Burning REAL DVDs not "Rs"

[DigitalAides]

Im trying to find out if there is any way I can print my own real CDs. I am also interested in DVDs but I need to do CDs first.
Is there a place that will print my CDs with cover art? I want it to look just like a real cd, or very close, but I do not want CDRs.
Same thing with DVDs if possible.
Thank You.

[bazooka]

Printing lables for dvd-r's are not usually recommended, as it will throw off the balance of the discs.

The other discs that you are referring to are pressed, not burned. You can only burn dvdr's and dvdrw's. You can only burn cdr's and cdrw's.

[yoda313]

Hello,

Yep what bazooka said.

No labels. Not worth it - just use a sharpie.

You have to have a DVD or cd PRESSED to be 100% compatibile everywhere - ie commercially done in a factory.

Kevin

[edDV]

Many places will help you with the master and manufacture in lots. Here is one.

http://www.a-vsolutions.com/cdrom.htm

[Brent G.]

If you print directly to the disc, then you are limited in the number of colors that can be used. Usually 2,3 or 4 spot colors (2,3 or 4 tones). The more colors the more expensive it becomes. If you use labels then you can use process colors and this will produce a much richer look, similar to a photo.

Printing directly to the disc is cheaper if you have hundreds or thousands of discs, but the set up fee can be significant. The printer will also need a negative made up.

If you are doing only a few dozen discs, then labels will be much much cheaper and can be done on an inkjet. I've done both in the past and labels is much easier and looks better. You also have absolute control of the printing process. If you use an outside agency to print the discs you better have faith in them to do the job right otherwise you could have thousands of ugly looking discs.

As far as recommending a printer to print directly to CD, I can't. If you have a large enough run (10,000 or more), you can get a record company to print the discs which is what I ended up doing.

You can also buy your own CD/DVD printers but I don't know how good they are.
http://shop.cd-writer.com/acatalog/ALL_PRODUCTS_Print_Factory_2___PF_2__PF2___PRF_2000_01__785.html

[DigitalAides]

Thank you Brent G & EdDV. Thats what I was looking for.
As I said no CDRs. I want to print 500 copies of maybe 8 CDs.
Do you think they can do without a negative? Cant I just give them the artwork I want pressed to the disc and the artwork for the cover and back?

[Blazey]

Thank you Brent G & EdDV. Thats what I was looking for.
As I said no CDRs. I want to print 500 copies of maybe 8 CDs.
Do you think they can do without a negative? Cant I just give them the artwork I want pressed to the disc and the artwork for the cover and back?

Artwork will be fine. No printer in the world owuld expect you to supply your own film. They will output it themselves from your file. Check my proflie and you will see why I can be so sure.

[mats.hogberg]

Monochrome artwork is not that expensive, (simple silk screen) but I have a feeling full color CD/DVD prints are outrageously so!
-And the master cost will be really heavy for small series like 500 copies...

/Mats

[Blazey]

Monochrome artwork is not that expensive, (simple silk screen) but I have a feeling full color CD/DVD prints are outrageously so!
-And the master cost will be really heavy for small series like 500 copies...

/Mats

Amen to that! Most prices start at 1000 units and go up from there!

[smearbrick1]

You can sometimes get special deals on cd duplication at smaller manufacturing facilities. There is a place in Lancaster, PA that offers deals for orders of 500 or less. These usually include 3 color printing, jewel cases, shrink wrap, liner notes, and the glass master. If you check around, you should have no problems finding what you are looking for. My advice, grab a local paper that showcases local musicians. There are usually several ads for these types services.