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| VHS Frequently Asked Questions |
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Can we purchase blank video and audio tape stock from Cinram?
What types of video duplication are there?
What are the video cassette components?
What types of labeling are there and what are the advantages of each?
How do I send artwork for labels?
What types of packaging are available from Cinram?
When can I expect my sleeves?
Why should I buy my packaging from Cinram?
What is Macrovision and does Cinram offer it?
What about international conversions?
Do you have contract rates?
Is warehousing available?
Do you offer Direct Mail options?
What source material is acceptable for video duplication?
Cinram is equipped to duplicate from virtually any type of master videotape. Formats include: D3, D2 (both digital), 1", Digital Betacam, Betacam SP, 3/4", Hi 8, S-VHS (Super VHSs), M2, DVC Pro, DVC Cam, Umatic High / Low, Digi S (D9). In short we can duplicate from almost any type master, in any type of mode, to any format copy, in both North America or International format. Acceptable formats vary between Cinram facilities. Please contact your Cinram Customer Service Representative or Sales Representative for more details. You may also check with the facility specifications available here on www.cinram.com.
Does Cinram offer any editing facilities?
We can supply a small number of effects, such as AB rolls and credit and slate additions. However, it should be pointed out, we are very limited in this area and will supply the names of qualified production companies to handle any editing.
Can we purchase blank video and audio tape stock from Cinram?
All video, audio and computer media products are available from Cinram. We inventory our own professional brand of VHS video cassettes and are the largest professional dealer in Canada for Maxell and Fuji Canada. Cinram UK can provide a range of high quality blank video tapes. Quality audio tape stock can be obtained via our European associates.
What types of video duplication are there?
Standard Play:
Indisputably the best quality duplication, either "in cassette" or "high speed pancake duplication". Uses the most amount of video tape to ensure the best reproduction. Used for Studio work, and quality presentations. The recommended length of program is not to exceed 160:00 (2 hrs 40 mins). Recording programs in excess of this leads to playability problems as the transports can only handle so much of a load of tape. Our Canadian facility can duplicate up to 185 minutes (3 hrs 5 mins) on 14 micron tape. Our US facility can duplicate up to 175 minutes (2 hrs 55 mins). At our UK facility, product can be duplicated up to 243 minutes (4 hrs 5 mins) in PAL and SECAM formats. At our UK facility, program lengths exceeding 213 minutes (3 hrs 33 mins) require 16 micron magnetic tape.
Extended Play:
More economical duplication in high speed pancake duplication that uses 1/3 of the tape of standard play. Used for premium, promotion, give-away and sell-through product or in ultra competitive situations where price is the deciding factor over quality. The drawback is a 10% reduction in the quality in reproduction. Can be used for programs over 12:00 in length. Must be ordered in pancakes. Requires the manufacture of a "mirror mother master" at additional cost, which lasts approximately 5,000 copies on a one shot run, or two runs at most before requiring replacement. Allows for extremely long programs to be condensed onto one video cassette. There are two types of EP mode available: 1) using consumer type equipment, LP (long play), or SLP (super long play) which requires minimal capital outlay... the type you can use at home to time shift program, and 2) high speed professional pancake duplication. Cinram uses the latter, with both the Sony Sprinter and the Otari TMD (thermal magnetic duplication). Our professional high speed duplication results in consistent quality duplication from the first copy on the pancake, to the last copy on the pancake. EP is more economical because it uses less tape. All other functions in loading and packaging of the product are the same. The Otari TMD process is only available at our Canadian facility. Our US facility only provides the Sony Sprinter service. Extended play is NOT available at our UK facility.
What are the video cassette components?
V0 (V-ZERO) - Hard Plastic Outer Shell That Houses Video Tape
Two types:
1.) Bears VHS logo, meaning it conforms to JVC specs for amount and type of materials, as well as specific loading procedures which, under optimum conditions, is loaded in a "clean room". JVC royalty is payable by licensed loaders and duplicators. Cinram uses this type.
2.) Does not bear VHS logo, does not conform as above, no royalty is payable, but has the draw-back of unpredictability in recording and playability. The advantage is that it is cheaper to use as no royalty is payable, and it does not require the capital expenditure of a clean room operation. Both types are available in stock colours (black, white, red, green, blue, grey). Custom colours (PMS) are available on orders of 50,000. And both take well to traditional labels or silk-screening.
G-0 - Lighter Weight Outer Shell That Houses Video Tape
It does not bear VHS logo, is approximately 50gm less in weight than above, and is used primarily for premium, promotional and give-away items, especially when mailed via USPS which ships at a lower rate based on weight. Comes in multiple stock colours. Made of recyclable material, and is itself recyclable. Used in high speed situations, where programs are duplicated first onto pancake videotape, then loaded and shipped. Is not used for Standard Play "in-cassette" recording situations. Not a licensed JVC product, and therefore no royalty is payable. Not available in the US, but can be supplied at our other facilities under special order requirements.
Full Image V0
Not a JVC licensed product, but eliminates need for a cardboard sleeve or case by taking an oversized label with more copy area. The advantage is that it eliminates the cost of a sleeve/case, but this is offset by a more expensive label and manual application of same.
Video Tape
Cinram Uses "A" Grade
Other grade names: Duplicator stock or House Brand. If name of stock is declined, generally poorer quality, generally determined by how many "drop outs" or loss of audio or visual components which can be measured electronically by a "drop out counter".
Other type of tape is One Pass: Tape stock previously used, generally purchased from a duplicator having been used once.
What types of labeling are there and what are the advantages of each?
Silk-Screening:
Silk-screening is the least expensive. There is also a quick set up (up and running from supplied film or professional art within an hour) versus delay in customer supplied paper labels. Offers professional, permanent on-line impression at no additional per impression cost. Eliminates inventory and stocking costs. Instant availability of silk-screen eliminates time delays. Available in full range of single colour impressions on large runs. Silk screening is not available at Cinram's UK facility.
On Rolls:
Variable pricing based on number of colours. Economical as is machineable. "Generic" or black print on white labels least expensive. Adding coloured background or multiple colours adds additional plate charges and increased time required to print. Up to 3 standard colours is achievable in house. 4 colour and PMS colours require outsourcing and more time. Machine application of "face" label is included in pricing. The application of a "spine" label is an additional charge as it is o longer necessary for most products. Spine labels were required when product was shipped in "side load" sleeves, but most product is now shipped in "end load" sleeves. Spine labels may still be required on "corporate" product, primarily training tapes which are picked for viewing when stood on shelves.
Crack & Peel:
These are individual labels with a removable backing, separated from the label by bending the label and removing adhesive backing. Generally produced by the customer at a local printer because of lower volume. Very labour intensive to use, with charge for manual application. Time added to delivery to accommodate manual packaging of entire order.
Sheet Labels:
Generally produced by the client 10 to 12 to a sheet, again due to low volume. See manual comments above.
Partially Pre-Printed:
Generally produced by the client on rolls or on sheets, with a multiple coloured corporate logo, and provided to the duplicator to custom print the title and running time only. This is only available at Cinram's UK facility normally on rolls, referred to as generic backgrounds.
How do I send artwork for labels?
Generic Labels
Information for generic face, spine or 1/3 inserts can be clearly written or typed on the purchase order. If the customer wishes, he/she can request specific fonts to be used for their label. It is recommended to supply the fonts on disk. At our UK facility, the generic label thermal overprinting is supplied for approval by the Customer, and 1/3 inserts are not allowed.
Silk-Screen
Again the customer can supply written information to be typeset for silk-screen or they can supply camera ready artwork. Camera ready is a clean black text on white background print out or PMT of the finished artwork for the screen. This is not available at our UK facility.
Logos and Special Artwork
All disks MUST be IBM compatible and files MUST be saved at *.tif (Tagged Image Format). If this is not possible, a clean print out of the artwork can be submitted as black on white background (NO COLOUR). Then the art can be scanned into the system. This is not applicable to our UK facility.
2-4 Colour Face Labels
All artwork to be supplied on disk (MAC or IBM) with fonts and special colours indicated. A clean print out of the finished label would also be appreciated, again specifying colours. It is important to know: Special colours (i.e. Pantone, Spot, etc.), how many colours are involved, any deviance from the original die (3 1/16" x 1 5/8"), and delivery time (anywhere from 4 - 7 WORKING days).
What types of packaging are available from Cinram?
Virtually any type, including:
Sleeves/Slipcases :
Either end load, or less frequently, side load, 18 pt. board stock, with either a water base (aqueous) or UV (plastic) finish. Aqueous is generally cheaper to print and is environmentally friendly. UV is more expensive and has a quite shiny finish. Prices fluctuate with volume and type of finish. Can be customer provided in accordance with Cinram specifications or printed by Cinram. If printed by Cinram, the time required is 7-10 business days in advance of order. Pricing is based on 4-colour process printing if custom printed or on standard stock colours (black, white, blue, yellow, purple, red). Custom printing using PMS colours available, but at higher cost. End load sleeves are machineable, side loads are manual at additional cost. Generally takes a single cassette, although double cases are occasionally used.
Coffins (Referred to as Slipcases or Rigid Boxes in the UK):
An outer carton, mostly used for sets, to contain multiple cassettes, each of which are in their own sleeve or case.
Library Case:
Made of hard plastic, comes in various configurations: Full sleeve (clear outer film top to bottom and front to back, takes a single sheet inlay/insert, printed at additional cost or supplied by client). 1/3 sleeve (clear outer film covers centre 1/3 of case on front and wraps onto 1/3 centre of spine, takes a 1/3 insert either custom printed or supplied by client). No film, with or without a depression on the front to take a manually applied label. Comes in variety of stock colours (black, white, clear, green, red, blue) or custom PMS colour on special order. All are dust proof, self locking and do not require shrinkwrap.
Collector Case:
Soft vinyl case in black or white stock colour, has full film insert which is either custom printed by Cinram or provided by the customer. Inlay/insert differs from the library case inlay/insert slightly in size and has rounded corners to fit the softer case.
Custom Case:
Vinyl, many variations are available to accommodate: 1 VHS with literature, 2 VHS, 2 VHS with literature, VHS with CD and literature, VHS with CD & audio cassette and literature. Available in smooth or textured exterior finish. Available with or without clear sleeve to accommodate inlay/insert sheets (either 1 piece or 3 piece inlays). Available in stock or custom colours. Available with or without exterior embossing in foil.
When can I expect my sleeves?
For sleeves from customer supplied film, once customer credit has been approved and the film has been received in good condition, it can take up to 7 working days for the end load sleeves and 10 working days for side load sleeves.
Why should I buy my packaging from Cinram?
We work with suppliers that have expertise in the production of video packaging. The specifications are extremely important and the slightest deviation can be very costly in the production of your video. By ordering your packaging through us, you can rest assured that this aspect of the production will run as smoothly and efficiently as the rest. Plus, due to our high-volume purchasing relationships, our pricing is excellent.
What is Macrovision and does Cinram offer it?
Cinram offers Macrovision. Macrovision is an electronic encoding (embedding of an electronic pulse in the copies we make) which deters back to back copying in the home environment. It is a process used by many Studios and Fortune 500 companies to protect the copies we make from unauthorized copying in the field. It preserves the revenue stream generated on new releases and allows your customer to retain the maximum amount of revenue that can be generated from a product emerging onto the market. When two VCRs are hooked together for the purpose of making illegal copies, the process interferes with the automatic gain control in the 2nd VCR, and when the illegal copy is played back, there will be colour bursting, picture rolling, static interference, etc. The severity of the distortion depends on the age of both the TV and VCR, and the premise is that the encoding will distort the illegal copy to the point where the entertainment value is severely diminished. It is a process that is effective 85% of the time, depending on the TV/VCR combination. There is a 15% fail factor. Cinram pays an annual license fee to Macrovision to be able to activate the encoding process. The additional charge to encode a VHS is an option available at an extra charge. There are very few Macrovision-licensed facilities in North America. There is an old outdated process called Copyguard competing with Macrovision, and feedback shows that this severely distorts the playback of the LICENSED COPIES. Macrovision relentlessly pursues companies that purport to offer Macrovision, and that instead use Copyguard. They also pursue through the courts manufacturers of "black boxes or "Macro busters" in support of our license.
What about international conversions?
The VHS format for North America and Japan is called NTSC. Other countries broadcast systems use either PAL or SECAM formats. Cinram UK has the capability to duplicate PAL and SECAM formats. This has to do with the number of lines of information transmit-ted to a television screen. To play in other countries, the information has to be "converted" to spread the information onto more or less lines. Cinram provides this service (may be in-house or contracted to another party). Generally, for orders under 1000 copies we do it in our North American facilities, and if more than 1000, it is generally sent it to one of our European facilities to convert, duplicate and ship from there.
Do you have contract rates?
Entertainment companies and Fortune 500 Companies that do a measurable amount of VHS copies on an annual basis can be contracted annually under special flat rate agreements based on their annual volume. Companies in the Production and Post-Production arena are considered to be resellers and generally get reduced rates which allow them to resell to their clients. All others tend to fall into a "one-shot" or "street" rate structure unless deemed to have long term potential. Sign offs are accomplishes as quickly as possible in these circumstances. Cinram UK normally operates from standard rate cards. However, contract rates may be applied to customers who will commit to a long term business solution with Cinram UK Ltd.
Is warehousing available?
Yes. Many customers do not have the facility to store and fulfill orders of the VHS we have manufactured for them. Our fully automated warehousing and inventory system can assist them. The Cinram UK warehouse can hold over 4,000 pallets and with our dedicated warehouse staff and efficient inventory systems utilising RF technology, most orders can be shipped within 24 hours.
Do you offer Direct Mail options?
Yes. We deliver anywhere in bulk drop ship or direct to the consumer, either immediately off line, or from the customer warehouse maintained on site, at prices negotiated on an annual, special or one-off price. Many customers advertise on infomercial channels with a 1-800 response number to order videos. The calls are captured by a third party and transmitted to Cinram electronically. Cinram retrieves the information, has product already pre-duplicated on the floor and fulfills the order requirements in lots of 1000 or more. Cinram verifies and corrects the database, adds personalization of letters if necessary, packs, and sorts the product down to the letter carrier walk, containerizes the product ,delivers to the post office and pays the postage. Associated custom mailers are printed if necessary, or standard corrugated mailers are used, together with sophisticated software to direct imprint destination addresses. Computerized mani-fests are generated, and management reports to customers are generated on a daily basis. Cinram UK can deliver in bulk or direct to consumer with our flexible approach to dealing with customers’ individual requirements. Cinram UK is able to offer a personalized service, adding in additional literature or samples if required. Orders can be prepared to mail sort standard with all necessary documentation and invoicing addressed.
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