub to pop the disc onto. Print can be inserted into a clear plastic pouch that wraps around the case, as well as into the inside of the case. Library cases are also available that holds 2 or more discs.
 

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About 'Print'
 
• Paper Print:
At ExoMedia Inc. the paper print for 500+ unit orders is Four-Colour Process Printed (CMYK) onto 100lb gloss text stock. The paper print for smaller orders is typically digitally printed (CMYK) onto 100lb gloss text stock. There is a common 'code' to describe how the paper is printed in the CMYK scheme:  "0" refers to no print, "1" refers to black (or greyscale), and "4" refers to colour print.
-  1/0: Black or greyscale print on front / no print on back.
-  1/1: Black or greyscale print on front /  black or greyscale print on back.
-  4/0: Colour print on front / no print on back.
-  4/1: Colour print on front / black or greyscale print on back.
-  4/4: Colour print on front / Colour print on back.
 
• CD Insert Cards:
A printed 'insert card' is placed inside the lid of the jewel case. Insert cards are folded and come in a variety of sizes and with different print options.
 
• CD Booklets:
Similar to an insert card, a 'booklet' is comprised of separate pages being assembled and stapled much like a book or magazine. There are a variety of sizes with different print options.
 
• Pages & Panels:
There is a way to describe the size of insert card or booklet that fits into a Jewel Case or Amaray Case. Each print panel has two sides (ie: the front and the back) which we refer to as 'pages'.  We call a simple insert card with no folds a 1 panel (2 page). For the type of insert card that is folded in half, we call that 2 panel (4 page), etc.
 
• Tray Cards:
The 'tray card' is the insert that is visible from the back/bottom of the CD jewel case and includes the print that is visible on the ends/spines of the case. Tray Cards can also have a back print when used with 'clear' jewel case trays.
 
• Trapsheets:
The printed paper insert that wraps around the outside of the DVD Library Cases or plastic VHS boxes is called a Trapsheet.
 
• Shrinkwrap:
After the discs and print are inserted into the cases, the finishing touch is to have the cases shrinkwrapped in thin clear plastic.
  

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