|
1)
The term 'Pthalocyanine' dye is used a lot in various descriptions.
What does this mean in terms of quality? Is this better than
'Cyanine' dye?
In general, yes. Manufacturers' studies on
this claim that cd-r's which use an advanced Pthalocyanine dye
have a longer lifespan and will work better in higher speed recordings.
Additionally, the chemical bond is much stronger, which most likely explains the
higher quality claims.
2)
The recording surface of 'Silver/Silver' cd-r's have a light-green hue, why is that?
This has become a misnomer in the cd-r industry. All silver/silver cd-r's have a recording surface that has a
light green hue. To differentiate between
silver/silver cd-r's and true silver/silver cd-r's (where the
recording surface is colorless - no green hue), the
manufacturers call the true silver/silver cd-r's, DIAMONDSILVER.
3)
Which media are the best?
While we believe that the media we sell is the highest quality,
the best way to determine this is to try it. No media can claim 100% recorder/player compatibility.
Unfortunately, there are some incompatibilities with various
devices (though this is becoming increasingly rare). Genesys DTP has test samples available for sale, so you can 'try
before you buy'.
4)
16X, 24X, 32X, 40X, 48X and 52X speed is used in many descriptions.
What does this mean?
Where any media description has a 16X, 24X, 32X, 40X, 48X and 52X
(or other speed) in the item name or
description, this means that the cd-r can be recorded at speeds
anywhere between 1X through the speed listed in the given description (16X, 24X,
32X, 40X, 48X and 52X, of course, depending on hardware capability). Note
that this is the certified recording speed. It's possible that actual
recording speeds may be higher. Also, note that if you're unable to attain
the listed speed rating, be sure to disable the 'buffer under-run' or
'just-link' (or similar) protection in your software, to allow for highest speed
recording.
5)
Inkjet Printable media - how do I print on them?
Inkjet printable media have a top surface which is specifically
designed for high-resolution color inkjet printing. Please note that you cannot print on 'inkjet printable'
media
with just any inkjet printer. You'll need a
specially designed printer (such as
Primera, Rimage, Microboards, etc.)
which enables printing directly onto the inkjet printable surface.
6)
Do you sell Inkjet Printable media that has
a Glossy white finish, instead of a Matte white finish?
Yes. If the cd or dvd media has a glossy
white inkjet printable top, it will be specified in the product
title and description. You can also go to
here
to find our entire selection.
7)
Thermal Printable media - how do I print on them?
For most thermal printers, media that has a shiny-silver top or
a specifically designed white thermal top, will work with your
single-color printer. You'll need a specially designed printer (such as
Primera, Rimage, Casio,
etc.) which enables printing directly onto the thermal printable surface.
For some high-end color thermal printers (such as Everest/Teac), media that has
a specifically designed silver thermal or white thermal top is required to work
with your full-color printer.
8)
Hub Printable media - what does this mean? What does 'stacking ring' mean?
The 'hub' is the center part of every disc, that encompasses the
center hole of the media. The 'stacking ring' separates the
'hub' from the 'face' of the disc. Most media that was made,
until recently, the 'stacking ring' was identified as a small
gap/indent that was used to enable discs stacked together to be
separated by this slightly raised gap/indent. With the
advent of printing on media becoming ever more popular, the desire
to print on a disc's complete surface, from edge-to-edge, was
hampered by the fact that most printer's print heads couldn't
properly print in the 'hub' due to the 'stacking ring' creating a
problem of getting in the way or causing the print from the 'hub'
to the 'face' to not be smooth. Now, most media being made
by manufacturers no longer has a 'stacking ring' gap/indent, and
the entire face of the disc is level and smooth. With this
new manufacturing procedure for most media, most discs can now be
made as 'hub printable', allowing the entire face of the disc,
from edge-to-edge, to be printed. The only minor
disadvantage to discs without a 'stacking ring' is that the discs
may need to be 'fanned-out', prior to printing in an autoloader.
9)
DiamondSilver cd-r's - what are they? Are they better quality than 'Silver/Silver'?
DiamondSilver cd-r's have a record surface which, before
recording, is practically indistinguishable from the standard
silver lacquer label surface. This is achieved
by using a 'neutral' or 'colorless' dye, as compared to the
light-greenish hue or other colors/variations of many other
cd-r's. When a disc is fully burned, DiamondSilver cd-r's will look as close as possible to pressed
cd's (already with content). Although some
people may tell you that DiamondSilver cd-r's are higher quality
than silver/silver, this is simply not true, as both type
utilize the same dye (advanced pthalocyanine), with the
difference being mainly a cosmetic issue.
10)
How can colored media be recorded on? Doesn't this affect reflectivity?
A disc that has a colored recording surface is the same to the
recorder as if it were a standard cd-r disc without color.
Although the human eye can visibly see the various colors, the recorder's
infrared laser cannot, and therefore this won't affect reflectivity.
11)
Digital Audio cd-r's (media for consumer digital audio-only cd-to-cd recorders) - what are they, and why are they more expensive?
There are basically two types of media - 'computer media' and
'consumer audio-only media'.
Computer media
are
designed for computer cd recorders (and professional audio-only
recorders). This is the vast majority of cd-r's being
sold.
Consumer audio-only media are required
if you have a stand alone (stereo component) audio-only cd recorder (like Philips, Teac, Harmon/Kardon,
Pioneer, etc.). These are known as 'Digital Audio' cd-r's.
Media for these recorders is available for
purchase from the 'Digital
Audio CD-R's & CD-RW's' category. These
consumer audio-only stand alone (stereo component) recorders require
these special cd-r's that
conform to the SCMS (Serial Copy Management System), which is
designed to stop a cd-r copy being made from anything other than
the original cd. These media are slightly
more expensive than computer media, with the main reason being that the manufacturer
pays a royalty on
consumer audio-only cd-r's to the RIAA, whereas with computer cd-r's, no
royalty is paid.
Prodisc Digital Audio CD-R's and MAM-A Digital Audio CD-R's have an unbranded,
no-logo surface (the discs and packaging do not have the Digital-Audio logo).
Instead, in the center hub of the Prodisc Digital Audio CD-R's,
it reads, "MUSIC CD-R", and in the center hub of the MAM-A Digital Audio CD-R's,
it reads, "MAM-A AUDIO 80MIN". This is the manufacturers way to indicate
that these are indeed Digital-Audio CD-R's.
Consumer audio-only media can be recorded to with a computer cd
recorder, but computer cd media cannot be recorded to with a
consumer audio-only recorder.
Other than a special code that is manufactured into
consumer audio-only media (that stand alone cd recorders must
identify upon insertion in order to use the media) there is no
difference between a
consumer audio-only disc and a computer disc.
12)
Mini cd-r's and Business Card cd-r's - will they work with my recorder?
*Almost* all cd recorders manufacturer within the last several
years are compatible with this media, as it's become an industry
standard. The older your recorder is, the
greater the chance is that your recorder may not be compatible.
Because of its design, these media are for use with tray-loading
recorders/players only (not for caddy-loading devices). 3-inch cd-r's have a higher compatibility rate over business
card cd-r's, due to their design.
13)
There are various types of labels - Matte
Finish, Glossy Finish - what's the difference, and which type do I
need?
Depending
on which type of printer you will be using to print on the labels, that will
determine which type you'll need. Labels which are designated as MATTE FINISH are designed for use in both inkjet printers and laser printers.
Labels which are designated as GLOSSY FINISH are designed for use in inkjet
printers only (except for 'glossy' laser labels, which are designed for use in
laser printers only). Foil labels are designed for use in laser printers
only. Clear/translucent labels are available in both laser only and inkjet
only versions. For the highest level of color vibrancy and appearance,
glossy labels are always recommended, because the label paper has a higher
reflectivity level.
14)
Where can I find templates for the labels?
Templates
for all labels (in .doc format and/or .pdf format) are available in the product
description of the corresponding label type.
15)
I have a Sony Mavica digital camera, model MVC-CD1000 (or
MVC-CD200, -CD250, -CD300, , -CD350, -CD400, -CD500). Will
your 3-inch cd-r and cd-rw media work with my camera?
All mini cd-r have been thoroughly tested, and are
fully compatible with these digital cameras. They even hold more pictures than the Sony-branded 3-inch cd-r's. Check product description for mini cd-rw
compatibility. Note that the MVC-CD1000 is NOT
capable of recording to a 3-inch cd-rw (due to design). Only the
MVC-CD200/250/300/350/400/500 can record to 3-inch cd-rw's.
16)
I can't tell which side is the record side
of the cd-r?
Here's an easy way to tell which side is which: If you're looking at the inner ring of the cd-r (not the clear
plastic area next to the hub), the numbers/letters there, if you
can read them properly (left-to-right), then you are looking at
the record side. If they are backwards, then
you're looking at the label side. You should
be putting the cd-r in 'record side' face down. Note:
The exception to the above is with any Ritek CD-R, where the
opposite of the above is the recording side.
17)
I want to try a product that you sell, to see if it works with my intended
recorder/player, or is suitable for my needs. Do you offer test
samples?
Yes. You'll see a 'test samples'
category available from the home page, as well as a quick link on the top and
side of every page. Due to costs involved, we're no longer able to offer
free samples. If there's an item that you do not see test samples
available for, send an e-mail or phone inquiry.
18)
Which Recordable DVD format do I need for my recorder?
Currently,
there are several different DVD recording formats (DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW and
DVD-RAM). Please be sure of the format that your recorder requires before
purchasing. Check your recorder manual or product specifications
to determine which format your recorder uses.
19)
What is the difference between Authoring & General Use DVD-R's?
Click here
for the answer (from Pioneer, in .pdf format).
20)
Are Recordable DVD's compatible in stand-alone DVD players?
Please be aware that
recordable DVD media may not be playback compatible with some
older and/or entry level DVD movie players. Most of the
newer stand-alone DVD players are capable of playing
DVD-Recordable media, but not all. Approximately 75% - 80%
of the stand-alone dvd players on the market today are capable
of playing DVD-Recordable media.
DVD-Recordable media are considered to be compatible (and may not
be returned) if playback is achieved on the recorder it was
recorded on, NOT on a stand alone dvd player (due to the
compatibility issues mentioned above).
We suggest that you order from the Test Samples category before
buying in bulk, to be sure of compatibility with your intended
playback device.
21)
What is the
difference between High-Grade, Pro-Grade and Archival-Grade DVD's?
High-Grade and Pro-Grade are used to make the distinction between
recordable DVD media that has a higher playback rate with
stand-alone DVD players. If you'll be playing back DVD video on
various DVD players, Pro-Grade DVD media will achieve the best
compatibility results (see above for stand-alone DVD player
compatibility information). This doesn't mean that
High-Grade DVD media won't playback in stand-alone DVD players,
only that Pro-Grade media has a better compatibility rate with a
higher percentage of players.
Additionally, Pro-Grade DVD
media are generally manufactured to a higher quality standard than are
High-Grade DVD media. Again, this doesn't mean that
High-Grade DVD media are bad. For Pro-Grade DVD media, the
highest playback compatibility with stand-alone DVD Players will
come from, in general, Ritek and Prodisc.
Archival-Grade is used to denote
media that is to be considered the best that's available,
or the top-of-the-line, and will usually come from 'name-brand'
manufacturers, such as Verbatim, Taiyo Yuden and MAM-A (Mitsui).
22)
Why does my DVD-R only show 4.38 Gigabytes available and not 4.7
Gigabytes?
There's an unfortunate confusion in the units of
measurement in the DVD world. The problem is that
the prefixes kilo, mega, and giga normally
represent multiples of 1000 in the base 10 number system, (10^3,
10^6, and 10^9), but when used in the computer world (binary
number system), they generally represent multiples of 1024
(2^10, 2^20, and 2^30). Both Windows and Mac OS list
volume capacities in "true" megabytes and gigabytes,
not millions and billions of bytes.
Most DVD figures are based on multiples of 1000,
in spite of using notation such as GB and KB that traditionally
have been based on 1024. The "G bytes" notation
does seem to consistently refer to 10^9. The closest you
will be able to get to an unambiguous notation is to use kilobytes
for 1024 bytes, megabytes for 1,048,576 bytes (1024 x
1024), gigabytes
for 1,073,741,824 bytes (1024 x 1024 x 1024), and BB (billion bytes) for
1,000,000,000 bytes.
Therefore, it follows that 1,073,741,824 (1 GB) x 4.38 =
4,702,989,189.12 = 4.7 GB.
23) What is LightScribe Media?
Why does labeled LightScribe DVD media look different from labeled
LightScribe CD media?
LightScribe is an
innovative technology that uses a special
disc drive, special media, and
label-making software to burn labels directly onto recordable CD's and DVD's.
Because the labels are laser-etched - not printed - there's no ink, no smudging,
and no peeling.
The difference in appearance of labeled LightScribe DVD's and CD's stems
from the difference in how recordable CD's and DVD's are made, in general.
DVD's have a second plastic layer, which CD's don't have, that creates a kind of
“plastic sandwich” around the reflective layer on which data is burned.
This additional plastic layer separates the reflective layer from the
LightScribe coating on the surface of the disc. When you look at a labeled
LightScribe DVD, you are seeing through that additional plastic layer, which
creates a three-dimensional effect. In testing, many people think the
dynamic appearance of LightScribe-labeled DVD's is especially suited to media
which store videos and creative content.
24) When attempting to Lightscribe
on Lightscribe Media, my recorder fails to recognize the LightScribe Media,
and is unable to begin the process? What to do?
First, make sure that
you've 'flipped' the disc, so that the LightScribe label (top side) is placed in
your recorder, label side down.
Second, ensure that you are using LightScribe Media. All LightScribe Media
will have the LightScribe logo in the center of the disc.
Third, be sure that your LightScribe System Software (LSS) is up-to-date.
Updated LSS is required for proper operation of your LightScribe system. Updates
are released regularly to support new hardware or recently introduced LightScribe CD-R's and DVDR's, and will ensure optimal and reliable operation of
your LightScribe Labeling system. Go
here to download (for Windows). For MAC or Linux, click on same link,
then select your OS link on left of screen.
Fourth, be sure that your LightScribe labeling software is up-to-date. For a
free LightScribe template labeler or a free LightScribe Simple Labeler, go
here to download (for Windows). For MAC
or Linux, click on same link, then select your OS link on left of screen.
Finally, if you are still having problems, click
here for the technical support request form (from the LightScribe Customer
Support Team).
25)
The
90-Min CD-R only shows as 80-Min CD-R. What's wrong?
All CD-R's contain tracks formed from a single spiral, starting at the inner
diameter up to the outer diameter, and along which data is recorded using a
laser beam. In a standard 80-Min (700 MB) CD-R the distance between successive
tracks is 1.5μm. In 90-Min CD-R's, this distance, called track pitch, has been
reduced to 1.33μm, allowing an increase in capacity of approximately 100 MB.
90-Min CD-R's have a capacity of 800 MB or more, depending on recorder
specifications. However, since a 90-Min CD-R's capacity is beyond the
standard CD-R specifications, any software will only show the disc as being
80-Min (before recording) - this is normal!
Additionally, in order to be sure that you received the correct 90-Min CD-R
media, check the clear hub, center of the disc, and you'll see "90MIN" is printed there in
black text.
In order to use 90-Min CD-R's, compatible software, like Nero Essentials, and a
compatible burner are needed. Please check the limited compatibility list,
here.
To write 90-Min CD-R's, your burner needs to support overburning - this is the
term used to identify the process in which your recorder and software can exceed
the standard CD-R recording length specifications. In your
recording software, there will be an options section where you will need to
enable disc-at-once cd overburning (disc-at-once recording is required for
recording using 90-Min CD-R).
For example, check in the options->expert features section of Nero Essentials.
Additionally, you can perform an overburning test with Nero CD-DVD Speed, which
is part of the Nero Toolkit, and available for free,
here. By
trial-and-error testing, this software will help determine the exact length and
maximum recording speed to
which your recorder can burn the 90-Min CD-R.
Your recorder's firmware controls the maximum allowed speed. 90-Min CD-R
media is rated at 32X record speed. However, since the track pitch of a
90-Min CD-R has been reduced, and the margin for error is greatly reduced, it is
strongly recommended to record at slower speeds.
Test samples are available here.
|
1)
How can I find out the shipping costs/shipping options for the
products I want to order?
Simple. When you
initially place a product in the shopping cart, you will be presented with a
form to fill out that asks for your country and zip/postal code and shipping
method choice. Once completed, the shopping cart will show your shipping
amount. If available to your shipping location, other shipping choices may
be available. As you add items to the shopping cart, the shipping charges
will be updated automatically.
2)
I'm buying jewel cases (or other heavy items) - why is the shipping
cost so expensive?
Jewel cases and many other items (especially packaging) are very heavy and
fragile. For example, 100 jewel cases weighs approximately 20 pounds.
Depending on your location, the actual shipping cost charged can be very
expensive, as the price is based on weight and travel distance.
3)
What shipping options do you provide?
We ship via UPS and US Postal Service. UPS shipping options are UPS Next-Day
Air, UPS 2-Day Air, UPS 3-Day Select and UPS Ground for domestic orders (and
Canada), and UPS Express and UPS Expedited (for international orders). US Postal
Service options are US Express Mail (with tracking and insurance) and US Priority Mail (with delivery confirmation or signature
confirmation, if available) for domestic orders, and US Global Express
Guaranteed (with tracking and insurance), US Express Mail International (with
tracking and insurance), and US Priority Mail International (with insurance) and for international orders. Some options will not be available to
all locations.
4)
What is your return policy?
If you're not happy with
your product, then we haven't done our job.
Every CD-Recordable and DVD-Recordable disc order that we sell is fully guaranteed. If you have a problem
(compatibility issue or defect) with your
purchase of our high quality CD-Recordable or DVD-Recordable discs, you may return
them to us (e-mail first for RA number, please) for a refund (less shipping
charges) of the amount of re-sellable discs returned. Discs
that are not in re-sellable condition (used, scratched,
fingerprints, etc.) will not be credited, and may not be
returned. These returns must be received back by us
within 30 days
of receiving your order.
If you need to make an exchange/refund (return
of unwanted/incorrectly ordered item OR non-media item), you may return any item to us
(e-mail first for RA number, please) for a refund (less shipping
charges) of the amount of re-sellable items returned. Items
that are not in re-sellable condition (used, scratched, etc.) will
not be credited, and may not be returned. These returns must be
received back by us within 14 days of receiving your order.
These returns are subject to a 15% restocking fee. Exchanges/refunds are not allowed after 14 days.
UPS
is recommended for shipping jewel cases and dvd boxes.
Shipping jewel cases via USPS is not recommended, and will be sent at your own risk of damage
(ie.
no claims for breakage).
Items designated as Clearance items
have been reduced in price for immediate sale, and may not be
returned.
Hardware items
(recorders, printers) are covered by their factory warranty.
We will provide basic support questions for these items.
Further support will be directed to the manufacturer. WE CANNOT ACCEPT RETURNS OF THESE ITEMS, FOR ANY REASON.
Note: Test sample pak
orders may not be returned (after all, they're for testing!)
5)
Do you accept purchase orders?
Yes. A purchase order set-up can be arranged for you
business/company, so that various people within your company can order products,
and all purchases will be charged to one credit card.
For purchase orders with net terms, you'll need to send an
e-mail or call, to arrange this set-up (requires 2-3 business
days for approval). Minimum initial order is $500.
Net terms are available only for customers who intend to place
orders on a repeat basis. No minimum order on
subsequent reorders.
6)
I'd like to send a gift to someone. Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes. You can send a gift certificate (in any amount up to
$1000) via e-mail (automatically schedule it up to 1 month in the
future) or print & mail it to anyone. Gift certificates
never expire. Gift certificates are provided in conjunction
with Paypal, so your recipient will need to have (or sign up for)
a Paypal account. Go
here
to buy yours.
7)
I'm interested in bulk sales, or larger quantities than what you have listed. Can I get a price list?
As prices are constantly changing, for bulk sales, simply send
an e-mail or call, and we can provide a current price quote for
the quantity that you need. Please indicate which specific
item(s) in which you are interested.
8)
I don't like sending my credit card details over the internet. Can I phone in my order?
Yes. Call 860-350-2827 during regular business
hours (EST) to place your order. For an even quicker
phone order experience, simply place your order online
as usual,
completing the order, and selecting 'Credit Card
Offline (pay by credit card via fax, phone or
postal mail)' as your payment option. In
this manner, your total for the items that you wish to order will already be
calculated.
9)
Where can I find more detailed information about cd-r
and dvdr media and technology?
We
suggest the following web sites: http://www.osta.org/technology/cdqa.htm
and http://www.dvddemystified.com/dvdfaq.html.
10)
Where can I get a coupon or discount? Do you have a mailing list?
The best way is to subscribe to our mailing list
(submission form on bottom of home page). Each issue will have a
different offer/discount that you can use when placing your next
order. Occasionally, we offer a coupon that is
available from our home page (lower right side) or 'coupons' category
(sidebar), so check back
often. Also, we offer a weekly featured product(s)
special. Check our home page (lower left side) every Monday/Tuesday to see
what's on sale this week.
11)
A product that I'm interested is listed as out of stock. Can you tell me when it will be available again?
When an ETA is known for out of stock items, it will be listed in
the product title. If you wish to be informed
via e-mail, as soon as the product is available, go
here.
12)
I have a target price in mind for a product that I'm interested in. Can you let me know when your price changes?
Yes. Go
here to enter the
details.
13)
Do you have a paper catalogue?
No. Because prices and products change
frequently, and due to the costs involved, the best place to get
current pricing/information is via our web site.
14)
Do I have to pay sales tax?
If your package is shipping to Connecticut, sales tax will automatically be
calculated during the ordering process. Sales tax in Connecticut is
calculated at 6.00% (Litchfield County), which is our location (and your point
of purchase for sales tax calculation). All other shipping locations will
not incur sales tax. If you are located in Connecticut, and you have a valid
resale certificate (and the product is intended to be used for resale), then
you'll need to call to have the sales tax removed from your order.
15)
I'm located outside of the United States. What fees (customs, duty,
etc.) will I have to pay?
For items shipped outside the USA, you will be responsible for
any and all customs fees, duty fees and taxes, where applicable.
These fees will be payable when you receive your package. We have no control over deciding what these fees will be (nor do
we receive any of these fees). You should contact the
appropriate person to determine what fees, if any, will be due.
|