Dischromatics Announces Availability Of New Range Of USB Flash Memory Drives

Flash Memory Drives or Pendrives are now available in various colours, capacities, shapes and sizes and can be personalised to customer requirements with on-body printing or labels. The addition of copy protection will prevent the data from being wiped.

The choice of USB Flash Memory Drives or Pendrives has never been greater and with the possibility of having new bespoke products produced, there are many obvious advantages which are being overlooked. In the past, floppy disks were used for similar reasons but in comparison, these USB Flash drives are so much faster, with literally thousands of time more memory available, and due to there being no moving parts they are much more robust.

Dischromatics has been in the media management business since 1989, they are an established CD, DVD and Blu-ray producer and provide USB Flash Drive Duplication and is accredited to Quality Standard ISO 9001:2008 and Environmental Standard ISO 1400:2004. Their Managing Director Gareth Spencer has a word of caution to would be purchasers of USB Flash Memory Drives “People should be aware that some suppliers are selling USB Drives, claiming that the capacity is higher than they actually are, in some cases 2GB drives have been ‘modified’ so that they emulate larger capacity drives, unfortunately when the data is written to them they fail, the drive freezes or maybe worse data is overwritten, losing valuable data already on the drive”.

The flash drive itself is made up of a printed circuit board which carries all the circuitry with a USB connector fitted to one end. USB means Universal Serial Bus and was invented and developed by Ajay Bhatt whilst in the employment of Intel. It has become an international standard for the interconnection between personal computer equipment and uses plugs and sockets and lightweight cables. The circuit board is electrically insulated on the outside using various materials such as plastic, metal, wood or rubber to act as the outer case. The USB connector itself is protected with a removable cap or in some other way depending on the style of the product.

All Personal Computers available today have USB ports available. USB is very user-friendly in comparison to parallel or serial ports and is supported at the operating system level. The obvious advantage is that the user does not have to be technically knowledgeable in the hardware. They are simply plug and play devices with the ability to be used through multiple platforms, working on Mac, Windows and Linux.

The uses for these devices are endless; they can be used as a tool for storing files, sent to clients as gifts at certain times of the year, as an incentive to purchase goods as an additional free gift with certain value orders, they could have catalogues or other data permanently copied onto them but with space left for more use. They could be distributed at trade shows, during conferences and seminars, so they can be used as an advertising gadget to enhance ones own image. With logos and any other data being printed permanently on the body, it will always be ‘in the eye of the beholder’. The data written to the Flash Drives can be copy-protected to prevent mistakingly deleting valuable data.

The convenience and uses of these USB Flash Memory Drives will help reduce costs of distribution of expensive and cumbersome documentation like catalogues which invariably ends up in the bin and therefore they can even contribute to reducing waste. The styles available already cover a wide range from the standard classic shapes to bracelets, keys, credit card, key rings and also multifunctional and designer products. Materials used include plastic, wood, metal and leather. All with personalised printing using pad or screen printing, digital photo printing and pantone colour match printing.

In the unlikely event that the product required is not in the range of what is already available, customers can design their own.

For more information on USB Flash Drives and Duplication please call 01495 243222 or visit the website at: http://www.dischromatics.co.uk/cd-duplication/usb-key-duplication/

           

Direct Mail Marketing is now Available to Companies of all Sizes using Digital Printing

A Marketing tool used by large companies and corporates for decades is now accessible to Small to Medium Sized Enterprises at an attractive cost thanks to the new Software available.

Over the years Direct Mail Marketing or 1:1 Marketing has been one of the main marketing tools used by large business to target prospective customers. The problem with this process is the cost largely outweighs the potential returns, The Return on Investment or ROI.

The fact is that when these brochures, leaflets, flyers, catalogues or whatever other literature were sent out (and of course this is still the case) to their target audience they were or are really exactly the same, the only difference between each is an address label stuck on the outside, looking rather unprofessional, the rest of the information is utterly and completely the same! The reason for this is that the printing is done by lithographic offset printing on huge presses which cost enormous sums of money. Therefore, in order to be cost effective, many thousands had to be printed in one print run to bring the unit cost down to an acceptable figure. That’s why it has always been too expensive for smaller companies to introduce this method of marketing with any success.

With the litho process, each colour requires a separate plate which itself is expensive and takes a large amount of labour time to set up, furthermore there is an amount of wasted prints early in the run whilst the printer attempts to get the colours to match, the alignment correct and so on. Naturally if these costs were amortised over a small amount of copies the unit cost would be horrendous.

The biggest problem with this type of mass mail marketing is the ROI is about 1% to 2% and unless those turn into substantial business, the question has to be “is it worth it?”

Fortunately, with the advent of better quality Digital Printers and speciality software, it is now possible for companies to have small runs and sample runs prior to a full-scale roll out and to individually target by business type, authority or area. Variable Data Printing Software in conjunction with Digital Printing increases the potential ROI to a very desirable 10% to 15%. Personalisation is the key. Not only can the sticky address labels be eliminated by printing names and addresses directly onto each printed item, but each can also have a different bar code, individually personalised message and even a change of graphics and the colours can now be different on each printed part.

Companies simply provide a database of names and addresses to the print company, the individual graphics are designed in the Graphic Design department and uploaded to the Rip Drive. Rip stands for Raster Image Processor and is like a print driver but more sophisticated with many enhanced features. Once all the data is uploaded, the print job is ready to go and unlike the litho process there is no need to stop to change plates or waste many copies getting the print correct, all the changes are effected on ‘the fly’ by the rip, in other words whilst the job is running.

The advantages are obvious, by targeting prospective clients with the inclusion of more relevant data and with a more professional image it is more likely the recipient will read the information they receive rather than put it straight in the bin, also the labour costs are reduced as the printer runs the job non-stop and there is no need to set up individual plates or print large volumes which are not required. This type of marketing also means that it’s trackable and the success is measurable. It allows the marketer to get the message across more directly.

This process can even be combined with sending out data on CD and DVD or other types of media by printing and personalising the card wallets, Digipaks or the paper parts in a CD Jewel case for instance.

For more information on Direct Mail Marketing using Variable Data Printing, please call 01495 243222 or visit Dischromatics website.

Dischromatics Sponsors Media Academy Wales’ Welcome Event at Cineworld Cardiff

BAFTA Cymru along with Media Academy Wales, the Industry Panel and the Directors of Separado, Dylan Goch and Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals were at the Dischromatics Sponsored Event in Cardiff for the Student Welcome Event of the year

A special screening of the new feature documentary Separado took place at Cineworld Cinema in Cardiff as part of the Media Academy Wales Welcome Event for representative students from Media Academy’s twenty six courses for an evening of inspiration and networking.

The film Separado, which was co-directed by Dylan Goch and Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals fame, is about Gryff’s quest to travel to Patagonia to find his ‘long lost’ uncle, the poncho wearing Rene Griffiths. The film has been described in various ways from ‘Star Trek meets Buena Vista’, a ‘Psychedelic Folktale’ to a ‘Postmodern Pseudo Documentary’. In 1974 Rene came to Wales becoming an overnight sensation with his Welsh love songs accompanied by South American Flamenco, something unheard of at that time.

Separado tells the story of Gryff’s ancestral family who were torn apart after a horse race in 1880 which led to the unexplained death of a family member of Gryff’s ancestors. Following this incident a part of the family moved to Patagonia in South America where they settled and made their home. There was already a Welsh settlement in Patagonia at a place known as Bahia Blanca. The Argentine Government had agreed to the original settlement which was first occupied by 200 Welsh immigrants in 1865. At the time it suited the Argentinean Government, who were in dispute with the Chilean Government over the land and so this Welsh settlement put them in control of a large tract of land.

In the film, Rhys travels to Patagonia via Brazil and Southern Argentina as part of his ‘solo’ South American Tour. However, this is not a typical tour and the documentary is not a typical road movie. Naturally, bearing in mind the family connections to Patagonia and Rene Griffiths there is a certain amount of self-indulgence but this adds interest to the film rather than detract from it. Rhys, although no stranger to experimental music still encountered some new musical experiences along the way.

The evening in Cardiff started with a session of advice and anecdotes from the Industry Panel which consists of Directors, Producers, Designers, Actors, Business Development Managers, Screenwriters, Animators, Sound Engineers and Writers. This was chaired by director and acting coach, Stephen Bailey, with VFX artist Jon Rennie, production designer Venita Gribble, producer Richard Staniforth, interactive media specialist Huw Owen, Scriptwriter Sam Snape and film & TV composer John Rea.

This was followed by a networking drinks reception which included other students and members of the Industry Panel and BAFTA Cymru along with the sponsors, Dischromatics whose representatives were on hand throughout the event to answer questions on the Authoring and Mastering, Graphic Design and DVD and Blu-ray Replication as well as CD & DVD Duplication for shorter runs. Students received a free printed DVDR in Digipaks which can be personalised and used for future course work along with a discount voucher.

After the screening of Separado, there followed a question and answer session with directors Gruff Rhys and Dylan Goch chaired by Tim Morley, sales and distribution specialist. There was also an opportunity to meet industry representatives and BAFTA Cymru.

BAFTA Cymru is of course a branch of BAFTA and was formed over twenty years ago. It was established in response to a desire by the Academy to guarantee that the values and reach of BAFTA and its operations extended to creative communities throughout the United Kingdom. A common set of standards and values operates across the Academy.

Dischromatics was established in 1989 and has been in the digital media business for many years. They have been operating within the media industry during this time building an enviable reputation for excellence and customer satisfaction. Accredited to Quality standard ISO 9001:2004 and Environment standard 14001:2004

eBusiness club helps copying firm duplicate success

An established, locally grown business is embracing greater use of modern technology thanks to help from a council-run eBusiness Club.

Dischromatics formed in 1989 and now based in Abercarn, has built its reputation as a supplier of high quality CD and DVD and duplication and printing. Combined with the duplication service, the company also has their own digital printing department which manufactures bespoke packaging and print solutions for their clients. It also has its own graphic design department to help clients design their marketing projects, including direct marketing using Variable Data Printing.

Managing Director, Gareth Spencer, has taken over the business from his father and is determined to continue the programme of investment in new technology and developing new products.

To help Gareth stay abreast of new software developments and learn more about the advances in email marketing, Gareth has attended the eBusiness Club and also the email Marketing Workshop, which are organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council's Economic Development Team.

"The ICT help and advice that I have received from the council has been invaluable. In their IT Demonstration Suite at Tredomen Business & Technology Centre we have been able to try out new software for our Apple Macs before making an expensive commitment to purchasing," said Gareth.

Cllr Ron Davies, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said, "Even long established local businesses such as Dischromatics are benefiting from new technology, as well as the local networking opportunities at the eBusiness Club. Businesses should get in touch with our Economic Development Team to find out more about the independent advice and support that is available to them free of charge."

The eBusiness Club recommences in October and is run on the first Tuesday of each month at Tredomen Business & Technology Centre, Hengoed. For more information e-mail the Council's Economic Development Team or call them on 01443 866222.

Please visit www.dischromatics.co.uk for further information. Gareth Spencer at Dischromatics can be contacted on 01495 243 222 or by e-mailing sales@dischromatics.co.uk

Some Business Owners are unaware that if they play music in their Business they need a Licence.

When Companies play music to their workers or use music when placing telephone callers on hold, they require a PRS licence agreement.

If a business includes music in its products or in their telephone on-hold system they need clearance from the owners of the music. They should be aware that penalties exist for non-compliance. This also applies to Wedding Videos, School concerts and events that play music, even as background mood music.

PRS (Performing Right Society) for Music Jan 2009 – MCPS (Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society) are the non-profit organization set up to ensure composers, publishers and songwriters are paid the royalties due to them whenever their music is played. This applies to live performances, TV and Radio, CD & DVD Duplication, CD & DVD Replication, in other words, all Duplicators and Replicators require a copy of the licence agreement prior to proceeding with the ‘copying’. It also applies to downloads and streams and everything in between.

The cost of the music licence will depend on a number of different factors; they include the type of premises, the size of premises and the nature and extent to which the music is used. Apparently around 350,000 businesses in the UK have paid for a licence. There are some exceptions when a licence is not needed like; treatment areas in hospitals, medical day centres, divine worship, civil and partnership ceremonies and lone and home workers.

It is the responsibility of writers of unpublished music or music published by non members of PRS to register the music and make any amendments, as well as publishers with already published music to do so on behalf of their writers. Any music that is co-written and co-published is the responsibility of all parties.

There are over forty different tariffs, which covers everything from music in shops to music on-hold telephone systems. This way there is a fairer charging system according to use. The tariffs paid will also depend on size and type of organization and premises, these will include private business, and government organizations, educational establishments etc. finally it will also include the extent to which the music is used. Royalties are divided between the writers and publishers depending on the publishing agreement.

For the songwriter, composer or publisher, when a piece of music is registered, it will allow them to start earning money whenever it is used. This can ne when it is played on the radio, TV programme or advertisement, festivals, gigs or indeed when any business uses their music in a way described earlier.

Therefore, budding songwriters and publishers on the one hand and businesses etc on the other would be advised to contact PRS for Music directly or visit their website for more information.

Changing from nofollow to dofollow

What do people think about changing Blogs from nofollow to do follow? We at Dischromatics have.

Personalized Marketing

Many companies are missing out on personalized marketing. Sending out leaflets and brochures in the old way of having litho printed documents done in many thousands of copies. Only to find the return is about 1 to 2%. The new way is to sample and target with digital printing using variable data software. This allows you to change not only names, addresses and bar codes but the actual graphics can be changed individually without stopping the print run to change plates. It's all done on the 'fly' and controlled by the software so no plates are involved. This type of personalized marketing increases the retutn to more like 10 to 15%.

At Dischromatics where CD's and DVD's are Duplicated, the personalization can also apply to the packaging allowing even more options.

Dischromatics Welcomes Gareth Thomas to the Company as Head of the Graphic Design and Authoring Departments.

Dischromatics, the well known CD, DVD & Blu-ray Replication Company are delighted to welcome Gareth Thomas as Head of Department of the company’s Graphic Design and Authoring Suites.

Gareth, a product of Rougemont Independent School, who is now thirty four years of age and lives in Newport in Gwent, is a graduate of the University of Wales where he achieved his BA Honours degree in Graphic Design. Since then he has worked for several organisations in a commercial environment displaying his flair for creative design and contributing heavily to several high profile marketing projects.

Since joining Dischromatics in July, Gareth has not only shown his artistic talents in helping Dischromatics customers achieve their objectives but has also been enhancing the graphics on display on the new company website. Managing Director Gareth Spencer was enthusiastic about the future of Dischromatics when asked about Gareth Thomas joining the business he said

“The addition of Gareth to our management team adds a whole new dimension to our business, enabling us to offer new services to clients such as Graphic Design and Authoring. So far, client feedback has been absolutely fantastic and even in this short space of time we have received several new customers through recommendations. I am extremely confident that making this bold move and expanding during the current economic downtown will prove to be exactly the right decision for Dischromatics."

Gareth is a rare breed amongst Graphic Designers; he is also an artist. He doesn’t just rely on the software at his disposal but is able to use his creative talents by drawing free hand which is an enormous benefit to clients, especially when he is out on-site and the software packages may not be available. He is able to transfer their ideas onto paper and will work with the client to create the best design features to the benefit of the client company.

Dischromatics was established in 1989 and has steadily increased the range of products and services throughout its history. By achieving a world first 20 years ago by producing photographic quality printed floppy disks; it set its stall out early and continues to innovate within the business. Products now on offer range from CD Duplication & DVD Duplication and Replication to Digital Printing and Fulfilment.

The phrase ‘One Stop Shop’ is often used out of context and simply to attract business but the fact that this company can author the CD or DVD to produce a master and create the face label and packaging artwork in the Graphic Design department and then duplicate and print the disc and digitally print and finish the packaging, complete the process in the production area and even carry out the fulfilment really can be appropriately applied to Dischromatics.

One area in which the company is already seeing an increase in production and where Gareth is instrumental is Variable Data Printing where the graphics can be changed to suit each recipient,

Personalization is the key for success with postal marketing and companies wishing to take advantage can call on 01495 24322 or e-mail g.thomas@dischromatics.co.uk or simply visit the website: http://www.dischromatics.co.uk/post-production/

Watch this space as there are even more products and services in the pipeline as Dischromatics continues to innovate and expand.

Dischromatics announces best practice for CD & DVD Printing to avoid Customers receiving sub-standard product.

Dischromatics Limited who are accredited to Quality Standard ISO 9001:2008, Reveals some Printing malpractices that are taking place in the UK and a solution to the problem.

Dischromatics was established in 1989 and with an enviable reputation for quality of products and services is happy to exploit the malpractices of some rival companies in the UK who provide printed CD's and DVD's which are not fit for purpose.

Chairman Stewart Spencer says " We specialise in supporting small bands and groups who, when placing their business with us expect to have a product that is as good as anything on the market, even the large volume product we produce for the larger groups and bands. Unfortunately there are disreputable companies out there that just want to maximise their profits and supply these unfortunate people with product which just isn't fit for purpose!

Many companies in the UK who provide CD & DVD Duplication and Printing are now effectively ‘CHEATING’ their customers! When ink-jet printing is applied to standard CD’s or DVD’s whereby ink is sprayed directly onto the disc surface, it is essential that afterwards, the printed disc is coated with a protective UV curable lacquer, or it is liable to be unstable from moisture deposits, scratching or smudging.

It is almost impossible to complete this process manually and therefore a bespoke Lacquer Coating machine is essential. This additional application naturally increases the unit cost considerably due not only to the specialised machine and cost of coating materials but also the extra labour input required.

Because of the ‘extra’ costs incurred by the lacquer coating being properly and professionally applied in a controlled environment, with Health & Safety rules in place to safeguard the operator due to the fumes involved, some companies are ignoring their responsibility by completely eliminating the lacquering application, which in some ways is the most important part of the printing processes. Their customers will receive a sub-standard product which is not fit for purpose.

A simple test to prove or disprove whether a company is complying with the proper methods, is simply to either run your finger nail over the surface which will easily remove the ink or use a damp finger to rub the printed surface which will smudge without effort.

The reason companies are doing this of course is to remain competitive and increase margins. Clearly they are in strong competition with other companies for the same business. However, most customers or end users are not aware of the differences available on the market and therefore place their business with companies who say they can do the work cheaper and at the same quality as any other company which of course is totally down to ‘shady’ practices.

Dischromatics do not use standard ink-jet discs, they use specially pre-coated CD’s & DVD’s from Taiyo Yuden which are waterproof so that after completion of the printing the ink reacts with the coating sealing the print to a finish which prevents scratching and smudging and any damage from moisture. Taiyo Yuden is the leader in the field of this type of technology.

The added benefit of using these discs is the total elimination of the lacquering
stage which further eliminates the necessity to extract any dangerous fumes or exposure to staff as there aren’t any using these Waterproof or Watershield discs as they are called. This falls perfectly into line with Dischromatics Environmental Management Standard practices as they are also
ISO 14001:2004 accredited.

For further information, please call 01495 243222 or e-mail: enquiries@dischromatics.co.uk or go to:
http://www.dischromatics.co.uk/cd-duplication/cd-duplication2/

CD Duplication & Ink-jet printing from Dischromatics

Dischromatics Limited who are accredited to Quality Standard ISO 9001:2008, Reveals some Printing malpractices that are taking place in the UK

Many companies who provide CD & DVD Duplication and Printing are now effectively ‘CHEATING’ their customers! They are unfortunately only completing the initial part of the printing process with regards to the ink-jet printing process.

When ink-jet printing is applied to standard CD’s or DVD’s whereby ink is sprayed directly onto the disc surface, it is essential that afterwards, the printed disc is coated with a protective UV curable lacquer, or it is liable to be unstable from moisture deposits, scratching or smudging.

It is almost impossible to complete this process manually and therefore a bespoke Lacquer Coating machine is essential. This additional application naturally increases the unit cost considerably due not only to the specialised machine and cost of coating materials but also the extra labour input required.

Because of the ‘extra’ costs incurred by the lacquer coating being properly and professionally applied in a controlled environment, with Health & Safety rules in place to safeguard the operator due to the fumes involved, some companies are ignoring their responsibility by completely eliminating the lacquering application, which in some ways is the most important part of the printing processes. Their customers will receive a sub-standard product which is not fit for purpose.

A simple test to prove or disprove whether a company is complying with the proper methods, is simply to either run your finger nail over the surface which will easily remove the ink or use a damp finger to rub the printed surface which will smudge without effort.

The reason companies are doing this of course is to remain competitive and increase margins. Clearly they are in strong competition with other companies for the same business. However, most customers or end users are not aware of the differences available on the market and therefore place their business with companies who say they can do the work cheaper and at the same quality as any other company which of course is totally down to ‘shady’ practices.

One such company that provides top quality products and is able to print using the ink-jet process is Dischromatics Limited a long established company in the media duplication and printing business. They were established in 1989 and have a long and successful track record in CD, DVD & Blu-ray Replication as well as CD & DVD Duplication.

Dischromatics do not use standard ink-jet discs, they use specially pre-coated CD’s & DVD’s from Taiyo Yuden which are waterproof so that after completion of the printing the ink reacts with the coating sealing the print to a finish which prevents scratching and smudging and any damage from moisture. Taiyo Yuden is the leader in the field of this type of technology.

The added benefit of using these discs is the total elimination of the lacquering stage which further eliminates

the necessity to extract any dangerous fumes or exposure to staff as there aren’t any using these Waterproof

or Watershield discs as they are called.

This falls perfectly into line with the company's Environmental Management Standard as they are

ISO 14001:2004 accredited.

For further information, please call 01495 243222 or e-mail: enquiries@dischromatics.co.uk or go to:

http://www.dischromatics.co.uk/cd-duplication/cd-duplication2/

Free Press Release Distribution Service

Free Press Release Distribution Service: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Dischromatics Variable Data Printing

PRESS RELEASE:

Dischromatics Announces Addition of Variable Data Printing

Dischromatics the CD, DVD & Blu-ray Producer presents new product launch to compliment its Digital Printing facility with the addition of full Variable Data Printing.

Dischromatics which was formed in 1989 and is a partner of Sony DADC producing quality CD, DVD & Blu-ray products announces the addition of full Variable data printing (VDP) (also known as variable information printing (VIP) or VI) which is a form of on-demand printing in which elements such as text, graphics and images may be changed from one printed piece to the next, without stopping or slowing down the printing process and using information from a database or external file.

Dischromatics uses professional software from Creo Darwin.

They can print a set of personalized letters, leaflets, brochures, booklets, postcards or even CD & DVD Digipaks, each with the same basic layout, but which can be printed with a different image graphic, name and address or even bar code on each. Variable data printing can be used for direct marketing, customer relationship management, advertising and brochures or postcard campaigns. The success rate from sending digitally printed personalised marketing literature has proven to increase the success rate from 2% or 3% to 10% or even 15%.

There are several levels of variable printing. The most basic level involves changing the salutation or name on each copy.

More complicated variable data printing uses 'versioning', where there may be differing amounts of customisation or personalisation for different markets, with text and images changing for groups of addresses based upon which segment of the market is being addressed.

Finally there is full variability printing, where the text and images can be altered for each individual address. All three types of variable data printing begin with a basic design that indicates which sections can be altered and a database of information that fills in the changeable fields.

Variable data printing enables the mass customization of documents via digital print technology, as opposed to the 'mass-production' of a single document using lithographic printing. Instead of producing 10,000 copies of a single document, delivering a single message to 10,000 customers, variable data printing could print any number of unique documents with customized messages for each customer.


Digital Printing allows the customer to be selective running smaller tests and receiving quicker responses. Unlike lithographic printing, the changes are done ‘on the fly’ in other words there are no plate changes. The changes are effected by the software whilst the job is printing; this makes the process cheaper and quicker with no loss of quality.

Their Graphic Designers will work with the customers to design the product if require.

For more information call 01495 243222 or visit: http://www.dischromatics.co.uk/variable-data-printing/

Dischromatics ‘New Product Launch’

Vinyl Records are fighting back

There has been a long battle between Vinyl and CD regarding music technology. Vinyl is analog, which means the surface of the record has a groove with a miniature picture of the sound wave. The needle (or laser on some newer turntables) follows that groove and turns it into sound.

CD’s are digital. It takes snapshots of the original sound wave 44,000 times a second and records the value of the sound wave at that moment. When you play a CD, it turns those snapshots back into a sound wave.

Whatever camp you fall into, Dischromatics can now supply customers with whatever format they desire, whether its CD or Vinyl.

Dischromatics can create vinyl records to almost any shape you can imagine and with a number of bright colours to choose from you will have a unique product that everyone will want. To top that Vinyl Picture Discs are also available. This is a possible alternative to CD-Audio but why not make both formats available to your customers.

Over many years Dischromatics has supplied millions of copies of CD and DVD products but now they are able to offer Vinyl Records in all sorts of shaped and sizes and in a large range of colours which also includes the standard black.

For more information, please go to:

http://www.dischromatics.co.uk/replication/vinyl-records/

CD & DVD Digipaks

Dischromatics can produce CD & DVD Digipaks in low volumes.
Ideal for new groups or bands with low budgets but high aspirations.

Instead of being stuck with the same old packaging for low volumes because special products are too expensive, Dischromatics can offer a 4 page and 6 page CD & DVD Digipak solution to new Groups and Bands or anyone else who wants them.

Digipaks are designed and fully manufactured in-house, and by supplying the complete package of duplicating your CD's or DVD's and providing the packaging for your products, we can deliver within short lead times .

Furthermore, using our variable data software we can individualise each item by printing names, addresses and even barcodes if required on the CD, DVD and/or Digipaks, this is an ideal solution for fulfilment and a wonderful marketing tool.

Follow Me, Tweet Me, Like Me.... Recommend Me

"Social Networking" is all the rage and pretty much everyone I know is using Facebook, Linked In, MySpace, Bebo, Twitter, Blogger, Flickr, YouTube.....and so on and on and on......

But though these sites were primarily for personal us, they have been drawn into the business domain as more and more companies create profiles, pages and posts.  However, is this really necessary, or just a cry to anyone prepared to listen (or read) that "we are better than them....so there!"

Well, surely its a bit of this, everybody likes to be popular and some companies like to feel they have done a good job, especially when comparing themselves to someone they might perceive as being further "up the ladder" than them.  Indeed maybe some companies think this is all social networking is for, to see who can shout loudest!

In reality, social networking, done correctly, should be an extension of a company website, and should promote interaction, banter, feedback and, most importantly, recommendation from clients and potential clients alike.  Different social networking sites perform different functions for business, much as they do on a personal level, and signing up to them all is not particularly advisable.  Imagine customers logging in to a Flickr page you have never used, and noting that nothing has been updated for 2 years!  That hardly gives the right impression about a company, static and stuck in the past.....

The best solution is to choose a mix which suits you and your company and fits in with your business, allowing updates at regular intervals and as often as appropriate (eg: Twitter at least daily, Blogger a few times a month etc).  We at Dischromatics took the view that we should have a Facebook fan page for client interaction, photos and short "snippets" of our daily work, plus banter, a MySpace page to look after our musical clients, a Blog for more lengthy insights and Twitter for short snappy up-to-the-minute updates which are also fed to the website.  We also have news items on the website for contract and product information, plus I personally have a LinkedIn profile for recommendation amongst the business community.

All-in-all, its rather a lot of effort to keep on top of social networking at the same time as running a business, but does it work and is it worth it?!  In short, yes it is!  Time is a great factor in building up a network and though our new site is just over a month old, and the social networks have only been linked to it since that time, we have already built up a considerable follower and fan base, received several recommendations ourselves and found industry contacts for jobs I needed done.  I would recommend the right blend of social networks to any business, large or small, provided you have the time to update.

Next step, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace or Blogger and get in touch!!  LIKE ME!!!!

Low Quantity, Retail Quality CDs & Unique Productions

We've all read that the download market is killing the CD. Not so, it may be wounding the CD animal, but the chances of it killing the beast completely are neglible not least for nostalgias sake in owning something tangible to keep physically, rather than just on a computer, but also to give the musicians artistic streak another outlet in the design of the CD label and packaging.

Musicians from all over the UK produce a handful of CDs to sell at their gigs and shows and although they do not produce the thousands of copies that allows them to opt for replication of CDs and complex packaging, they still want professional looking packages to whet the appetite of their fans.

This is the reason Dischromatics made the bold move to purchase a Digital print press a few months ago, plus numerous items of finishing equipment and subsequently developed specific high quality products that were not available elsewhere in the market place for such small order volumes.

Items such as Digipaks and Card Wallets, as well as CD Booklets and Rear Inlay Cards are printed and correctly folded, stapled or perforated - just as if our clients had purchased 1000 copies of replicated discs. Not only are these items printed on one of the best Digital Printers on the market, guaranteeing a quality comparable to lithography, but the production is also fully manufactured on site - start to finish - allowing us to control the quality and the timing of the order to meet any deadlines our customers might have.

Even more impressive is the fact that as this method allows the production of ANY quantity of product, we can now completely personalise any production, with individual names and images on any disc, inlay, booklet, digipak etc. The potential for added value and extra revenue - not only for musicians - is untold. Imagine a completely individual CD of a favourite band as a birthday present or a collection of school photos personally printed for each of the students.....

We are immensely proud of the quality of product we can now produce on-site and the speed with which these can be produced. We have other duplication houses now wanting to purchase digipaks and CD packaging from us because they simply cannot find them elsewhere. But we realise words are easy and will not convince everyone, so visit our website, fill in the contact form and request a sample to see for yourself. We are convinced you cannot fail to be impressed too!

So, you copy discs right? That's illegal isn't it?!

This afternoon, I went to donate my blood at the local comprehensive school where a donation centre has been set up over the school holiday. Never my favourite experience but the people who work there are always lovely and friendly and put one quickly at ease with all the usual topics of conversations. Not unusually either, they were somewhat tongue-tied with our company name (which incidentally is often a great ice breaker at networking and the like) and couldn't work out what a company with such a bizarre name might produce! So, of course I explained that we duplicate and replicate CDs and DVDs amongst other things (like the digital printing!) to which they replied (which is a common comment!) "That's illegal isn't it??!!!!"

Well, no....

Someone's got to do it (!), and why not us?! It just so happens that we tend to be pretty good at it, and work with Europe's most famous, innovative and reliable suppliers (Sony DADC) and work for some rather large names across the UK and Europe such as Panasonic, Scottish Widows, Lloyds TSB, Grant Thornton and Citizen Watches, not to mention numerous councils, universities, exam boards, smaller musicians, schools and individuals.......

So, how do we "get away with it"?!

Well......we don't! Not because we've slipped through the net I might add (quickly!), but because what we do just ISN'T illegal! We are so diligent in our processes and procedures (which comes with the ISO system as well as the company ethos) that we can be sure we are not copying anything illegal. After all what is and what isn't illegal boils down to who owns the copyright for the item that needs to be copied, and whether they have given their permission for it to be carried out!

IPR forms, MCPS licences and signed authorisations are all "tools of the trade" in this aspect and help us ensure we are on the right side of the law. Indeed, if a company is offering the same kind of services as Dischromatics but says they do not require this type of paperwork, they are unlikely to be simply saving you the "hassle" and may well be prepared to undertake illegal duplication, whether by design or by negligence!

Either way the little extra effort required in proving authenticity or compliance of a copyright owner on your part (with our assistance since we are happy to help where we can!) gives not only Dischromatics, but also our customers, peace of mind that the risk of prosecution, hefty fines and imprisonment is zero! For more information on licence requirements, just visit the relevant page of our website.

So, you copy discs right? That's illgeal isn't it?!
No, not if its done by Dischromatics it's not!!!

The Week with the Orders

A whole week has passed since our last blog and the euphoria of the website launch. On that front things are still going at quite a pace though have calmed down a little as we take stock and make sure our customers don't miss out on any service. Whilst Stewart has continued checking links and preparing each and every individual page for the Search Engines to spider us, everyone else has concentrated on their more usual jobs, whilst trying to get a quick snap of a product here or an article prepared for online posting there! Backlinks are just another cog in the wheel and this will be the next stage.......

Having fitted in so much work on the site in such a short space of time, you would think we must have been busy recently not to be able to do at some substantial additional work on the website, and you'd be right!

This week we have already had a very high volume of requests for quotations, callbacks, information and samples, generated already by the site, plus the social networking outlets - proving they work and making the efforts worthwhile! Some of these have already very quickly turned to full blown orders for CDs plus some digital printwork, which is of course pleasing!

Digital Printing has really taken off this month, and having purchased 1000 of the CD wallets just last week, we find that we now are buying another large batch just 7 days later as the orders are stacking up. Just today as an example we received a Business Card order from local company (with one of the best names you'll ever hear..!) Turnip Starfish and several thousand flyers and some posters for the local Curves franchise. Thats not all though! Letterheads, Compliments Slips, Postcards and next up, Theatre Programmes have all been done or are being done, and I'm sure to have forgotten a few!

On the media side, we have had a multitude of in-house duplication orders for Christian charity Pilgrim Homes, Torfaen Council (done in less than a day, including the CD Booklets!) and Panasonic to name but a few and replication orders for, amongst others, our friend JP in Malta, plus new and returning customers.

The website really is starting to do its job now, and should only get better as the SEO pays off....if we can squeeze the time in to update!!! Watch this space :-)

Site Update

So the site was successfully launched on 1st Feb after much hard work and long hours, Kayle working on graphics and photos, Stewart and Gareth on text and links. Reading and re-reading!

And the discount code was given to those people who had joined our Facebook group at that time, they now enjoy a great one-off offer for an order in February, but fear not, join the group, keep in touch and you never know what might happen next.....

The site is an on-going project, with information continuously being checked, added to and updated. Search Engine Optimisation comes next and fortunately we have a fair bit of experience in this area so once out of the sand box we should be back on our way to the top of the rankings!! There are still a considerable amout of photos of the products to take and add to the site, and more and more scrolling banners will mysteriously (well perhaps not so mysteriously....) appear over time. Effects will be attempted, fashions will change and we will respond to clients suggestions wherever we can!

Yet more pages will be added to our most comprehensive site yet. More products, more technical information, more detail and more flesh on the bones of some of the pages currently up and running.

For the first time Digital Printing gets a proper role, with prices, descriptions and images all of its own, this really will establish our complete range of services, we really are proud of what we can achieve on simple, small runs of CDs and DVDs, on site and in amazingly fast timescales.

Check back soon, to the site, the Blog, the Facebook, the MySpace and Twitter pages, all will be updated with news, offers and developments and interact with us wherever you like, feedback - positive or negative - is always appreciated where fair and honest, as it will help us move forward to better serve you, our customer.

20% discount code for CD/DVD/Digital Printing will be launched for our facebook group members when new site goes live next week! Join now!!