Internet Feedback from DVD Duplicator? Is this possible?

steevg · Member Joined: 14 Mar 2007 Location: Somwhere

Hi there,

We have a customer who is over 600 km's from us.
He uses a DVD duplicator supplied by our company to duplicate tourist DVD's of footage captured during an activity he provides.

Although we supply the DVD's we're still unsure if our customer is purchasing his own DVD's, if this is so, he's in breach of our leasing terms and conditions, and we're losing revenue!

Is there a way for modern Duplicators to provide feedback via the internet (etc) on a periodical basis (daily / weekly etc) so that we can keep a closer track on our duplicators throughput?

Any constructive comments or suggestions how to Police this situation would be very welcome.

Many thanks in advance.
SG

filmboss80 · Member Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Location: United States

I don't think the manufacturers ever considered a need such as yours. My duplicator has an Acard controller, and the manual doesn't seem to offer anything about usage reporting.

You may have to rethink the way you set up your systems with clients.

Bjs · RoadKill Joined: 09 Feb 2004 Location: Australia

Activity logging capabilities is not high on the list for these devices but one that dose support logging

http://www.solstice-inc.com/mfdscribeecpc.htm

So now you know whats up.

steevg · Member Joined: 14 Mar 2007 Location: Somwhere

Hi guys,
Thanks for the responses:

Filmguy80: I think you may be correct, looking around the web, I only see reporting available in the Primera's and highly priced units. These aren't really suitable for our use as they offer far too many functions for our simple use. Also, I have heard varying reports of reliability from these units, so basically I think we may need to get in touch with the controller manufacturer if we are to pursue this idea!

Bjs: Thanks also, checked out the site and again I think this is far too complicated for our use. But I appreciate your response.

I'd be interested in hearing if anyone has experience of Controller cards, and if we're able to have one programmed/custom built to provide reporting?

Regards.

lordsmurf · Posted: Jul 01, 2009 05:30

steevg · Member Joined: 14 Mar 2007 Location: Somwhere

Lord Murf,

I don't see your response as rude at all . . . but we have reasons for setting this up in the way we have, and at this time it's very early stages of the business, and non-disclosable while we're waiting for the lawyers to finish off the agreement.

Whether you agree with our way of working or not, is not relevant in this post!
My question relates only to "IF" reporting is possible from a DVD Duplicating Tower, and not to our business workflow.
Your response is very much appreciated however!

Any further comments relating to this issue are most welcome.

Thanks.

lordsmurf · Posted: Jul 02, 2009 22:08

It is most definitely relevant. You're asking for something that is a bit odd, and for such a feature to exist is highly unlikely, due to that simple fact.
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Supreme2k · Posted: Jul 03, 2009 00:42

What an odd question. I have to say that you are trying to commit one hell of a scam.

It would be one thing if you were renting out a vehicle that used a special proprietary fuel mixture and the customer could possibly use a cheap, standard fuel, but in this scenario (and to the recorder), all discs are created equal.

If your clients can get cheaper discs, let them. If you can compete on price with say Rima or any of the other low-cost disc suppliers, then point that out. But to blatantly try to stop someone from saving money by trying to force a monopoly which you don't have is damn near criminal.

Just be grateful that people actually rent your machines and leave it at that. Trying to micro-manage the situation and look over your client's shoulder is a horrible business model that will drive customers away.

This is similar to people who worry about copy protection on their wedding DVDs. Be competitive and provide a quality product, and you won't have to worry about such nonsense.
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redwudz · Mod Neophyte Joined: 07 Sep 2002 Location: AZ, USA

Why not just order or buy one of their finished DVDs? It would be obvious if they are using a different brand. If they are buying the same brand cheaper, then you need a better supplier.

steevg · Member Joined: 14 Mar 2007 Location: Somwhere

Guys,

I do appreciate your replies, but I'd prefer to keep on track with my original question if possible:

guns1inger · Member Joined: 01 Apr 2004 Location: Miskatonic U

I suspect that the issue is purely on of your business model requiring a technology that has so far only been implemented in higher cost hardware. Perhaps the answer lies in finding someone who can create the interface you need at a cost you can manage, as the current solution is really only viable to higher volume/cost organisations.
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steevg · Member Joined: 14 Mar 2007 Location: Somwhere

Hmmm,

Judging from the responses, I'd agree with you. I'm intending to email the manufacturers of the controller cards (generally China based companies) to ask the same question. If I get a favourable response, I'll post back here for the benefit of the forum members.

I suspect we're not the only one's wishing to implement this kind of monitoring in our business model, from DVD Duplicators, and if the facility is available on higher priced (spec'd) models, then I see no reason why it can't be applied in the lower priced range, as an option.

Thanks for your understanding!

Supreme2k · Posted: Jul 03, 2009 11:20

steevg · Member Joined: 14 Mar 2007 Location: Somwhere

Hi again,

Many thanks for the responses, I'll take the comments from the more intelligent members, and use them constructively as we move forward with the project. Thankyou!

Supreme2K:
My apologies for not frequenting YOUR forum as often as you'd like . . . I wasn't aware of the minimum participation requirements!

I'd just like to finally add, that with this project - once successful (and it will be successful), we'll be helping over 100 small to medium sized companies in our vicinity, get through this terrible financial time. Without their jobs, these people will stand little or no prospect of further employment due to their location! With our system "helping" them, not only will they increase the chance of surviving the economic situation they find themselves in, but we estimate that their revenue will increase annually by over 20%. So I have no problem with trying to create a viable business for ourselves in order that we may help others get through the next few years! Current marketing suggests that these companies are indeed VERY interested in our product, and over half our initial database have already signed for their placement as soon as we can supply.

Just as a matter of interest Supreme2k . . . . . what will you be doing to help people during this terrible time ?????
(Probably frequenting these forums - endlessly looking for other new members to slag off ?)

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Further replies are not necessary as I no longer receive notifications . . . . but I'm sure that won't stop you taking one last shot!
Please feel free, but understand that I'll never read it!

I'll find another forum to ask my questions, so you can have this one all to yourself!

(PS: Thanks to everyone else who tried to offer help & suggestions!)

Supreme2k · Posted: Jul 06, 2009 23:55

G)-(OST · . Joined: 01 Apr 2005

jimmalenko · VH Veteran Joined: 27 Aug 2003 Location: Down under

I don't particularly agree with the Big Brother approach, and as mentioned the internet "phone home" method is easily worked around by not putting it on the net in the first place !

How about incorporating a service or condition inspection every 6 or 12 months where you take meter readings ? Then compare these readings with your sales data. Easy !
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