Frequenty Asked Questions
What is Everest Thermal Retransfer printing?
CDPrintExpress uses the Rimage AutoEverest photorealistic CD/DVD
printer. This printer allows us to print small runs of professional
quality CD/DVD labels at reasonable prices. The Rimage Everest
printer utilizes a revolutionary technique. The image is first
rendered to a transfer ribbon, one color at a time, and then
transferred to the disk. We use white-coated CDs for perfect
rendering of white colors (not silver as in older technologies).
This process allows CD & DVD discs to be printed at the quality
of silk screened printing, yet at the affordability of a small
print job. The pigmented ink is UV protected, ensuring vibrant
colors throughout the life of a disc. The ink is not water based;
there are no issues with the label smearing. Since the image
is scratch proof, it enables disc to now be used for commercial
distribution because Everest printed discs can withstand the
rigors of day-to-day consumer handling.
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What is Full Color Printing?
The color model that Everest uses is CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
with black represented as a composite of the three. We print on
a white undercoat so that white colors are rendered correctly. Color
matching is a feature on the Everest printer that allows us to match
color for optimal quality and the best possible results.
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Why do we not print with ink
jet, standard thermal technology, or paper labels?
Inkjet and thermal are two approaches to printing CD-R on-demand. Inkjet
printing produces realistic images, but not permanent and scratch and
smudge easily. Thermal printing produces color custom labels that are
highly durable and resistant to damage, but cannot create complex color
graphic content. Paper labels have their purpose but they look unprofessional
and can potentially damage the CD drive.
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Where can I get technical support on
the use of the CDPrintExpress design software?
For frequently asked technical questions and contact information,
please go here.
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How do I create CD artwork?
CDPrintExpress has designed user-friendly software to make your
custom CD experience easier than ever. Our software allows you to
select an image for your CD label and open the image in the software.
Then simply zoom in to the area that you want to display, insert
and format some text and add other artwork or logo. Finally preview
the picture for the CD. Once the file is saved, email it to us with
your order. The downloadable software is free and comes with full
instructions.
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What software do I need to create CD artwork?
All the software needed to create CD artwork can be downloaded from
our website (click here to download).
CDPrintExpress has created a free user-friendly software to make
your designing easier than ever. Our help guide will take you through
the designing process. You can also use other software that you
are familiar with, but make sure that the file is created in the
correct specifications. The CDPrintExpress software automatically
creates a file in the correct specificatiIf you use other software,
the specifications must be exactly:
- 120mm X 120mm (12cm X 12cm)
- 4.723 inches X 4.723 inches
- 1417 pixels X 1417 pixels
- Resolution of 300x300 or higher
- Submitted image must be a square image
- Graphics format must be JPEG, TIFF, GIF, PNG or BMP
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Why can CDPrintExpress offer such low
prices (and no setup fees) for small print runs?
CDPrintExpress developed a powerful, yet easy-to-use CD label design
software. With the use of that free software you can create the
label design yourself, in just a few minutes. You select the digital
image (digital photo or scanned image), size and move the picture
for best aspect, add text (fonts and colors) and artwork as needed,
review the final design, save the design file and email it to CDPrintExpress.
We charge no setup fees and offer low prices on short run jobs because
you do all the design work.
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What if I have multiple artwork files to
send?
Use our secure
order page to send your CD artwork. Multiple
artwork files for CD inserts and tray cards should
be sent to cdprintexpress@informatik.com .
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What CD and DVD brand do we use?
We only use professional quality CD discs and DVD discs. Curently
we use white-coated 700MB/80 min CD-R's and white coated 4.7GB 4X
DVD-R's to ensure the highest reader compatibility.
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At what Resolution will the CDs be printed?
The CDs are printed at 173 LPI (lines per inch). 173 LPI is better
than the printing in magazines. There is no direct relationship
between DPI (dots per inch) and LPI. The image file that you
send to CDPrintExpress must be 300x300 or higher. The CDPrintExpress
CD design software by default creates a 600x600 resolution image
file.
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Do you offer graphic design?
Yes, CDPrintExpress offers graphic design for CD’s, DVD’s,
& Inserts, for a flat rate of $150. Other charges may apply
depending on how much content is provided. Contact
us for more information.
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Are there certain images that cannot be
printed on CDs?
CDPrintExpress will not print images that are copyright protected.
We will also not print images that are not of the prescribed format
or that are of an obscene nature.
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Can I mix and match packaging option?
Yes, we offer our customers the flexibility of creating their
very own CD package. Click here to view the options
available to you.
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Can I get a free sample CD with
my own artwork?
Yes, for the cost of shipping and handling ($3.75) ,we can print
a usable sample CD with your artwork. Simply create the artwork
(photo, etc.) with our free CDPrintExpress
software, then send the file with your order.
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How much is shipping?
Shipping is done thru UPS or USPS and the charges are for the costs
of packing and freight (postage). The charges shown in the Price
List are for standard UPS or USPS. Express shipment, like Federal
Express, will incur higher charges. For Pennsylvania orders we add
the applicable sales tax.
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What do I need to do to add music to my printed
CD's?
Simply click on to the get music link and
you will have an option of music sites in which to choose your
musical selection. Once you create your master, send it to us
along with the signed Hold
Harmless Agreement . All copyrighted music must have a signed
Hold Harmless Agreement. Since we print before duplicating, send
us your CD artwork as soon as it is created.
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What are your hours of operation?
Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm Eastern Standard
time. Orders may be completed after hours and on weekends to keep up with our
quick turnaround times.
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Do you charge a setup fee?
No, we do not charge a setup fee for most orders. We do reserve the right to add a fee for substantial artwork setup time.
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