Some Handy CD & DVD Tips

Firstly, always write details on the top printed side of the CD or DVD, and never on the bottom. If either side of the disc isn’t clearly indicated, look for the wavy pattern of the protective clear lacquer layer (this is the top). If the CD/DVD has data on it already, you can usually only see the data layer from the underside and this may also help to identify the top side of the disc. It is important that you treat the top side of a CD very carefully as it is more sensitive and fragile than the bottom. Any damage to the surface can cause damage to the data layer producing both read and write errors. The worst case scenario is that the disc may become unplayable.

Secondly, DO NOT USE ballpoint pen - ballpoints are highly likely to damage discs if used. Instead, always use a marker designed specifically for writing on CDs and DVDs. If the disc is compatible with either thermal or inkjet printing then it often has an additional coating which gives further protection from most common markers. We don’t recommend using adhesive labels as they can come unstuck and damage your player (and on that note - if you are after a professional finish for a bulk run of CDs or DVDs we recommend either screen or offset printing your discs).

A plastic case that holds and supports the CD/DVD through the centre hole is best. For thinner cases it is preferable to have support for the outer edge as well. In a well designed case the CD/DVD doesn’t come into contact with the sides so there is no chance of scratching the surface. For these reasons we recommend the standard jewel case or super jewel case for CDs and the standard DVD box for DVDs. Flexi-tray plastic inserts for cardboard packaging are also recommended giving good support and reducing the problems of scratching.

That said, if you don't want to include a booklet or base insert and you're after something really inexpensive and simple, we'd recommend the 'orange peel' plastic sleeves which prevent the disc sticking to the plastic and therefore lessen the chances of scratches or dust being picked up. See our packaging catalogue for details.

My new CD/DVD won’t play in my machine.

Often people will blame their player for this one but it’s not always the issue!

There can be many reasons why a CD/DVD doesn’t play:

• The optical surface is scratched or damaged due to manufacturing problems, mishandling or poor packaging such as a badly designed case.


• 2. The disc is warped or bent due to either a manufacturing/ moulding fault or again due to bad packaging. Sometimes discs that are attached to a book or magazine can become unplayable due the weight of several magazines causing the discs to warp over time.


• The disc player is out of specification.


• In the case of a DVD disc the disc may be badly authored.


• The CD/DVD disc has been manufactured out of specification.

Commercial CD manufacturers are required to conform to a set of universal guidelines. These guidelines are known as the ‘Red Book’ specifications and are designed to ensure discs manufactured are consistent and of a high quality (DVDs are manufactured to their own set of standards known as the ‘Blue Book’ specifications). To ensure these specs are met, discs require appropriate checking and monitoring throughout the manufacturing process. Even if a disc is only slightly out of specification, it becomes a guessing game as to whether it will operate in every single player.

Another problem could be authoring. If a DVD is not carefully programmed (authored) to meet all of the compatibility standards required in the blue book specifications, your DVD player may not be able to read it – it’s as simple as that. Obviously it’s best to catch any authoring problems before a DVD master is reproduced. We can offer advice to anyone who needs guidance in this area prior to replication.

It's also worth looking at the differences between replicated and duplicated discs to shed light on playability problems.

A duplicated or burnt disc (CD-R or DVD-R) is the easier to identify as there is an additional photosensitive dye-based layer which is usually green or blue. During the write process the dye undergoes a chemical change when exposed to the laser light beam, creating bits (marks) containing the data. The area where data has been written to is usually slightly darker shade of the original green or blue and should be consistent. It should not show any large marks, shadows, cloud patterns or bright spots as these can cause playability issues.

In the case of a replicated disc the laser light beam reflects directly onto the metallic layer with the data information stamped into the polycarbonate substrate using a moulding machine. All discs sold commercially are made using this method.

Duplicated discs are much more temperamental than replicated ones. Duplication doesn’t always produce a perfect strike rate, so unfortunately you could’ve struck a dud disc...or batch.

If you are having problems with a CD or DVD disc and you think that your player is okay we offer a free (and exclusive) testing service which will identify any problems.

There are a few fingerprints on my favourite CD or DVD. How do I remove these safely?

Use a very clean microfibre cloth to wipe from the centre of the disc to the outer edges. Never wipe in a circular motion or around the disc as this is likely to interfere with the delicate ‘pits’ of data on the disc.

Prevention is always better than cure however, and the best way to avoid marking your disc in the first instance is to handle the CD by the outer edges (or using your finger or thumb through the centre ring if you prefer).