Buyers Guide for CD/DVD Reproduction Services

5 Tips for Buying CD/DVD Reproduction Services

The following tips—provided by Todd Grant, chief executive officer of New Territories, a supply chain solutions provider—are important to consider before embarking on your next (or first) CD or DVD project.

1 Keep the audience in mind when determining which file format is best for your book. Text files convert easily and accurately to PDF, but XML is more robust and flexible. Your choice of format will definitely depend on how the electronic content will be used.

2 Consider the purpose of the content. Some publishers provide searchable text files of books on CD or DVD, and/or online as an alternative to print books, so users don't have to transport the less-portable print books. Other publishers enhance the content of the book with interactive media that complements the book product.

3 Choose the manufacturing resource very carefully. Not all replicators are created equal. To determine a price, replicators must consider quantity, graphics specifications and packaging details.

4 Consider costs and variations in pricing. Depending on quantity, graphics specs and turnaround time, the cost for a replicated CD in a bind-in could range from 30¢ to 60¢ each.

5 Give careful consideration to the packaging. There are dozens of options out there. If you're creating a bind-in for a book, make certain the printer's bindery department can handle it. And if it's for a mailing, be certain that it's an approved format for the U.S. Postal Service.

26 CD/DVD Solutions Providers

A listing of companies offering everything from replication and duplication to design, packaging, fulfillment, copy protection, and more.

• Adair Printing Technologies

Dexter, MI

(734) 426-2822

www.adairprinting.com

A cold set web printer specializing in perfect-bound and saddle-stitched books with complete bindery, fulfillment and warehousing. Electronic services include publishing and authoring, data management, multimedia, CD duplication/replication and packaging.