F A Q's
What is the difference between JetPixTM and ArtPixTM Printing?
What is the difference between Recordable and Pressed CD's and DVD's?
What is a Glass Master?
Are recordable CD's as good as pressed CD's?
Are recordable DVD's as good as pressed DVD's?
I missed off a file from the master I sent you. If I e-mail it; can you insert it for me?
Alternatively, please call us directly on 0845 108 8774.
What is the difference between JetPixTM and ArtPixTM Printing?
Both of these methods are used to print the face of a CD or DVD. They are both very high quality digital processes, both allow a 'Wet Proof' and both allow the production of small quantities. However, JetPixTM is faster than ArtPixTM and provides a gloss finish whilst ArtPixTM gives a matt finish.
ArtPixTM can often be used in rare cases where the artwork is not suitable for the JetPixTM process.
Quantities in excess of 1000 may not be practicable for the ArtPixTM process when lead times are tight; whereas the JetPixTM process can produce more than 7000 units in a single day.
What is the difference between Recordable and Pressed CD's and DVD's?
Pressing is the manufacturing method by which CD's and DVD's are stamped out of polycarbonate in a fully finished condition; whereas recordable media is pre-manufactured and then purchased as a blank. Recordable media has an internal layer of light sensitive gel which is written to or 'burned' with a laser. A full description of both methods is available in the How a CD is Made section of the site.
What is a Glass Master?
A Glass Master is created as the first step in the pressing process; it is not required for the recording process. A full description of both methods is available in the How a CD is Made section of the site.
Are recordable CD's as good as pressed CD's?
Recordable CDs (CD-Rs) have come a long way since their invention. The poor reputation they once deserved is no longer justified as long as good quality media is used. Martinjohn Associates supply only top quality media which our clients can use with complete confidence. You can buy cheaper but, be warned, not all CD's are the same. When you consider that the CD is usually a small fraction of the overall cost of the project. It simply does not make sense to entrust your content to inferior media which can potentially ruin all your hard work.
Are recordable DVD's as good as pressed DVD's?
Recordable DVDs (DVD-Rs) are different from Pressed DVD other than just the manufacturing method. This difference is important for clients to understand so that its implications can be kept in perspective. Pressed DVD is virtually 100% reliable and we would always recommend this when time and quantity allow. Pressed DVD requires a minimum order qty of 500 and a typical lead time is 10 days. Recordable DVD (DVD-R) is a good solution when lead times are tight and/or quantities are low but the format is not perfect. We make the following disclaimer. Whilst Recordable DVD should achieve 95% reliability across a broad range of drives we cannot guarantee performance on all drives nor can we specify in advance which drive models might give problems. This is a technology issue, not a competancy issue. Accordingly we cannot accept any liability should the product fail to perform as expected in the field. Martinjohn Associates have an excellent track record in recordable DVD production and use only top quality media. In addition, every recorded disc is individually 100% compared with your master to ensure data integrity before shipping.
I missed off a file from the master I sent you. If I e-mail it; can you insert it for me?
We are prepared to change your master if you instruct us to do so. However, this is not recommended. Here's why:- Fundamentally it is our job to faithfully reproduce your content. If we interfere with it at all, there is a risk that a mistake could be made in the carrying out of your instruction, or even that your instruction may be misunderstood. Now If we were to create the entire content for you, we would send a sample of the finished master for you to test to your complete satisfaction. You would then approve the sample for production. Our quality rules on this may be summed up as 'The client is responsible for the master. We are responsible for accurate replication of the master'. If you ask us to change your master you are no longer able to be reponsible for it to the same extent. Therefore, if we change it, we should ask you to approve the new version. But you are only asking us to make the amend because you don't have time to go through this process. This removes the quality safety net. That is why it is not recommended. Nevertheless, we recognise that sometimes it is the only realistic option and we will make the amend provided that your instruction email also contains a sentence acknowleging that we will not be liable for any errors or ommisions which may result from this action. Also we do make a charge for re-making a master £25 for a CD and £100 for a DVD.
01 April 2008 at 16:23:40
