Dvd blanks

[wan2no]

I realise that the dvds the studios use are not the same as the ones we buy. Where can i get those dvds from?

[guns1inger]

You can't. They don't exist. Commercial discs are assembled, not burned. There are a number of layers that are pressed together with the recorded layer in between. Totally different process to what you have in your PC. They don't exist as a 'blank' as you know them.

[kschang]

To explain it with a little more detail...

Commercial CD's and DVD's are manufactured by first, spending a few hundred for what is known as a "gold master". It's not necessarily gold in color, but it is made of metal, not "burned" by a laser or something. In case of DVD, it's made of glass.

Second, a "negative image" is made of that, so the "pits" are actually raised now. This is the "stamp". And it's made of metal, since glass is too delicate.

Third, an impact machine is used to PUNCH a metal blank with this "stamp", creating the pits that will be read by laser.

Fourth, the plastic coating is then added for protection

Fifth, if needed, is the silk screening or printing for the other side.

Put those in a case, add the inserts, and you have a CD or DVD package, albeit w/o shrinkwrap.

Here's a webpage explaining the process:

http://www.dub-it.com/dvd/howmade/

[cyflyer]

Interesting link kschang. I like the price list on the left for the blank media-per-thousands. Thats answers wan2no's question about where to buy.
I suppose this is where the Chinese pirates do their shopping.

[Bjs]

"Fourth, the plastic coating is then added for protection"

Inaccurate ... it's the carrier , it dose not provide an more protection other than supporting the flimsy material which is used to contain data .

Protection is provided by hard plastic covers / card board envelope / felt lined plastic bag ...

[SingSing]

Here's a webpage explaining the process: http://www.dub-it.com/dvd/howmade/

Great reference.

[wan2no]

thanks alot