DVD shows record-breaking performances

New figures reveal that the film and home entertainment industry is experiencing record sales as the British public opt for a cosy night in with a movie, according to the British Video Association (BVA).

The BVA recently announced DVD sales of an unprecedented 51.7 million to the end of September, the UK's best ever third quarter performance, up 6.5% on that of 2007.

Lavinia Carey, director general of the BVA, told One to One: "2007 was a record year for sales of DVD and so it's very encouraging to see another record nine months into 2008. Everyone enjoys a well-told story and at times of economic hardship, history has shown that UK consumers turn to the home entertainment and film industries for comfort. As a popular and value-for-money choice for leisure spend, we expect to see continued volume growth in our market, as consumers tighten their belts in response to increasing economic uncertainty."

The UK cinema industry has also seen its best performance in 40 years, with the Cinema Exhibitors' Association (CEA) announcing total admissions for the months of June to August this year of 53.6 million. This is a 6% increase on the same period last year, itself seen as a particularly strong performer in recent times.

Phil Clapp, chief executive of the CEA, added: "With films such as Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Sex and the City, The Dark Knight, Mamma Mia! and Wall-E driving cinema audiences in another particularly miserable summer, it is understandable that the public find attractive,, affordable entertainment as some kind of escape, even if only for a few hours, from the prevailing gloom. We expect the latest Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, to have a similar effect at the end of this month."

Carey concluded: "We are now seeing Blu-ray contributing to the success of the home entertainment market. As this summer's successful films join the pre-Christmas line-up on all video formats, we are hopeful of another record year for the home entertainment sector."

For more info http://www.bva.org.uk/

CD Duplication - http://www.green-cd-dvd-duplication.co.uk/

DVD shows record-breaking performances

HDC Media Groups Green Policy - CD Duplication

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
A brief overview of what we've done, doing, and want to do to reduce HDC Media Groups carbon footprint and impact on the environment in 2008.Our green policy is to constantly look for ways in which we can improve our green credentials. We are achieving this by appointing a "green officer" to explore ways to achieve our statement promises.

What We've Done
Our website is hosted on solar powered servers.
Offer a free recycling service to our customers.
Recycle all plastic, glass, tin, paper, cardboard, CD's and DVD's within our office.
We have installed multi-functional devices (for faxing, printing and photocopying) in our office that will reduce energy and paper usage.
We reuse, or recycle, all of our incoming packaging materials (cardboard, shredded paper, etc)
We are using 100% use of digital photography for the production of marketing materials. This minimises the use of film developing chemicals.
Taken advantage of natural light as much as possible by installing skylights.

What We're Doing Now
Wherever possible we try and purchase goods and services locally, to help the local economy and to reduce carbon miles.
Integrate environmental consideration into all of our decision-making activities.
We now print on office paper from either recycled or sustainable sources.
Turn off all electrical equipment instead of leaving them on standby. (Even at dinnertime).

What We Want To Do Next
Continue to look at new areas for reducing our environmental impact.
Keep encouraging e-mailing. When paper is necessary, photocopy on both sides
Buy more office plants as they absorb airborne pollutants and negative ions from computers, whilst emitting oxygen.

CD Duplication - http://www.green-cd-dvd-duplication.co.uk/

HDC Media Groups Green Policy - CD Duplication

DVD download to disc from Pioneer

Pioneer Electronics (USA) has introduced two DVD/CD computer writers featuring Qflix DVD Download & Burn technology; these writers, said the company, "Allow users to take advantage of this exciting technology while expanding their entertainment collections with a tangible, familiar media that will maintain into the future."

Jointly developed by Pioneer and Sonic Solutions, Qflix is an emerging DVD technology that gives consumers the opportunity to purchase licensed Hollywood films. "Consumer adoption of digitally distributed entertainment will happen at a far greater rate than the extinction of the DVD player," said Mark Ely, executive vice president of strategy, Sonic Solutions.

"Qflix is an important and necessary bridging technology that allows content owners to deliver a more flexible product that combines the convenience of digital distribution with the permanency and portability of the DVD."

For home audiences who were previously relegated to viewing downloaded content on a small computer screen, Pioneer's new writers with Qflix technology enables users to preserve digital content for playback on standard DVD players and then watch it on a big screen television.

Click here for more info www.pioneerelectronics.com

CD Duplication - http://www.green-cd-dvd-duplication.co.uk/

DVD download to disc from Pioneer

New Baby at HDC Media Group

Congratulations Emma from everyone at HDC Media Group on having a beautiful baby boy!

Jack Thomas Richmond was born on 08.10.08 at around 5:25am and weighed 8Ib 7oz.

Go Green with HDC Media Group - CD Duplication - http://www.green-cd-dvd-duplication.co.uk/

New Baby at HDC Media Group

USB Flash Drives - our latest features and product information

What is USB Flash memory?
USB Flash memory is used for fast and easy information storage in devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, digital audio players and video game consoles.
USB Flash memory has many features and benefits:

it will 'remember' its contents when power is disconnected, although a power supply is required to read, erase or program USB Flash memory

it offers fast 'read access times' and better shock resistance than hard disks

capacities are now up to 32GB, however most commercial use is between 128mb - 4GB.

Our USB production process
We use industry standard equipment to programme USB Flash memory; this does not include PC's or USB card readers as you might expect, only professional programming equipment is used. Have peace of mind that your USB Flash memory order is being dealt with by professionals who have extensive knowledge of the USB Flash memory market and its complete manufacturing processes. HDC will also ensure your USB Flash memory is produced in the correct format, taking into consideration different formats from multiple manufacturers.

Protect your USB content
Our breakthrough technology allows us to protect selected content of your USB Flash Drive (UFD). Our programming systems create a "mirror copy" of your chosen data files which are then protected on a partitioned drive within the USB, and cannot be formatted or deleted.

USB Autorun files
HDC's latest programming equipment allows us to mimic the autorun feature that is used with CD-Rom's, allowing you to select a file which will automatically open every time your USB Flash Drive (UFD) is plugged in to your PC.

Imagine the potential exposure your company would enjoy by distributing a USB to your clients as a gift or incentive, beautifully printed with your corporate logo alongside a partitioned drive which includes your showcase movie or presentation file.

USB Styles and print
HDC's Design Service can help you create a huge range of different styles and print combinations, giving your USB Flash Drive (UFD) a personalised and unique look and feel.
Your corporate logo can be printed on your USB using up to 4 Pantone spot colours, or choose to have your USB engraved for a truly irremovable finish.
We provide mock-up samples as standard, so if you would like to see what your USB will look like, simply send us your artwork and we will create a proof for you.

>>Click here to request a sample of our USB Flash drives.

USB Creative packaging
Take advantage of HDC's creative packaging service and let us create a bespoke packaging solution to complement your USB Flash memory project. When you and your team have put every effort into a project, seize the opportunity to create a lasting impression with our unique bespoke packaging options which can boast every eye-catching print option and market leading feature available.

For more information please call HDC Media Group on 01274 656565

Go Green with HDC Media Group - CD Duplication - http://www.green-cd-dvd-duplication.co.uk/

USB Flash Drives - our latest features and product information

Bio- Degradeable USB drive available from HDC Media Group

HDC Media Group Launch The Worlds First Bio-Degradable USB Drive!

Add your company logo and state your green credentials.

HDC Media Group present the worlds first USB flash drive that is Bio-degradable.The drive is made of an advancedform of polylactide (PLA), which uses annually renewable plant resources,such as corn, as raw material.

This usb drive can be degraded to carbon dioxide and water by micro organisms in the soil at the point of landfill after use and does no harm to the environment!

Why the Corn Shape?
Well if we made it look like a usb standard drive - everyone one claim that their drive was like ours. We like to shout that this usb drive is made from harmless organic matter and that we care about the environment.

By using this usb drive in your promotion you show your commitment to cleaner ecology and stimulate interest in the subject - every bio degradable USB drive creates a stir!

Do your bit contact HDC Media Group on 01274 656565 or email info@green-cd-dvd-duplication.co.uk and ask about your own corporate logo added to the Bio-degradable USB Flash drive.

Go Green with HDC Media Group - CD Duplication - http://www.green-cd-dvd-duplication.co.uk/

Bio- Degradeable USB drive available from HDC Media Group

CD Duplication - Artwork Questions

Below are a few questions the graphic department often get asked.

Templates

Why should I use HDC templates?

Our templates have been designed to ensure your job will move quickly and smoothly through our production process. Each job is allocated a 30 minute print artwork preparation slot. If your artwork is set up incorrectly your job will go to the back of the artwork queue, incurring potential delays to your job.

Which template(s) do I use?

All our common templates are on the website (CD,DVD,paper parts and packaging), however if you are having difficulty in finding the correct template please contact us on 01274 656565 where we will be more than happy to send you a template in the format you need.


Artwork

What file formats do you prefer?

Our preferred format for artwork in order of preference is PDF, EPS, JPEG, TIFF, Photoshop file, Illustrator File, Indesign File (packaged for output), Quark File (collected for output). Our goal is to be flexible when it comes to artwork formats which means you are free to use most common software/programme packages.


What is a Pantone reference?

Pantone is a colour match referencing system also referred to as PMS (Pantone Matching System). Pantone colours are universal and so when Pantone colours are used in artwork the designer knows exactly what print colour to expect on the final job. Pantone colours are most commonly used in screen printed discs using vector artwork.

How do I check if my artwork is 300dpi or higher?

There are many programmes to check the quality of your artwork. We recommend using Adobe Acrobat Professional (full version) or Photoshop. We will also check the quality of your artwork when received; if there is a problem with your artwork we will let you know.

How much space should I leave for a barcode?

Barcode readers are fairly flexible in how they scan barcodes. We recommend a size of 25mm x 18mm. See our barcode services.


What’s the difference between CMYK and RGB?

CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) is the colour mode a designer will use when their artwork is printed. This is because most printers print using CMYK inks. RGB (red, green, blue) is the colour mode a designer will use when their artwork is for web or visual display units (VDU) - computer monitor/ TV etc. This is because VDU’s display using RGB.


What’s the difference between process and spot colours?

Process colour uses translucent CMYK inks laid on top of one another to create other colours. A spot colour ink is a specially-mixed hue that is not made by combining two or more inks, but rather is a single ink of a specific colour. Spot colours can be brighter or more saturated than process colours, or have special properties, such as metallic gold or fluorescent green.HDC Media Group uses process colours in printing packaging and discs, and spot colours when printing on-disc. Spot colours are available in package printing for an additional fee.


Will the printing on my CD / DVD match my booklet or digipak?

We will always choose the best method of printing to ensure a good match between discs and paper parts. There are many variables which may affect the printing of your artwork. Our graphics team will highlight any issues that arise.


What are bleed and safety margin?

Bleed (usually 3mm) is the area of print which goes beyond the crop line. This ensures the print goes right to the edge of your artwork. The safety margin is the area 3mm in from the crop line. No text or images should be in the safety margin. This ensures no images or text are cropped accidentally.



How do I send my artwork files?

We can receive artwork on disc via post, email, or FTP. We have a 5mb email limit. If your artwork is larger than this it will need to be sent by disc or FTP.

Can you help me with my design?

Yes, we have an in-house graphic design studio. Our design team are on hand to help with any general enquiries or can create whole artwork designs from scratch. Graphics time is usually charged at £60 per hour. See our graphic design page


Vector/Raster


What is vector artwork?

Vector artwork is computer generated artwork made from points and lines. Vector artwork can be edited and scaled without loosing any quality. Vector artwork tends to be solid block colours and shapes, such as cartoon artwork and text.





What is pixel/ rasterized artwork?

Pixel or rasterized artwork is any artwork made out of individual pixels (See example below). This means the artwork has a limited quality. Quality is measured in pixels per inch (PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). We recommend a minimum print quality of 300dpi/300ppi.




When the artwork is edited or scaled this effects the quality of the artwork. (See example below). Pixel artwork tends to be images and pictures with gradients.





Pixel artwork scaled 100%. Image becomes blurred, loses quality which creates jagged edges.

Text

How small can I make my type/font?

We usually recommend that type is no smaller than 6 points.


Should I convert all my vector type/font to paths or curves?

Yes we usually recommend this as it ensures your type doesn’t corrupt when we place your artwork into our templates. This also protects the look you intended for your artwork.


For more information please call HDC Media Group on 01274 656565

Go Green with HDC Media Group - CD Duplication - http://www.green-cd-dvd-duplication.co.uk/

CD Duplication - Artwork Questions