CD Manufacturing - Is There A Risk Uploading Content?

Uploading your master content for CD manufacturing is very convenient when you compare it to sending a copy of your master disc via postal mail or courier… but are there any potential risks or pit-falls? The answer to that question will depend on who you ask.

From the client’s standpoint there is an expectation that, after uploading the master content, the results of the CD manufacturing will be absolutely identical to the original files. While this expectation has more likelihood of being correct than false, there is the possibility that an error or corruption could occur somewhere along the line.

Here’s an example based on a true story:

1. A client reviews his audio files on his CD player, is happy with the quality of the playback, and determines that it is ready for duplication.

2. The client rips the content from the master disc and uploads the files electronically to the CD manufacturing company.

3. The manufacturing company receives the files, burns the files to a CDR, and then uses the disc as the production source for the client’s CD duplication order.

4. Upon receiving his discs the client finds that there is a problem with the playback of his audio.

Where did the ‘error’ occur?

If you ask the client he will feel the error occurred with the manufacturer - because the audio sounded fine when he reviewed it on his player.

If you ask the CD manufacturing company, they will point out the error could have been generated in a number of different steps along the way: (a) when the client ripped his master content, or (b) during the upload/download process, or (c) when the files were burned to make the CDR master disc, or (d) during the duplication production process.

Ultimately, due to the number of variables at play it will be hard (if not impossible) to determine where the error occurred, and the CD manufacturing company won’t want to accept responsibility for anything they have no control over as noted in items “a” and “b” above.

What is the resolution?

Based on the scenario show here, the benefits of uploading are countered by the possibility of errors that cannot be readily determined, so the process itself is not perfect by any means. In order to work around the imperfection in the process the manufacturer has three options:

(1) To have the client review and sign-off on the CDR master disc that was created by the manufacturer.

While this is the proper “proofing” method for creative content it defeats the practicality of digitally uploading content. As previously mentioned, the client has an expectation that the digital upload will be error-free so, in the clients mind, the remaining responsibility for the master content is with the manufacturer.

(2) Have the client sign a ‘waiver’ which states that, if the client does not wish to review and sign-off on the master disc created by the manufacturer, the manufacturer is not responsible for any potential errors that may occur during the digital transfer of files and duplication process.

This is expedient for the client and removes liability for the manufacturer, but if there is any corruption or error that shows up on the finished product, the client is on the hook. Granted, the chances of such errors are low but they do exist none-the-less.

(3) Request the client send a hard-copy master disc to the manufacturer.

Ultimately this is the best solution for both client and CD manufacturer as long as the client has thoroughly reviewed the content on the master disc and confirms the master disc is ready for production without requirement for any modifications.

Despite the inconvenience of having to send a hard-copy master disc to the manufacturer, the client’s master disc acts as a “hard-copy proof” to measure the performance of the manufactured discs against. Should there be any discrepancy between the source and the manufactured product the defect is clearly the responsibility of the manufacturer, because the only chance for corruption or error comes from the transfer of data, and the only data transfer being done is by the manufacturer. As long as the manufacturer has a warranty that deals with manufacturing defects (and you wouldn’t want to do business with anyone who doesn’t have such a warranty) the client is protected.