FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Products and Services
Mastering
DVD
Artwork and Packaging
Ordering and Shipping

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

WHAT IS YOUR TURNAROUND TIME?
Our turnaround time varies seasonally, (September to December is the busiest). Once you approve
your artwork, it typically takes 12 to 15 business days to complete your job. Although we will do
everything possible to make your deadline, some delays such as design corrections, master
rejections, equipment failures or shipping delays may be beyond our control. It is very important that
you allot sufficient time for developing, testing (and double testing!), manufacturing, and packaging
your project. If you have a tight deadline, however -- talk to us. It is often possible to rush a job,
though this usually adds to the cost of running your job.

In the interest of sanity, we strongly recommend that you do not plan a CD release party or other
event too close to your estimated date of receipt. Situations sometimes come up which can delay a
project or its shipping, so give yourself a safety margin. This also gives you more time to plan and
promote your release, as well as send out advance promo copies for radio and reviews. We know
that creating your music took time. Please allow us sufficient time to make your project look and
sound appealing to your audience.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REPLICATION AND DUPLICATION?
CD replication is the process of making a glass master from a pre-mastered image, creating
stampers from the master, then pressing discs with the stamper by injection molding raw
polycarbonate plastic. (See our PDF How CDs are Made for more detail.) CD replication requires
millions of dollars worth of equipment, a specialized dust-free environment, and highly-trained
technicians. Because of the initial set-up cost, this method is best suited to runs of 500 or more.
Replicated discs are more reliable and more durable than duplicated ones. They are also
significantly less expensive in anything other than the smallest quantities.

CD duplication is the process that uses pre-manufactured CD-R's which have a laser sensitive
organic dye layer embedded under the reflective layer. During the recording process, a laser beam
"burns" the vegetable dye so that some parts reflect light and some parts absorb the incoming light.
Duplication produces many copies of a disc at once. Duplicators use CD-R media, and usually a
bank of recorders controlled by a single processor. This method is best for short runs of CDs
(200 or less). Discs that are duplicated in this way are less reliable than manufactured discs since
the quality of CD-Rs can vary from one to the next.

CAN I ORDER LESS THAN 1000 CDS?
You can order as few as 500 CDs, though you'll get a much better price per disc if you get 1000 or
more.

HOW DO YOU MAKE A CD?
See our PDF “How CDs are Made”.

WHAT IS GLASS MASTERING?
CD glass mastering comprises a number of stages needed to create a metalized glass master
from which the stamper is produced. (We use the metal stamper in our injection molding machines
to 'press' your CDs). The production of the 'glass master' occurs in a state-of-the-art mastering
facility, with a class 1,000 clean room. Operators wear special clothing including facemasks and
footwear to minimize any particles.

MY MASTERING ENGINEER IS ALREADY PROVIDING A "GLASS MASTER" WILL THIS MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
This is a common misconception. What he's giving you is a PMCD (Pre-Mastered Compact Disc).
We still have to create a glass master (see above).

WHAT HAPPENS TO MY GLASS MASTER AFTER THE JOB IS FINISHED?
The glass mastering describes the process - you don't end up with a physical piece of glass that
you own. In fact, the glass is recycled and re-used. The metal stamper (which is created from the
glass mastering process) is what we mold the CD's from. It stays with us in our clean room
conditions, ready for your re-run.

IS THE BARCODE YOU OFFER LEGITIMATE?
Absolutely. Your barcode will contain our manufacturers prefix, with a suffix assigned uniquely to
your product. We have systems in place which prevent your number from being assigned to any
other customer, and you can use it to register with companies such as SoundScan. You will need
to fill out and submit a SoundScan Title Addition Sheet. Be assured that we do not own your
project in any way or possess any royalty claims whatsoever as a result of loaning our barcode
number prefix to you.

If you are starting a label or company of your own, or if you plan on releasing more than title, you
may wish to obtain your own barcode number prefix from the Uniform Code Council. They can be
contacted via phone at (937) 435-3870 or http://www.uc-council.org. When you receive your barcode number from the UCC, Groove House Records can generate and place it into your artwork.

A barcode is essential if you plan on selling and tracking your product at the retail level or online.
Most retailers simply will not sell a CD or cassette without one.


MASTERING

WHAT MASTER FORMATS DO YOU ACCEPT?
For CD Audio, your production master may be in any of four formats: CD-R disc, Sony 1630 U-Matic,
digital audio tape (DAT), or pre-manufactured digital compact disc.

For CD-ROM, the most common formats are CD-R and Exabyte.

For DVD, we accept DLT and DVD-R (for DVD-5 only). See the mastering specs page for more
details.

WHY DOES MY CDR MASTER NEED TO BE TESTED? THE CD WORKS FINE IN MY MACHINE.
The two mains reasons are interchangeability and lastability. Interchangeability simply refers to the
CD being able to be read in any disc drive. Interchange also relates to the mastering drives ability
to read its own created master, but when the same CD-R master is read in another machine it
has problems. Or it may read in some CD readers, but not others.

Lastability is the life of the CD-R master, i.e. how long it can physically be read. A good quality
CD-R master that has been stored and handled with care has a lifetime of many years. But one
that has failed the analyzer test with severe errors may be able to be read initially but after a short
period of time, might become unreadable after normal use.

Another governing factor in interchange and lastability is conformance to disc standards such as
Yellow Book (for CD-ROM) or Red Book (for CD Audio). There are also complex error correction
capabilities present in every CD. Not all disc drives are able to fully utilize all these functions
and capabilities. This also causes discs containing large errors to be readable in some drives
and not others. Proper testing confirms both lastability and interchange, which identifies high
quality discs which degrade gracefully after surface defects are created through normal handling.

WHAT IS MEANT BY RED BOOK AND YELLOW BOOK?
The original CD standards, set by Philips and Sony in 1980, were published in a book with a red
cover. Such standards are needed so that an audio CD made by any manufacturer can be read by
any CD player. They address the physical specifications for the CD; the tracks, the sector and
block layout, coding and sampling of digital audio files, and other specifications. For example the
recording must be a single session, limited to 99 tracks. In 1983, Yellow book standards for
CD-ROM were announced as an extension of the CD audio standard. The Yellow book specifies
two types of sector layout (Mode 1 and Mode 2), additional 'layered' error detection and correction
to insure higher integrity of the contents, and much more.

HOW DO I MINIMIZE ERRORS ON MY CD MASTER?
There are several important factors that need to be taken into account before, during, and after
CD-R mastering. Here are suggestions for minimizing errors:

1. Use a high quality stand-alone CD burner if possible. Though most home computers now
come equipped with CD burners, their quality can vary greatly! To get the best quality master, we
recommend looking into some of the better burners such as Plextor, LaCie and Yamaha.

2. Keep the CD writing machine and burner in a clean environment. Dust and debris can mask the
writing laser and cause permanent defects in the CD master.

3 .Make sure the master is being generated from files located locally - not from a local network,
CD-ROM or other hard drive. It's better to generate a CD from a single location. If you are grabbing
the files from various locations make sure a disc image is created first.

4. Burn the master at the slowest possible speed. New CD writers are capable of writing at very fast
speeds and can default to 4x, 8x, or even 12x writing speed depending on the writer. Most CD writing
software gives the user the option of burning at a slower speed. We suggest writing the CD at 2x or
even 1x.

5. Make sure there are no open processes in the background while creating a CD master, such as
an active Internet connection or open application. Make sure that the CD writing program is the only
thing open and active.

6. Use a high quality media brand to record your master. We recommend Mitsui, Taiyo-Yuden, and
Quantegy. Do not use CD-RW (rewritable) discs. Check to make sure that the CD to be used is
free of dirt and fingerprints.

7. Record your CD-ROM master as a single session, disc-at-once (DAO), mode 1 disc. Note that
some burners, such as Sony and Hewlett Packard may default to track-at-once (TAO) mode. Be
sure to check with your user manual for details.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF DATA YOU CAN PUT ON A DISC?
Normal capacity is 654.7 Mbytes, which is 335,250 2k sectors. This is equivalent to 74 minutes
40 seconds. The amount of data on a disc is controlled by several factors: space, track pitch, speed
or rotation. It is possible to record and replicate somewhat more data on a disc than the "normal"
capacity and still remain within yellow book specifications, but some drives have trouble reading
data from these discs.

CAN YOU MAKE A DISC THAT WILL WORK ON BOTH PC AND MAC?
Yes, depending on the amount of data you have you can either create two partitions - one in HFS
for Mac and one in ISO 9660 for DOS or you can make the entire disc an ISO 9660 disc, which is
readable by both with the correct peripherals.


DVD

HOW DO CDS AND DVDS DIFFER?
Though a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) looks like a CD, it is actually two "half-discs" bonded together.
It can contain data on one or both sides (dual-layer). Because of smaller pits and lands, as well as
dual layers, DVDs can hold 7 to 25 times more information than a CD. DVD can hold cinema-like
video, better-than-CD audio, and computer data. DVD aims to encompass home entertainment,
computers, and business information with a single digital format, eventually replacing audio CD,
videotape, laserdisc, CD-ROM, and video game cartridges.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DVD AND DVD-ROM?
It's important to understand the difference between the physical formats (such as DVD-ROM or
DVD-R) and the application formats (such as DVD-Video or DVD-Audio). DVD-ROM is the base
format that holds data. DVD-Video (often simply called DVD) defines how video programs such as
movies are stored on disc and played in a DVD-Video player or a DVD computer. The difference is
similar to that between CD-ROM and Audio CD. DVD-ROM includes recordable variations
DVD-R/RW, DVD-RAM, and DVD+R/RW. The application formats include DVD-Video, DVD-Video
Recording, DVD-Audio, DVD-Audio Recording, DVD Stream Recording, and SACD. There are also
special application formats for game consoles such as Sony PlayStation 2.


ARTWORK AND PACKAGING

WHICH SOFTWARE SHOULD I USE FOR MY DESIGN?
For images, we prefer Adobe Photoshop. For layout and text, we recommend QuarkXpress first,
then Adobe Illustrator. Illustrator files should be saved in EPS format and a copy saved with
the fonts converted to outlines. Design templates are available for all of these programs. Although
we can accept files created on a PC, we STRONGLY recommend that you create them using the
Macintosh platform. Because PC graphics files take longer for us to prepare for output than Mac
there may be an additional charge for jobs that take more than 1 hour to preflight.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW WHEN DESIGNING MY PROJECT?

FONTS:
Files must include all fonts used, including any that are embedded in placed EPS files. We
recommend using a vector-based layout program such as QuarkXpress or Illustrator for typesetting.
Because Photoshop is a bitmap-based program, regular-sized text created in it will have jagged
edges. It is best to use Photoshop as your image editor (special effects on photos, artwork, title text,
colors, image manipulation) and then import the Photoshop file into your vector-based program.
Do not stylizetext to add bold, italic, outline, drop shadows, etc. Laser printers often print these
properly, image setters usually do not. Instead, use the font version (e.g. Helvetica Bold). Be sure
to include all screen and printer fonts used. We recommend using Type 1 PostScript fonts only.
True Type Fonts (TTF) do not output reliably, and we strongly discourage their use.

IMAGES:
Picture files should be saved as either TIFF or EPS. Images must be scanned in at 300 dpi. If you
are placing them into Photoshop or any other program, be sure that the document resolution is
also set to 300 dpi. Include all current graphic files linked to documents, including any placed
Adobe Illustrator files. Include live (editable) versions of all linked graphic files in case we need to
edit. Do not use PICTs, GIFs, JPEGs, or LZW compression. Size and crop images in Photoshop
before placing them into your page layouts. Never resize images in your layout application more or
less than 5%. When placing files in Illustrator, please link rather than embed. Do not use
Illustrator to create transparency effects - use Photoshop instead. Do not use a background of
none in your picture boxes in QuarkXpress. This can result in a pixelated edge where the edge
drops out to 0%.

COLORS:
All scans and artwork must be converted to CMYK from RGB. We cannot output RGB files. If you
base the colors of your design by Pantone (spot), make sure you convert the colors to process
separation. Photoshop files should be saved in Bitmap, Grayscale, or CMYK mode. When
creating four color files, you may prefer to use a rich black if large areas of black are used. This
is commonly a CMYK black made up of 100% black and 30% cyan. Color settings should be
saved to match final output.

PROOFS:
Your files should be accompanied by an up-to-date laser proof. If there are any changes made after
the laser has been printed, please supply a new laser, or indicate the changes on the proof. Where
there are any discrepancies between the two, the laser proof will be taken as correct, and the
electronic files altered to match. Please print single sided and 100%, if possible. Keep in mind that
color print-outs from inkjet printers may not show accurate color and may be misleading. The same
holds true for viewing the artwork on screen, as color settings vary from monitor to monitor. We
recommend that you choose your color builds or spot colors from a swatch book, rather than by
viewing your monitor. Only proofs supplied by Groove House Records will be accurate in
relationship to your final print. We will output a match print color proof for you to approve prior to
printing your job. Please include a folding dummy (mock-up) of your printed piece.

HOW SHOULD I DESIGN THE DISC LABEL?
Since the printing on the compact disc is done using a silk screen process, it should be created
using spot colors from the Pantone color library rather than four-color process used in standard
offset printing. For an additional cost, you can of course create four-color CMYK artwork. Three spot
colors are included with your CD pricing, but more may be used at additional cost.

You may choose to print up to the mirror band only, to the knockout ring, or full coverage. It is
important to keep in mind that printing into the mirror band may cause a color shift due to the disc's
change from a reflective to clear material. A white flood undercoat can help alleviate this change.
(Note: White counts as one additional color.)

Do not stylize text to add bold, italic, outline, drop shadows, etc. Instead, use the actual stylized
typeface (e.g. Helvetica Bold). For maximum readability, avoid sizes below 6 points for regular print
or 8 points for reverse (knock-out) print. Avoid "thin" fonts unless they are overprinting, as opposed
to knocking out to silver.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY CMYK AND SPOT COLORS?
Colors on a printing press are created using a combination of four ink colors - Cyan, Magenta,
Yellow and Black (called CMYK). These four inks are called process colors because they are the
standard inks used in the four-color printing process. Your artwork must be in CMYK format
(as opposed to RGB) before submitting. When we describe a job as 4/4 or 4/1 we are referring
to the number of process colors on either side of a printed page (e.g. 4/4 means full color both
sides). Spot colors, also called premixed inks, are the inks used for silkscreen printing a CD.
Companies that produce spot color inks include Pantone, DIC, and Focaltone. Spot color systems are ideal for creating crisp edges for text and images, and for guaranteeing an exact color match.

WHAT IS DIRECT-TO-PLATE PRINTING?
Until very recently, the most accurate way to match colors between your digital files and your print
was to output your files to film, then create a match print. The film was then used to create plates for
the printing press. This was a costly and time-intensive process. If you needed to make a change
after the match print was made, the costs went up even more. Enter direct-to-plate, also known
as CTP (computer-to-plate). Printing technology has evolved to the point where digital files can be
output to accurate color proofs without the extra step of going to film. The advantages are that proof
prices are lower, print quality and turnaround times are improved, and it is much easier (and
cheaper!) to make changes if you find a typo on your proof. In addition, registration and trapping
problems (common to offset runs) are eliminated, and we get more consistent color balance
throughout the print run.

HOW ARE YOUR DISCS PRINTED?
CD (and DVD) silkscreen presses have indentations for the discs set into a round table top. The
tables are loaded from a spindle full of discs by a robotic arm. The screens are also on robotic
arms, and are lowered onto each disc as the table rotates to each position. Specially formulated
UV-curable ink is applied by an automatic dispenser, then the (robotic) squeegee runs it across
the screen. After each color is applied, the automated table rotates to the UV-curing station,
and some systems may skip another position to allow some air-drying between coats, so you
can have two "sets" of discs being printed at once.) Each screening and curing position has a
different color and a different screen - up to 6 total. The ink is applied in a precise manner so
there is no dripping or bleeding. Since the process is very fast, there is little chance of a screen
sticking to a disc. The inks are specially formulated to adhere to the CD's lacquered surface, so
you don't have to worry about beading up, and they don't have to wait all that long between
colors -- a few seconds is all they require. There are stations on the table with UV lamps for curing
the ink before they are removed from the press by a robotic arm and stacked on an output spindle.


ORDERING AND SHIPPING

WHY DO I NEED TO FILL OUT AN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS FORM?
In an effort to protect the rights of people who create software and music recordings, Groove
House Records has adopted an anti-piracy policy which requires that every master submitted to us
be licensed by the copyright owner for replication. This program protects you from unauthorized
reproduction of your material.

I HAVE COVER SONGS ON MY RECORDING - CAN YOU MANUFACTURE IT?
By law, we cannot replicate any copyrighted recording without the proper clearances. You need to
contact the appropriate performing rights society or The Harry Fox Agency to obtain permission.

WHAT IF I HAVE THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE ON MY MASTER?
If your CD or DVD project contains content that should be licensed by a third party, we must have a
copy of this license before we can replicate your discs. Here are are links for the most often used
installers. If you have one of these on your disc, go to their site, fill out the agreement, and obtain a
license.

Apple Quicktime
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Netscape Navigator
Real Player
Shockwave / Flash Player

DO I NEED A RESALE LICENSE? HOW DO I GET ONE?
If we are shipping within California, we must charge you sales tax unless you have a resale license. You can obtain one at no charge by filling out a form at your local State Board of Equalization office.

HOW MUCH IS SHIPPING?
This varies according to location, but it typically costs $80 - $120 to ship 1000 CDs packaged in
jewel cases via FedEx Ground within the continental US. We can give you an estimate with your
quote. Upon request, we can second day air or overnight an order at your cost.