FAQ MAC Multimedia

MAC Multimedia’s goal is to provide the best service in the disc media and packaging industry. This page contains answers to commonly-asked questions about the services we offer.

1. What is the difference between duplication and replication?
Duplication is used for short run jobs below 500 units. Duplicated discs have an Inkjet Imprint, and the process is similar to that of burning a disc on your computer. Replication is for jobs 500 units or more, and can have either an offset or silkscreen imprint. The process of replication involves creating a glass master and stamping each disc with the information. Each disc is an exact replica of your master.

2. What is the difference between offset, silkscreen, and inkjet?
Inkjet is a CMYK process that involves placing tiny dots of ink onto a CD/DVD face. This is the same process that a home inkjet printer uses. Offset imprinting involves creating color films for each color of the CMYK spectrum and can also include a White Flood. With offset printing you can print onto a white or silver CD face, and you also have the option of using PMS Colors. If you are printing a large field of one color (for example the whole disc will be orange except the text) then you should definitely provide a PMS Color because there can be variation from disc to disc. Silkscreen process lays down layers of ink. Silkscreen is used when color matching is very critical.

3. How much content will a DVD-5, DVD-9, and a CD hold?
DVD-5 - 4.37 GB DVD-9 - 7.95 GB DVD-10 - 8.74 GB A standard CD as a capacity of about 74 minutes of standard CD audio music. There are extended CDs that can actually exceed this limit and pack more than 80 minutes on a disk, but these are non-standard. Regular CD-ROM media hold about 650 MB of data, but the actual storage capacity depends on the particular CD format used.

4. What programs should I use to create and send our artwork?
Please refer to our artwork spec sheet on our Web site under specs/templates.

5. Does MAC provide authoring services?
Yes, we do provide authoring services, we can also convert your master from one thing to another (Beta to DVD, etc). If you need authoring done for your project, please be sure to discuss this with your sales person

6. Does MAC offer artwork design services?
Yes! Please feel welcome to work with our team of graphic designers. Creative and experienced, they are able to do something as simple as setting your art to template or as complicated as creating high quality designs for your project from scratch. You will have ample opportunity for proofing and revisions, and we will make sure that you are 100% satisfied with the work before proceeding to press.

7. What methods of payment do we accept? When is payment due?
We accept Visa, Master card, American Express, a personal check, money order, cashier’s check, and/or Wire transfer Unless you have established terms with our company, there is a 50% deposit due to begin a project and the balance is due immediately upon completion.

8. What is an IPR form? Why am I being asked for back-up documentation?
IPR stands for “Intellectual Property Rights.” These forms state that you own the rights to the audio/content being replicated If you do not own the rights to the music or video, then we will require back up documentation that shows you have permission to use it. Back up documentation normally takes the form of a signed contract between your company and the owner of the IPR. If you are performing cover songs, then licensing can be purchased from Harry Fox… http://www.harryfox.com/index.jsp

9. How many colors can you put on your CD face?
Inkjet discs prink CMYK on a white disc Offset imprints can be between 1 and 6 colors – CMYK, White Flood, and an additional PMS if needed. Silkscreen… best for 1-2 color imprints

10. What is a White Flood?
White flood is when instead of printing on a reflective silver CD face, your artwork is printed on a white CD face. No silver will show through the white flood.

11. Does MAC offer distribution and fulfillment services?
Yes, please discuss your fulfillment needs with your sales person.

12. What is the minimum and/or maximum quantity I can order?
Duplication orders can range from 1-500 discs. Replication orders can range from 500 pieces to an infinite number. Print orders have more specific ranges, please contact your sales person with print quantity questions.

13. What is turn time for manufacturing and packaging? When does my turn time start?
Turn time is the amount of time is takes to manufacture and assemble your product. Production day Zero is the day that all components are in (master, paperwork, art) and the last set of proofs for your project is approved. Turn-times can vary greatly from project to project, so be sure to discuss your desired turn-time with your sales person.

14. What products and services does MAC offer other than CD and DVD replication?
We offer many different products and specialty packaging from Coloring Books, Posters, Stickers, Puzzles, Vinyl Records and Jackets, Tin Cases, Business Cards, and etc…If you can think of it, we can probably do it!

15. Where is MAC located?
Our central office is located in Coral Springs, FL. We have a number of print and replication facilities that are strategically located throughout the Eastern and Western parts of the United States.

16. What is a mirror band and what can be written on it?
The mirror band is the inner ring of your disc. The part number and replication facility number will be printed here. But you also have the option of adding up to 50 additional letters, numbers, and limited symbols. Many times clients like to have the title or artist printed on the mirror band. If you decide that you want something in particular written on the mirror band, please discuss this with your sales person.

17. Do we need to set our artwork to a template or why do we need to set our artwork to a template? How do I know if I am using the right template?19. How do I use the FTP Site?
Please refer to our artwork spec sheet on our Web site under specs/templates.

18. How do I use the FTP Site?
If you are using a PC- Go to “My Network Places” Under “Network Tasks” Choose – “add a new network place” A wizard will pop up- Press “Next” on the first screen. Click on “Choose another network location” and press next Enter- ftp://macmultimedia.net and press next Uncheck “log on anonymously” and enter the username: customer@macmultimedia.net , click next Choose a name for the FTP site, enter whatever will work best for you. Click Next. Click Finish. When the window opens, it will prompt you for our password. When the window opens you can create a file for your company and drag files into that folder. Please be sure to email your sales person the filenames as soon as your artwork has been uploaded.

19. What is high resolution artwork?
300 DPI or Higher. Again, please refer to our artwork specs sheet.

20. What is the difference between RGB, CMYK, and PMS Colors?
RGB colors use “red, green, and blue” to create all other colors. Neither print, replication, or duplication uses artfiles set as RGB. Do not provide your art files in this format. CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. This format uses these four colors to create every color printed. Most artwork is submitted in this format. PMS colors are specific colors. Using a PMS color is like using paint right out of the tube. You will get the same color every time no matter who prints it or what it is printed on.

21. What is a top spine label? And Do I need one?
The top spine label is the think sticky label that seals the jewel or Amaray case. The top spine label is printed with information about the project such as Artist Name, Project Title, and Part Number. The Top Spine must be printed with a Barcode Number. If your project is not for sale in retail market, then you may not need a top spine label. If you are producing the project for sale in retail then please be sure to check with your buyers to see if they require a top spine label on finished goods.