• How many copies of the DVD are needed?
• In which type of device(s) will the DVD be played?
• Will the DVD be viewed by a specific or a very broad audience?
• Is the project a DVD-5 or DVD-9?

These are the four most important questions that need to be considered before deciding on the method used to create multiple copies of your DVD.

While there are a growing number of physical DVD disc formats, we will focus on three most common types used today to deliver a project to end users: Molded/Replicated DVD, DVD-R Authoring Media, and DVD-R General Media.

If you need 50 or more copies of a DVD, the best option is replication. A DVD that you purchase from a retail chain or rent at the video store is a molded/replicated disc. This means that a master copy of the DVD program is delivered to a replication facility where a glass-master or stamper is created. The stamper is then used to create copies of the DVD. Each copy of the DVD has very small pits that are read by a laser when the disc is played back in a DVD player or computer. Both published reports and anecdotal evidence show that a molded/replicated DVD is the most compatible way to deliver your project.

If you need just a handful of copies, DVD-R is often the best and most cost effective choice. However, knowing the audience will determine which type of DVD-R media (Authoring or General) should be used.

Many people are familiar with the concept of burning a DVD. This is where a blank recordable DVD (DVD-R) is inserted into a DVD writable drive. The DVD-R has special dyes that are affected by the laser in the recordable drive. The changes in the dye are read by the laser on the playback DVD drive.

If the project will be played back in an environment with devices that are capable of playing DVD-R General Media, (i.e. a professional player at a tradeshow or exhibition), this less expensive media can be used. However, if the DVDs will be going to broader audience that will playback in a variety of devices, DVD-R Authoring Media should be used.

DVD-9 recordable drives are new to the market and there are many issues with player compatibility. While this makes the new dual layered DVD9 recordable discs unsuitable for distribution, they are extremely useful  as check discs. They allow  for enhanced quality control, saving time and money in the authoring and
pre-mastering phases of DVD production.

There are a variety of ways to playback DVD including:

Set top DVD players
There are a wide range of players starting at under $100. Set tops players are the most common type of DVD device found in U.S. households today. They are also being used more and more in classrooms and corporate training facilities.

Professional/Industrial DVD players
These ultra reliable DVD players are perfect for kiosks and exhibitions that run 24x7. Key features include: Rack-mountable chassis, RS-232 Inputs, and NV-RAM. The two most popular models are the Pioneer DVD-V7400 and the
Philips ProDVD 175.

Portable DVD players
Smaller and less expensive than most laptops, these mighty minis’ feature 5-9 inch LCD screens. Great for flying and road trips, they are also being used by more and more corporate sales forces.

TV/DVD Combos
These all-in-one units come in a variety of screen sizes. Besides home use, they can be spotted in a variety of other applications including retail
point-of-purchase displays.

Personal Computers & Laptops
Windows based computers with DVD-ROM drives and DVD decoder software are capable of playing DVDs. Some popular decoders include: InterVideo’s WinDVD and Sonic CinePlayer. Macintosh G4, G5, PowerBook iBook and iMac computers feature DVD-ROM drives and Apple DVD Player Software.

DVD-Based Game Systems
Microsoft Xbox
Sony PlayStation 2

There are several labeling and packaging options for DVDs. The disc art can be silkscreen printed in either 2-colors, or for more detailed designs, with 3-6 colors. The DVDs can be packaged in either Jewel Cases or in DVD Video Boxes. Each of these packaging options may have a label/cover insert that is printed in up to 6 colors. Often, there is a need to include supplemental information including instructions, tips, and background material. This type of information would be included in a booklet that slips in to the selected case.