HOME : ARTICLES: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do I need to place an order? Read » First, ensure you have completed the order confirmation form in full. Next send us your artwork and master along with any necessary documents eg MCPS license or indemnity form. Organise your payment by either credit/debit card or BACS. Ensure you are available to approve any proofs.
Which templates should I use? Read » Please use only templates supplied by us. Visit our templates page or download the template available on the individual product page. If you cannot find one, let us know and we will email it to you promptly.
What is the turnaround time for duplicated orders? Read » The turnaround for duplication orders is usually three working days from receipt of artwork and master. If your order includes paper parts, this will be increased by a further working day.
What is the turnaround time for replicated orders? Read » The average turnaround for replicated orders is 10 working days from receipt of artwork and master. However, we do offer an express replication service (subject to a surcharge), which may get your discs to you in half the time.
What is the difference between replication and duplication? Read » Please read our article on replication and duplication available through the articles page.
How can I pay for the job? Read » We accept credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, Delta and Switch. We can also accept payment by BACs. Payment is required with order.
Can I have 30 days credit? Read » If you have ordered from us before, you can apply for a 30 day credit account. Please download and complete our account forms. Please note that we only offer credit terms to businesses and will perform a credit check.
What format do you accept the graphic files in? Read » We prefer Photoshop 6 or above, Illustrator 9 or above or print ready PDF files. We also accept Quark 4 and above and InDesign 1.5 and above.
How should I send the graphic files? Read » If your files are less than 10MB in size, you can email us. If larger, you can either ftp the files or send them on CD. Ask us for ftp details if this is your preferred method.
What masters do you accept for a CD replication job? Read » We accept CD-R and DAT masters. Please view our data delivery document for more information.
What masters do you accept for a DVD replication job? Read » We accept DVD-R and DLT.
Can you put my master together for me? Read » If you need assistance compiling the files on your CD master, we can help. However, we are not liable for any errors on the master if you do not request and approve a test copy. Unless we have handled the initial authoring of your DVD, we will only accept an original master from you.
What is bleed?Read » Bleed is created by extending the image area beyond the trim lines. Because all paper parts are cut in large quantities with automated guillotines, it is not possible to adjust each piece of artwork. By placing the recommended 3mm of bleed around your artwork and moving all important text a further 2mm from the bleed, you can ensure that important words and images are not cut off.
What type of proofs do you supply? Read » For replication orders, we supply PDF proofs at no additional cost. These proofs establish whether the layout and fonts are accurate in your artwork. PDF proofs must not be used for colour matching. We can also supply Chromalin proofs and test printed discs for an additional charge.
Can you guarantee that the colours on the CD and the booklet will match? Read » No, we cannot. The surface of a CD and the surface of paper are very different. Even if we use an offset print on both the CD and paper, it is possible that the colours will differ slightly. In order to achieve the nearest possible colour match eg for logos, we suggest that you create your artwork specifying Pantone colours (may be subject to a surcharge on packaging).We also suggest that you request a Chromalin proof.
Will my DVD-R play in every DVD player? Read » Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that your duplicated DVD-R will play in every DVD player. Some older players will not accept DVD-R media. This is a limitation with the current technology and not with our duplication processes. We suggest that you test one of our DVDs before placing an order if this is a major concern.
Everyone supplies a free barcode. Why don't you? Read » Barcodes are not free. When you become a member of the GS1 UK association and pay for a certain level of membership, you receive a series of numbers from which you can generate your own barcodes. These barcodes will be specific to your product. Many CD companies have a number of barcodes which they will use on your CD product. This means that when your CD is scanned in a store, the name of your manufacturer will appear and not your band/company name. It is illegal to use someone else's barcode on your product. To stay on the right side of this law, we have decided not to issue barcodes. We can, however, print any barcodes which you supply. You can contact the Ecentre on 020 7655 9000 for more details on obtaining barcodes or visit their website www.gs1uk.org
What type of CD media do you use? Read » For years, we have used Taiyo Yuden CD-R media only for all our duplication work. In the unlikely event that we use another media type for your order, rest assured it will Grade A media only.
My music is original. Why do I need an MCPS license? Read » We will still need confirmation from the MCPS to proceed with the replication of your audio even if it is original. This protects us and you from possible legal action in the future.