CSS Encryption Explained for DVD Manufacturing
October 12, 2009
One of the biggest mysteries that we have to explain to many of our new clients is how to get CSS(content scramble system) encryption applied to a DVD project.
When a client wants to have copy protection on a DVD that we manufacture, the easiest way to have that done is to have CSS encryption applied to their DVD. However, this process is more complex than most understand, and I am hoping to dispel most of the misconceptions that are made when trying to get CSS applied to your DVD master.
Misconception 1: AUTHORING – During authoring you will have to have the CSS Encryption Flag set. One of the biggest mistakes DVD Authorers make is that they check the CSS Flag and assume that copy protection will be applied to the DVD. This is only the case if the master that is being output is either a DLT master, or a DDP master. If you intend to apply CSS to a master that is a playable DVDR, the CSS flag will not be set. In short, this means that if you do not have access to a DLT drive or cannot output a DDP master, your DVD will not be encrypted.
Misconception 2: The actual CSS scrambling is done at the factory. When a DLT or DDP master coming in with the CSS check flag set, during glass mastering, the replicator applies the CSS algorithm to the DVD project. Another common misunderstanding is that since CSS is applied at the factory, many clients want to turn in a playable DVD-R master without CSS flag set and ask if we can apply the CSS at that point. This is not technologically possible. The master must have the CSS Flag set for us to apply it at glass mastering. We can take your playable DVDR master and remaster to DDP to apply the CSS, but this is an extra cost of $300-$450 depending on the master DVD-5 or DVD-9.
Misconception 3: Replicators – Many replicators, especially those overseas do not pay the CSS royalty fees for CSS, and therefore do not have the technology to apply the CSS encryption to your DVD project. A good way to find out if your replicator is offering legitimate CSS encryption is to ask them if they pay the CSS royalty and that you want an Eclipse report showing that CSS is verified on the master. If you want CSS, you may have to stick with a domestic manufacturer in the US. Most US DVD manufacturers offer CSS, however, some of the smaller outfits may not.
In short, if you want CSS applied to your DVD, you need to do your homework,……get linked up with a good credible replicator who can help you through these steps to make sure you get the copy protection you want on your DVD project.
If you have more questions regarding CSS Encryption please give us a call at 888-889-2926, call me direct, ask for Brian or you can email me at briangfisher@dvdduplication.net.
Dual Layer Burnables
October 11, 2009
DVD Duplication.net has continued to add capacity for Dual layer burnables. Early on in the dual layer life cycle we were very hesitant to offer dual layer burnable services, ie DVD-DL Duplication. However, as the technology matured and the life cycle progressed, we have become more and more comfortable with the reliability of the burnable dual layer DVDs. This is not to be confused with DVD-9 which is Replication. DVD-9 is a dual layer replicated disc that normally start at 1000 units and are entirely robust and reliable. They are the typical Hollywood movie DVDs that you rent.
In the past the lower volume burnables, however, have been known to have quality issues, which is why we did not offer that service or promote dual layer DVD Duplication. We do see the technology maturing now to the point where we can comfortably offer a dual layer duplication service with a good quality guarantee. These orders are still taken with a caveat, that there may be some compatibility issues with some players. These discs themselves, though burn well and the data is guaranteed to be intact.
If you need more information about Dual Layer discs, just give us a call or write.
Ask for Amy or Brian.
Silver Bottom CD-R Duplication
September 21, 2009
If you are a band on a small budget, but want to produce a professional looking CD that does not have that green tint on the bottom of the disc, we have your solution. There has recently been a new manufacturer called Falcon, that is producing a very high quality CD-R that has a pure silver bottom. This disc looks just like our professionally pressed “replicated discs”, however, these are burnables. The advantage to these burnables is that you can order volumes as low as 50 pieces, yet still receive a finished product that looks like a pressed CD. Pressed Cd’s(replication) usually start at 1000 units or more.
We have had excellent response to these discs, they really are a great product and we hope to get the word out on these. 50% of selling your CD is marketing, and having a professional looking product to sell lets people know you care about the quality of your work.
If you have further questions just contact us here:
We will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Top Tips for Burning your Audio CD Master
September 14, 2009
If you are a new band on a tight budget, here are a few tips for burning your next CD master.
Song Titles Showing up on My CD – Remember that even if you output a master from a program like I-tunes and you see the track titles, those track titles will most likely not translate to the duplication or replication process. What you have to do is Embed metadata into your ID3 tags. There are several free soft wares that will do this for you, just use your search engine browser for “Embedding meta data CD software” and you should be able to find a few. Once this is done, inform your Replication or Duplication company to check that the meta data is there on your master. You should be able to get an affirmative from your CD manufacturer.
Burning the master correctly – When burning your master, be sure to use quality blank media and burn at 16X speed. Audio CD’s do not have self correcting algorithms for burning data. Burning a disc slowly will help create a more robust disc that has less potential for errors. Also, using good blank media: we recommend Taiyo Yuden or Falcon if you can source them, or two good commercial brands are Verbatim and Sony.
These two topics typically represent most of the technical questions that we get on the CD Manufacturing end.
If you have more questions on CD Manufacturing you can contact us at:
1-888-889-2926
Ask for Amy or Brian
or send your inquiries to:
DVD Duplication.net
74 Crestline Drive, Suite 9
San Francisco, CA 94131
USB Flash Drive Duplication a good alternative to Optical Media
August 5, 2009
USB Flash Drives have been gaining more and more traction in the data storage and media distribution front. We are seeing more companies who previously have distributed their digital media on CDs or DVDs move toward the more eco friendly and re-usable USB flash drives. We believe that this medium of delivering data will continue to grow and provide a re-usable solution to data delivery.
