Verifying file integrity with MD5 checksums
Sounds techy and to a degree it is, but it's not hard to use freely available tools to ensure the files you send via the Internet, remain unchanged in transit. The problem with sending files via the Internet, is that they can change in transit without your knowledge. This is of concern when sending audio or data files destined for duplication or replication, so using MD5 checksum is one way of ensuring the files you send, are identical to the original copy stored locally.
How to burn .CDI Image for Testing
Testing Disc Image
If you have followed our instructions to 'create a perfect audio copy using .CDI image' it is advisable to first burn this .CDI image to a blank CD-R before submitting to webs4cd for production. To do this,follow the instructions below which will allow you to create a duplicate audio disc, using the .CDI image file to ensure it's correct before submitting to us for production.
How to create a .CDI Audio Image
This blog demonstrates how to make a perfect copy of an audio CD using Padus Disc Juggler, which will allow you to submit a .CDI image file to webs4cd.co.uk
The normal method for submitting audio discs (and still preferred) is to post a physical master to us, but when time is of the essence, it is possible to make a copy of your audio CD using Padus and send us a .CDI image which will retain track spacing, cd text, isrc codes and in good audio re-productive quality. To follow this tutorial, you will need to purchase or download an evaluation of Padus Disc Juggler which can be located here.
How to Adjust Printer Settings for Disc Printing
A lot of people do not know how to adjust the printer driver in order to adjust the print settings which dictates the quality of a printed disc. Depending on the disc type used, taking into consideration the surface type, printable area, shape and any unprintable areas e.g stacking rings, the printer driver is generally the first place to look unless you have a dedicated 3rd party software. In the main, this article is being posted in a 'general view' rather than specific to any one printer and differences may occur. In addition, we will concentrate on three types of printable disc, being the 12cm Standard CD, 12cm Full Surface CD-R and the Vinyl Style CD-R with a 70mm printable area, separated by stacking rings.
How to Create Vinyl Style CD Artwork
WEBS4CD have been selling the popular vinyl style disc, since 2003 and continue to service bands and dj's all throughout the UK and Europe with growing numbers in the US. The purpose of this blog post is to help customers create artwork which can be submitted to us for on-body printing. Tools you will need
- PC or MAC or Linux Computer
- Graphic Design Package (We are using Illustrator CS4 but you can use Photoshop, Fireworks, Gimp, Corel Draw or any other design package)
- Patience
Objective A vinyl disc is a standard 120mm disc but with a vinyl groove from 70mm to the 120mm edge of the disc. The printable area is broken up into two zones and these are 24mm - 31mm and then 36mm - 70mm. The objective of this page is to show you these two zones and assist you in the creation of artwork ready for printing.