CD & DVD Duplication & Replication by Benchmark Multimedia

Digital Press Kits on CD, DVD or Flash Drives...

2010-01-27T11:49:00.004-05:00

Travel easy, get noticed, and offer content flexibility printed press kits can't.

Micro-Media lets you target specific buyer personas to maximize ROI

Our short run and express duplication services allow you to create customized versions of your communications for specific customers or audiences and have finished goods in your hands before you'd typically have a press proof for printed matter!

Click here to learn more.

DVD Alphabet Soup Demystified

2010-01-20T15:54:00.002-05:00

What is a person to do standing there in the aisle at the computer store being confronted with an alphabet soup of DVD discs? You simply want to move your home movies on your computer to a DVD and are now bewildered by all the "flavors". Which DVD is best for your purposes and what do all those letters and symbols mean anyway?

Just like school, lets start with the basics. You probably already know what a DVD is used for but do you know what DVD stands for? Nothing! Most people believe it stands for "digital video disc" and it has been argued that it also stands for "digital versatile disc" since the disc can handle all sorts of data, not just video. However, there is no universal, industry accepted definition for DVD. Keep that in mind next time you are playing a trivia game.

Now what do all of those -R and +R's mean? They represent two different formats, or types of DVD's that were competing to become the industry standard several years ago. It was all very similar to the battle between Blu-Ray and HD DVD that played out with Blu-Ray the winner a little over a year ago. However, in the case of DVD-R and DVD+R, there was tie. Both became accepted and widely used. The type of disc you use is simply dependent on the type of DVD hardware you have.

However, it is now almost universal for hardware to be capable of handling both types of DVD's thereby minimizing the danger of purchasing the incorrect format. Optical drives for your computer that handle both formats will be denoted as DVD+/-R. Incidentally, both formats are very similar in quality although +R format has been represented to have slightly more and better storage than the -R format. Unless you are a techno wonder geek, consider the formats equivalent.

The next alphabet mystery is the "RW". This notation indicates that the disc can be recorded to multiple times. If you get tired of watching your spouses square-dancing lessons, you can record your nail-biting tiddlywinks championship game on top of it. Discs with just an "R" can only be recorded onto once. As a general rule of thumb, RW discs are useful for general computer files and data while R discs are good for music and video.

The real take home message is to make sure you purchase discs that are compatible with your hardware. The best way to make sure this happens is to equip your computer with a DVD burner that will handle all of the formats. This way you can avoid the indigestion that alphabet soup can cause.

For more information and guidance about professional DVD authoring and labeling, visit http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com. Benchmark Multimedia specializes in all types of presentation and data storage media solutions.

Marketing a Band or Musician

2009-10-01T10:59:00.003-04:00

A Professional Appearing CD is the Only Way...

Every garage band has a desire to break into the mainstream and one day hear their voices on the radio. Bands record performances of one show and often sell them at another. Sometimes these copies are even forwarded to radio stations in hopes of receiving airplay, but homemade CDs are not the best option to send to any radio station. When one tries to break into any business it is important to be professional every step of the way.

Although the music on the homemade CD is great, the package can deter a listener from even playing it. Not many people want to listen to an album that comes in a blank case or labeled with an address label. Having the right artwork and layout can make all the difference. An eye catching jewel case or printed sleeve can make a person take notice. An insert booklet with a jewel case can show a listener what the band is all about and keep their interest peaked. A printed sleeve can be more economical for larger distribution, while still informing the listener of the band. Options for cases vary between jewel cases, sleeves, and shell cases, and each can help the CD stand out on its own.

Getting a printed CD can keep one band's music from getting mixed up with another's. Radio stations and record executives receive many CDs every day. CDs without any distinguishing factors can easily get grouped in with all the others. By having a print on the CD itself, the information is at the listener's fingertips. If the jewel case or sleeve were to get misplaced, the CD could still be identified properly. The artwork printed on the CD can be the same as the jewel case or sleeve, or it can have a style all its own.

With so many bands attempting to break into the music business everyday, having a demo CD with fantastic artwork can help set a band apart. A professional printing of many CDs and cases can be economical for the band without a lot of capital to invest. Bulk printing can help produce more CDs at a lower cost so more radio stations and record companies can be provided with copies. By blanketing the local stations, record producers, and the public with copies of the music, any band can get the recognition they desire. Eventually, the talent and professionalism of a band can help them become exposed in the mainstream.

For more information and guidance about media replication and dvd / cd-rom authoring, visit http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com. Benchmark Multimedia specializes in CD, DVD, and Flash Drive technologies.

Multimedia Marketing Lets Small Business Compete with Large Corporations

2009-08-20T09:12:00.002-04:00

So, a solid business plan has been developed. A service or product that is sure to be a success is almost ready to be unleashed to the populace. The startup capital is in the bank. Now, how does a business owner effectively market to the masses? Forget the masses! More importantly, how does the business owner market directly to the target audience without wasting limited funds on the masses?

The answer is right under your nose, or more accurately, within this computer. Traditional marketing, just as newspapers, and periodicals, are downsizing due to the power, versatility, and accessibility of the internet. Even though the internet has been in existence since 1969, but not as we know it now, it is still in its infancy.

Marketing and multimedia companies were slow to recognize the power and commerce potential of the internet. In the past 7 years however, there has been an explosion of company presences on the internet. These companies and new companies everyday are positioning themselves to reap the monetary rewards of e-commerce and advertising.

As of Dec 31, 2000, there were 360,985,492 internet users according to InternetWorldStats.com. In 2005, the internet's one billionth user went online. It took 31 years since the creation of the internet to reach just over a third of a billion users and only 8 years to reach over one and a half billion. Clearly the internet usage is growing exponentially meaning more and more potential customers are reachable.

With this internet growth spanning the entire globe, now a company as small as one person can market and conduct business 23,000 miles away, where as in the past, a range of 50 miles could only be realistic. A multimedia marketing company or website consultant can give the power and presence to an individual to compete with the largest of companies.

Perhaps one of the best methods of marketing services or products are videos. The advantage of videos are that they draw consumers into an interactive experience that had been missing from print advertisements. This is much more likely to attract customers as well as convey more information than a static advertisement ever could. Society is now an interactive computer savvy one. It is time every business realizes that and take advantage of the potential.

For more information and guidance about media replication and dvd / cd-rom authoring, visit http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com. Benchmark Multimedia specializes in CD, DVD, and Flash Drive technologies.

Save Money with Targeted Marketing and Advertising - Reach Your Desired Clients

2009-08-17T08:28:00.002-04:00

Talk is cheap, especially when a service business or company specializing in some retail product line displays quotes from customers stating how wonderful the business is. It is all too easy to mislead potential customers or deceive the public with words that can not be substantiated and there really isn't any law which states that customer endorsements need to be cited for legitimacy.

Infomercials have figured the way to get around this skepticism is to videotape customer's endorsements. It should be fairly obvious to the average person though, that many of these "endorsements" are staged, and very poorly at that. Many companies and individuals offering products and services even admit that the people endorsing these same products and services are financially compensated. While there is nothing wrong with this practice, it does leave the question of if these endorsements are the customer's own words or scripted by the company. Most people, if offered money for a few minutes of their time, will say almost anything within reason.

To ensure that potential customers will be much more likely to trust in a company's service or product, the endorsement from strangers should state that the endorsement is not scripted or skewed with input from the company. This will aid in diminishing any doubt on the customer's part.

With that said, now focusing on the distribution of a company's endorsement should take center stage. Television commercials are quite expensive, as are infomercials. Much of the money paying for the air time is wasted on a large population that is not the targeted customer base. A better approach, both financially and time wise, is an internet presence in the form of websites and videos placed on DVDs for distribution to a specific demographic.

DVD replication and authoring is an exceptionally affordable method to producing information about services and products and distributing this information to a specific targeted audience. Having a website simply isn't enough sometimes unless the customer already knows of the product and service and is actively searching for it.

When a customer receives a DVD in the mail, curiosity is already stimulated which prompts the individual to put the DVD in the drive to view it. Rather than asking the customer to type in the URL, links for them to click on can easily be displayed upon the screen along with endorsements and other information. The less time, attention, and work a customer has to invest in to take advantage of a product or service the greater the chance the customer will purchase.

A professional multimedia company can make it an effortless pleasure and profitable scenario for any business attempting to draw in more clients and revenue. Material and video endorsements should already be available or collected and ready for submission in order to create a distributable product quickly. Some multimedia companies can assist and make recommendations to business that may not have anticipated certain potential challenges when producing a DVD or video. It's always a wise investment to listen to these professionals first to weigh the pros and cons.

For more information and guidance about media replication and DVD / CD-ROM authoring, visit http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com. Benchmark Multimedia specializes in CD, DVD, and Flash Drive technologies.

Express CD-DVD Duplication : Benchmark Multimedia Client Feedback

2009-07-20T09:24:00.005-04:00

Dear James,

I am writing you this note to thank you and your company for the excellent work you did for my project at http://www.BostonGetsaGrip.com. Left in the lurch by one of your competitors leaving no time left to get the project finished on time, your company saved the day.

From the initial phone call to the constant contact until the project was received, you and your company not only exceeded my expectations for my final project but keeping me in the loop alleviated the stress of having a last minute project done on time. You even took the time to help adjust the final proofs without losing any additional production time.

I cannot express in words my appreciation in how you saved the day. If there's ever a way I can return the favor, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Eric Boyer
Webmaster/Owner/R.E. Broker

In Advertisement, A Dynamic Image is Crucial for Success in Person and Even DVD Presentations

2009-06-25T12:15:00.003-04:00

The average businesses operated today are average for two reasons alone. One is image. The other is ability. Conducting a successful business is 40% image and 60% knowledge and ability. Depending upon who is consulted, many individuals would say image is the more important aspect of business. Those individuals would be correct.

The phrase "Don't judge a book by it's cover" is very true, but despite that, most people form preconceived notions of a person or company within in the first 5 seconds of being introduced. Initially, how a company or even an individual is perceived will make, break, or severely hinder any possible future business transactions. How the company conveys their desired image is then crucial.

As the business world evolves into the 21st century, more transactions are becoming sightless transactions. Rather than face to face business deals, computer screens and telephones are replacing a human face. Often the only chance to communicate your products, services, or abilities is on paper, CD or DVD presentations, or LCD screens.

It's quite difficult to grab and hold the attention of potential clients without a dynamically interesting graphic and quality title or catch phrase. The emphasis on marketing and commercial advertising that many companies place can amount well into the millions and billions of dollars every year. Some individuals frown upon this excess of monetary spending, however, put into perspective it serves a very effective purpose. What is said and what image is conveyed is just as important as what isn't said. It is this constant flow of money that allows companies to continue to grow and generate revenue by creating new advertisements in order to maintain a fresh and pleasing image.

The overall business landscape is not made up of huge behemoths, but by the small to midsize business. With sightless transactions replacing face to face business, the smaller companies actually can improve the chances of acquiring new business. A professionally prepared image and name or title on a DVD and presentation materials can get a foot in the door. The quality of the outside packaging can be of more importance than what's on the inside.

At this point, how a small company's abilities and knowledge fulfill the potential target's needs come into play, but always keep in the forefront what image is being displayed. The products and services may fit the bill 110%, but if the potential client's perception of image is unsatisfying, the client will make excuses which will be rationalized as to why they should look elsewhere.

For more information about professional image labeling and guidance about DVD authoring and duplication, visit http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com. Benchmark Multimedia specializes in economical, accurate, professional, and timely production of DVDs, CD-ROMs, Flash Memory cards, and more. Their site is a wealth of information on media replication, duplication, and distribution.

USB Thumb Drives are Versatile, but DVDs Still Offer Superior Application

2009-06-16T13:03:00.003-04:00

With the advent of larger capacity USB thumb drives and software coming preloaded on these drives, it is becoming easier for the end user to transfer larger multimedia files such as office training or home videos from one location to another. This will probably become the norm for creating home videos as we see more and more assorted inputs on newer high definition televisions. But this doesn't mean that DVDs will become obsolete at all. In fact, DVDs will be a necessary medium for decades to come due to their permanence and reliability for backing up and archiving data and video.

While hard drives and large file uploading and downloading have reached peak levels of reliability, archiving will still be mandatory and recommended. USB thumb drives and hard drives aren't infallible though. These drives tend to be a frequently high use method for re-recording data and if not maintained and monitored properly with disk utilities, can become corrupt and even fail.

What should one do if they already have gigabyte upon gigabyte of data or videos that they want to preserve for posterity? What about if the amount of data creeps up into the terabyte range? With home videos and the shared media on community websites a terabyte or more of data is easily achieved. It could conceivably take weeks or more to properly author your own DVDs. For many this doesn't pose a problem, but there are those individuals that for a lack of time, the complexity of video authoring software, or the expense, it is just too great of a burden.

The question then remains, should you just save the video files to USB storage drives and shelf them or have a dedicated professional authoring company create the DVDs for you to enable you to enjoy on any television with a DVD player? The short term solution would be to use USB thumb drives for this purpose, however, should an individual have a large library of video and audio data, constantly purchasing USB thumb drives would become expensive. DVD authoring is the best viable solution.

In order of increasing complexity thumb drives for the most part are all the same, but there are differences in blank DVD media and different formats that yield there own benefits. For the average person DVD-R/RW will suffice, but there are more inherent weaknesses that this format possesses as opposed to DVD+R/RW. There can also be differences in longevity and quality when burning one's own DVD as opposed to utilizing a professional DVD authoring company that can create your data on stamped DVDs.

It comes down to a person's choice with what they wish their end result to be. Each method yields its own rewards: saving time and some frustration to costing more financially, but having a greater quality finished product. Choose wisely. You don't want to risk the loss of those special memories or vital information.

For more information and guidance about disc duplication, replication and authoring, a great source is Benchmark Multimedia. They specialize in disc technologies. Visit http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com and read their Frequently Asked Questions page. Their site offers many insightful pointers on important duplication, replication, and authoring considerations.

Market to Your Customers the Way They Shop

2009-06-11T13:01:00.003-04:00

Most business owners are concerned with how to best maximize advertising to their specific target audience while minimizing the cost to do so. Even though this cost can be written off on taxes, it still depletes funds that otherwise could be spent on other aspects of the business. The traditional forms of advertising of yesteryear are exceptionally limited and can be cost prohibitive. Brochures, mailings, newsprint advertisements, sandwich signs, magnets, and more are still somewhat effective, but are extremely limited. If these traditional forms of advertising yield a return of even 10-15%, then the business owner can count themselves extremely lucky. Luck, however, is not a sound business practice to rely upon. Why would a business owner be willing to pay good money to limit their exposure?

What is the next generation of advertising? If you are reading this article from your computer right now, you should already know the answer. Where traditional advertising only reached a few to a hundred thousand customers, the benefits of advertising with the online and multimedia world don't even begin to compare. If the average business owner utilized online multimedia advertising such as CD-R or DVD-R discs for the same if not a fraction of the cost, then forget about a measly few hundred thousand potential customers. Perhaps a few million new customers would be a welcome addition to anyone's business.

The fact that business owners still rely mostly on print ads is astounding. In this up and coming digital age of technology, almost 80% of all U.S. citizens now regularly use cell phones in their everyday lives. As internet-enabled smart cell phones are becoming the norm, the ideal method of advertising should shift to take advantage of this in order to reach the on-the-go customer. Free Wi-Fi internet hotspots are quickly becoming standard throughout every town and city. Even the smallest fast food restaurants offer Wi-Fi internet access.

Brochures and newsprint are an extremely limited medium with which to convey a wealth of information about products and services. These traditional forms of paper advertising can't answer a great number of questions or show the products or services in action. Instead of a picture being worth a thousand words, a video clip is worth billions of words, but for a similar cost. Instead of being able to read a few defined paragraphs of advertising, placing advertisements on CD-R and DVD-R discs allow businesses to inform the customer of products and services offered to a much higher degree. This will greatly increase the ability for the customer to answer their own questions and learn even more about a business so that they will take advantage of the proffered products and services. Print ads are still a necessity, but they should be used to compliment the main bulk of advertising in the form of multimedia, not the other way around.

For more information and guidance about multimedia presentations and marketing, including DVD authoring, visit http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com - Benchmark Multimedia specializes in CD, DVD, and Flash Drive production.

Make Your Sales Presentation Shine Beyond the Generic

2009-06-09T12:58:00.003-04:00

When making a professional impression counts, be careful where you cut corners. In the sales world presentation is everything. Whether you are selling the boss or the boardroom on a new concept, or formally engaging a client to evaluate your product or service, you will be judged not only by your appearance and demeanor, but also by the attention to detail devoted to your literature and media.

There are many intangibles related to how people "buy" you. Some would call it shallow, but with two otherwise equally qualified candidates side-by-side, one dressed in a well-fitted suit and the other in casual clothes, the odds are in favor that the professionally dressed person will be better received than the casually dressed one, based on nothing more than perceptions and impressions. Although many decision makers may feel that they typically remain impartial to "superficiality", they will concede that they are impressed with employees who predictably (consistently and reliably) add finishing touches to fine tune presentations. Those employees are often the "go to" people in the company. They are also the ones who dress one notch above their peers, use a color copier rather than a black and white one, bind their reports rather than staple them, and add animations to their Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, rather than use static screens of boring text.

To tie it all together, a successful presentation with handouts provided in a multimedia format, whether CD-Rom or DVD, is a nice touch. But it is also where most people, even the best prepared, fail to make their mark. True, including a digital copy of your report and slide show is a cut above the norm. In most cases, however, the discs end up being hand labeled with a marker or affixed with stickers, giving the feel of it being an afterthought rather than an integral component of the agenda. In short, it misses the "Wow" factor.

Consequently, the attempt to include a "bonus" to heighten the value of your presentation ends up having the exact opposite effect, devaluing the delivery by conveying a homemade appearance rather than a polished one. It is unfortunate that most short-order office supply stores do not offer professional disc production along with their printing and binding services. The successful person usually gets their act together in advance, so why not prepare your media in like-fashion?

The solution is simple and readily available, professionally called "short-run disc duplication". Technology has made it possible to produce small quantities of discs (and professionally label them) for delivery within a matter of a few days at economical prices. In fact, the cost of producing a CD or DVD-ROM is often less than the cost of producing a small full-color report, and it can usually be delivered in about the same amount of time.

What does this mean for your presentation? It gives you the professional edge over other presenters. It captures the "Wow" factor. Specific comments may not be made by the decision makers on the spot, but eyebrows will raise and your "above-and-beyond" professionalism will be mentally noted by all. You will read it in people's faces as you stand before them, making your presentation. It's high-impact.

Your goal is not necessarily to make your competition look bad, but when you look great by adding finishing touches to your presentation that are conspicuously absent from theirs, the end result is what you want to achieve; yours shines and is remembered, while the rest are generically forgotten. The next time you need to make your mark in the boardroom in short order, consider a quick batch of short-run discs.

There are many companies that specialize in disc duplication, replication, and authoring. From a consumer standpoint, it would seem simple enough to expect your multimedia project to be defined by "copy a quantity of 100 CDs", or something as succinct. Unfortunately, with all of the options for inserts, cases, covers, media types, and labels, it can become confusing when actually placing an order. To make the process as simple as it SHOULD be, you will find answers to the most commonly asked disc- related questions at http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com/faq.html

Benchmark Multimedia is unique (http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com). They focus on multimedia projects from the customer's perspective, knowing that clients want the confidence of knowing the product will be perfect, and produced using cutting edge software and equipment. Benchmark provides a turnkey solution for your multimedia needs, delivering on time and on budget. Benchmark Multimedia stakes its reputation on delivering, accordingly. (Website built and optimized by http://www.webdrafter.com).

Understanding the Simple Differences Between DVD+R and DVD-R Technologies

2009-06-04T12:53:00.000-04:00

A few million people have at least a few homemade video DVDs and the majority of the entire U.S. population or world has a few homemade CDs. They may have made them or received them from friends. But what are your choices and which do you need? Very few individuals ever think about the DVD-R format verses the DVD+R format and how each could benefit the end user. They just want it to work. Which should you choose?

The similarities of each are that they are compatible with the majority of all home DVD video players. The older the DVD player means that chances are the media won't be fully compatible, although this has largely become a concern of the past.

Similar to the opposing high definition standards fight, there are two differing formats of blank DVD media. The two consortiums that exist today are the DVD+RW Alliance and the DVD Forum. The DVD+RW Alliance support the DVD +R/RW format while the DVD Forum advocates the DVD -R/RW format. The standards set forth by these two organizations have created many differences, but the most important ones should be examined when deciding which format to use.

The discs themselves are essentially identical to each other. The drives are what create the incompatibility. The biggest difference is that there are a myriad of microscopic wobbles created by the drive of the DVD+R/RW discs. This wobble is detected by the recording/playback drive to greatly increase the timing accuracy of storing and locating the information that is stored on the disc itself. DVD-R/RW drives also create this wobble, but at a much lower frequency. This essentially means that DVD+R/RW discs can store and retrieve data with more precise timing and accuracy.

Another difference that should be considered is the importance of error detection. DVD+R/RW drives utilize error correction at a much higher rate of 100% of all data and storage space on the physical disc. The error correction with regard to DVD-R/RW drives is not as effective and can result in more errors allowing for the creation of a shiny new coaster.

The other key difference between the two formats is regarding multi-sessions. While both formats support multi-session writing, the total amount of storage space on DVD-R/RW discs will be sacrificed and dwindle the more multi-session writing is used. When the user writes any amount of data onto a DVD-R/RW disc and then ends the session, the drive needs to "finalize" that session in order for any other drive or video DVD player to be able to read that data. This finalizing of each session can take up to 18 MB. Without realizing it, you can be cheating yourself out of valuable storage space. DVD+R/RW also needs to "finalize" its multi-sessions, but only requires 2 MB per session. Very quickly one can see that 4.7 GB disc end up being a 3.9 GB disc.

The most common difference, and the one most people use to decide which format to use, is cost. DVD-R/RW media is much cheaper than the competing DVD+R/RW media. This is partially due to differing brand names and the type of metallic surfacing and sealing that is used on each disc. There are differences and these can play a role in quality. Generic blank media may suffice for some; however, the idiom, "You get what you pay for" can accurately be assigned to this type of product.

With these key differences outlined above, one can begin to see why DVD+R/RW media may be a better choice. The end quality of the product you wish to create is what should guide you to your choice. For basic everyday temporary storage, an office may decide on the cheaper alternative, but for the self-authoring video hobbyist, the choice is clear.

For more information and guidance about disc duplication, replication and authoring, a great source is Benchmark Multimedia. They specialize in disc technologies. Visit http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com and read their Frequently Asked Questions page. Their site offers many insightful pointers on important duplication, replication, and authoring considerations.

DVDs and CDs have enjoyed 15 plus years of mainstream use

2009-06-02T12:40:00.000-04:00

What about the next 15 years?

The general public has been slow to adopt the newest technologies such as Blu-Ray , solid state drives, and even high definition flat screen televisions in large part due to the cost of these emerging technologies. In recent years the other factor has been that computer and electronics standards have continually changed with no signs of becoming stable. No one wants to invest in technology that will be obsolete or incompatible with the majority in a month. Because of this instability and incompatibility in the electronics and computer field, there are few universally accepted choices for backing up or distributing any and all media.

Hard drive manufacturing technology has not changed in well over 15 years. The only basic differences today from 20 years ago is that better precision and larger capacities have been achieved. Hard drives though are still just for mass storage and not for distributing information to the masses.

DVDs and CDs have enjoyed worldwide success in promoting and conveying information to businesses, schools, libraries, government agencies, etc. With the large majority of individuals having access to a computer at home or library, many employers and individuals have relied on CDs and DVDs for training materials or personal media for friends and family. This has been the case for 15 plus years and will continue at least for another 15 years. The DVD and CD is the only mainstream medium that has enjoyed such a long duration other than the printed word. Cassettes, Vinyl, 8-track, mini-discs, zip disks, floppies, etc. have all gone by the wayside.

Looking towards a newer medium such as portable flash drives, called thumb drives, to replace DVD and CDs will not be a realistic achievement until every electronic device that handles any type of computer or electronics signal is standardized and able to accept this format. This won't happen until every major manufacturer of televisions, computers, smart cell phones, any hand-held PDA, and even telephones come together to unify and agree to utilize the same standard interface and technology. While this goes against capitalism, anti-trust, and anti-monopolistic attitudes, it is the case. While this would greatly facilitate consumers adopting the newest technology and usher in a new era of communication, it would eliminate potential profit lines for every manufacturer. The profit makers are the accessories that every piece of electronics can use. Without one standard, consumers are forced to buy additional drives, plugs, adapters and so on in order for one device to communicate with others. This would be akin to shooting your own foot.

A leap forward in technology is needed in storage and information transmission which is affordable, reliable, and adopted by the masses. Cloud computing is that next potential, but has not been proven to be as secure or reliable as the DVD or CD. Until that point has been reached, it can be safely said that DVD and CDs will continue to enjoy widespread success for years to come..

For more information and guidance about media replication and dvd / cd-rom authoring, visit http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com. Benchmark Multimedia specializes in CD, DVD, and Flash Drive technologies.

The Shift from Desktop DVD and USB Thumb Drive Media to World-Wide-Web Computing

2009-05-28T12:36:00.000-04:00

Software piracy has been a constant problem since the beginning of the computer era. One might even say that it is because of piracy that certain operating systems manufacturers enjoy a lion's share of the OS market, but that still doesn't stop these companies from putting the screws to the public. With the prolific growth of the World Wide Web, piracy has seen exponential growth as an industry.

More and more corporations are finding it difficult to protect their intellectual property rights which requires large amounts of funding. These expenses are passed on to the end consumer in the form of higher retail costs. For many, this propagates "borrowing" and duplicating through the use of CD and DVD burners in order to get around the higher costs.

Despite newer copy protections being utilized by the software manufacturers, hackers bypass and crack these copy protection schemes just as fast as they are created. In some cases in recent past, some copy protections used have backfired by preventing the very software it is supposed to protect from being read on certain brands of CD and DVD drives.

A newer concept to fight software piracy is based upon the subscription model service. This coupled with cloud computing, which is in its infancy, has a very real opportunity to curtail software piracy, however, for the time being the immediate future software medium for the end consumer is starting to trend toward USB thumb drives. This is partly due to the smaller physical size of materials and the rapidly declining cost of flash memory. Manufactures can save on shipping and packaging and can sell a tangible reusable product for additional cost by issuing software titles on USB thumb drives.

Eventually, but not for many years to come, there won't be a need to have any physical manifestations of software titles. We have started to see this in recent years with some tax filing software titles being hosted online. This is the effect and the best example of the World Wide Web. The limiting factor at this point is the lack of sufficient bandwidth for large software usage.

Small businesses and large corporations alike that have a need for training videos or surveillance videos will still have a use for issuing information on CD or DVD discs for archival purposes. The average family will also want to use DVD discs for their home videos and special events.

Eventually, with the convergence of multi-media computers and flat panel televisions, the need for DVD discs and players will become obsolete. This won't happen until the large majority of mainstream end consumers have at least one computer with the processing power capable of running multiple graphically intensive programs and other software simultaneously.

For more information and guidance about digital media, USB thumbdrive technology, and DVD authoring, visit http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com. Benchmark Multimedia specializes in digital media replication, production, and authoring for DVD, CD-ROM, and Flash Drive technology. Their site offers many insightful pointers on important digital media considerations.

Choose Micro-Media from Benchmark Multimedia

2009-05-25T12:33:00.003-04:00

At Benchmark we offer a variety of micro-media solutions that allow you to pack more information into a smaller package than you could ever dream of producing in print.

DVDs, CDs, and USB Flash Drives are extremely compact yet can hold an enormous amount of material, including interactive content, audio, and video.

With our short run and express duplication services you can create customized versions for specific customers or audiences and have finished goods in your hands before you'd typically have a press proof!

We can even do variable-data printing on individual disk faces!

Don't invest your precious promotional dollars in a closetful of static printed matter that starts to grow obsolete the minute you take delivery of it. Choose micro-media solutions from Benchmark for maximum impact, personalization, and economy.

Benchmark Multimedia : Monthly Specials

2009-05-22T12:45:00.000-04:00

At Benchmark Multimedia we offer a variety of monthly specials including:

CD Demo Package
Looking for a Demo with a professional feel at a price you can afford? We can help.

100 CDs with black print in a slimline jewel case with a 2 panel 4/4 front insert
$2.00 each
200 CDs with black print in a slimline jewel case with a 2 panel 4/4 front insert
$1.85 each

Upgrade to full color on disc printing for $0.25 per unit.

Custom white or silver 'knockouts' are available at no additional charge. Take your demo to the next level with a custom 'knockout'!

CDs with full color thermal print in a ReSleeve
This new 'Sustainable' packaging option is 100% recycled and recyclable.

50 - $2.15 each
100 - $2.00 each
200 - $1.85 each

Visit www.benchmarkmultimedia.com for more of our monthly specials!

DVDs Will Save History as Never Before

2009-05-21T12:55:00.002-04:00

Old school archival techniques require a lot of time, storage space and filing systems. This may still be the preferred method if a warehouse is available for such a purpose. Most individuals though do not have a protected warehouse for their personal papers and documents. Some very real world risks to these documents are fires and water damage due to flooding.

Storing crucial insurance and legal documents in a fireproof safe doesn't guarantee that they won't be damaged. The small fireproof safes available for purchase at local retailers are only rated to withstand up to around 1500 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 minutes. Many fires can quickly exceed this temperature and damage the contents without actually igniting the contents.

Flooding is another instance that poses risks to important documents. Any paper document will be ruined and indecipherable from even brief encounters with flood waters. Copies of these documents stored off site may not be damaged, but may prove to be impractical if there are a lot of documents to store.

The purpose is not to scare any individual, but to show how a false sense of security can ruin emergency planning. The preferred solution to storing not only crucial financial and legal documents, but family papers, pictures, and children's schoolwork is to scan each document and submit these digital copies so that they can be stored on CD or DVD for permanence. How will saving these papers onto DVD prevent the permanent loss of information?

Once all of the important information has been replicated or duplicated onto multiple CD or DVD discs, these multiple copies should be stored off site in no less than two separate places. A family member that lives in another location can store a small DVD disc whereas they may not find it acceptable to store file boxes of papers for you. Another recommended storage place, although it may seem old school, is a safety deposit box. Bank safes are perhaps the best location anywhere. It would be much less expensive to have a small safety deposit box housing a DVD than a storage locker sized safety deposit box for copious amounts of files. The best part of having information replicated on CD or DVD is that it can be encrypted should the financial or legal records ever get misplaced or stolen. From any angle, the information stays safely accessible only to yourself.

Some individuals would recommend other avenues of backing up important information such as online hosting or USB thumb drives. Online hosting of information is useful, but preventing non-authorized access to that information is a very real concern. No online hosting site is 100% secure. If the site does not backup all information sufficiently, then information may be at risk. USB thumbdrives are very portable and good for transporting or storing data, but are vulnerable to moisture unlike CD and DVDs. At this point DVD and CD replicating is the best option overall for creating backups of any information that may need to be stored for protection and posterity. Perhaps in another 10 to 15 years a better alternative will be available, but it won't be as inexpensive.

For more information and guidance about DVD authoring and duplication, visit http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com. Benchmark Multimedia specializes in economical, accurate, and timely production of DVDs, CD-ROMs, Flash Memory cards, and more. Their site is a wealth of information on media replication, duplication, and distribution.

Benchmark Multimedia : CD Specials

2009-04-24T10:50:00.001-04:00

At Benchmark Multimedia we offer great monthly specials including:

Bulk CDs with color thermal print on a silver or white background

Ship within 48 hours of approval of artwork and receipt of master.
- 50 @ $1.75 each
- 100 @ $1.55 each
- 200 @ $1.35 each
Retail Ready CDs with full color thermal print on a silver or white background

2 Panel 4/4 Front Insert, 4/0 Traycard, Polywrap
- 100 @ $3.50 each (2 Day Turn)
- 100 @ $2.75 each (5 Day Turn)

To take advantage of these special offers visit www.benchmarkmultimedia.com or call us today at 1-888-834-4401.

Benchmark Multimedia : DVD Specials

2009-04-22T10:39:00.006-04:00

At Benchmark Multimedia we offer some great monthly specials including the following:

Bulk DVDs with color thermal print on a silver or white background

Ship within 48 hours of approval of artwork and receipt of master.
- 50 @ $2.25 each
- 100 @ $1.85 each
- 200 @ $1.75 each
Retail Ready DVDs - Color Printing

DVD with full color thermal print on a silver or white background, 4/0 Wrap, Premium Black Amaray Case, Polywrap
- 100 @ $3.15 each (2 Day Turn)
- 100 @ $2.65 each (5 Day Turn)

To find out more about our monthly specials visit www.benchmarkmultimedia.com or call us at 1-888-834-4401.

Benchmark Multimedia Goes Green!

2009-03-19T10:03:00.013-04:00

At Benchmark, we're committed to providing the most environmentally responsible packaging available. We offer a full range of packaging solutions that are made from recycled and recyclable materials and that use less of them to minimize consumption and shipping impact.

Choose from cleverly designed minimalist paperboard sleeves and booklets made from 50% to 100% recycled content -- including FSC-Certified options -- and DigiPaks with trays made from 100% recycled plastic.

Benchmark Multimedia DVD, Video, Audiobook

2008-05-13T09:43:00.002-04:00

"We've entrusted our DVD, video, and audiobook projects to Benchmark Multimedia for years. Their high quality and great customer service at the right price is a combination that just can't be beat. And their attention to detail and sound advice on packaging options has been invaluable to our business."

Jay Kilburn, Production Manager
Portland, Maine

Interactive Media Development : Benchmark Multimedia

2008-05-07T01:04:00.004-04:00

Imagine if you had a company brochure that allowed your customers to watch video clips highlighting the best features of your product in powerful 3D form. Your customers could access your website and email you, just from browsing your marketing materials. They could even take you up on a special offer targeted specifically for customers who’ve read your brochure, or to their exact demographic.

If those ideas are making your printed brochures sound a little limited, you need to try a Benchmark Multimedia interactive CD.

An interactive CD is a dynamic marketing tool that completely engages your customers and makes viewing your products exciting and entertaining. The CD is built entirely around your needs and to your specifications and is completely unique to you – even down to the color scheme. You can include video clips, slideshows, animation, email links, website links, and product and service specifications as PDF files. All the information your customers need is at their fingertips, presented to impress, in a small, neat cost-effective package.

To learn more or to view samples please visit www.benchmarkmultimedia.com

BenchMark MultiMedia E-Commerce Website is Live by WebDrafter.com

2008-05-01T16:04:00.003-04:00

Benchmark MultiMedia Reveals their E-commerce Website. Visit us today and provide feedback to our new website.

BenchMark Multimedia's Guide to Handling Your Discs

2008-04-28T21:27:00.005-04:00

Benchmark Multimedia's Guide to Handling Your Discs

Do:

Handle discs by the outer edge or the center hole.
Use a non-solvent-based felt-tip permanent marker to mark the label side of the disc.
Keep dirt or other foreign matter from the disc.
Store discs upright (book style) in plastic cases specified or CDs and DVDs.
Return discs to storage cases immediately after use.
Leave discs in their packaging (or cases) to minimize the effects of environmental changes.
Open a recordable disc package only when you are ready to record data on that disc.
Store discs in a cool, dry, dark environment in which the air is clean.
Remove dirt, foreign material, fingerprints, smudges, and liquids by wiping with a clean cotton fabric in a straightline from the center of the disc toward the outer edge.
Use CD/DVD-cleaning detergent, isopropyl alcohol, or methanol to remove stubborn dirt or material.
Check the disc surface before recording.

Do not:

Touch the surface of the disc.
Bend the disc.
Use adhesive labels.
Store discs horizontally for a long time (years).
Open a recordable optical disc package if you are not ready to record.
Expose discs to extreme heat or high humidity.
Expose discs to extremely rapid temperature or humidity changes.
Expose recordable discs to prolonged sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet light.
Write or mark in the data area of the disc (the area the laser "reads").
Clean by wiping in a direction going around the disc.

For CDs especially do not:

Scratch the label side of the disc.
Use a pen, pencil, or fine-tip maker to write on the disc.
Write on the disc with markers that contain solvents.
Try to peel off or reposition a label.

Have questions? Need help with your next project? Contact us at http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com.

CD Duplication vs Replication

2008-04-26T14:15:00.004-04:00

Duplication & Replication - What’s the difference?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions in our industry. Should I replicate or duplicate my discs?

Many people use the terms duplication and replication interchangeably. However, they are actually two different processes. The purpose of both is similar in that they are used to put data, video or audio onto a disc.

In general terms, CD Duplication (Burning) is a process where lasers "burn" pits into a dye that is on the surface of recordable media. Burning is the process used in virtually every home or work computer used today. CD Replication on the other hand, is an injection molded manufacturing process that makes use of a "glass master" and stamps the image ('pits', read as zeros and ones for data or 'waves' for video and audio) into the extruded poly.

So what does this mean to the person tasked with publishing content onto a disc? What do they need to consider? Because the end product is essentially the same between duplicated and replicated discs, the most significant component of your project is how fast do you need it?
The duplication process eliminates the time and labor intensive glass mastering, print set up, and project management tasks associated with replication, allowing costumers to focus in on what matters most to them.

Call us today and we will be happy to help you decide which meets your needs based on quantity, lead time, compatibility and more. 888-834-4401.

To Learn More please visit our website at www.benchmarkmultimedia.com!

Short Run Discs Can Make Your Sales Presentations Shine

2008-04-24T14:15:00.003-04:00

There are many intangibles related to how people "buy" you. Some would call it shallow, but with two otherwise equally qualified candidates side-by-side, one dressed in a well-fitted suit and the other in casual clothes, the odds are in favor that the professionally dressed person will be better received than the casually dressed one, based on nothing more than perceptions and impressions. Although many decision makers may feel that they typically remain impartial to "superficiality", they will concede that they are impressed with employees who predictably (consistently and reliably) add finishing touches to fine tune presentations. Those employees are often the "go to" people in the company. They are also the ones who dress one notch above their peers, use a color copier rather than a black and white one, bind their reports rather than staple them, and add animations to their Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, rather than use static screens of boring text.

To tie it all together, a successful presentation with handouts provided in a multimedia format, whether CD-Rom or DVD, is a nice touch. But it is also where most people, even the best prepared, fail to make their mark. True, including a digital copy of your report and slide show is a cut above the norm. In most cases, however, the discs end up being hand labeled with a marker or affixed with stickers, giving the feel of it being an afterthought rather than an integral component of the agenda. In short, it misses the "Wow" factor.

Consequently, the attempt to include a "bonus" to heighten the value of your presentation ends up having the exact opposite effect, devaluing the delivery by conveying a homemade appearance rather than a polished one. It is unfortunate that most short-order office supply stores do not offer professional disc production along with their printing and binding services. The successful person usually gets their act together in advance, so why not prepare your media in like-fashion?

The solution is simple and readily available, professionally called "short-run disc duplication". Technology has made it possible to produce small quantities of discs (and professionally label them) for delivery within a matter of a few days at economical prices. In fact, the cost of producing a CD or DVD-ROM is often less than the cost of producing a small full-color report, and it can usually be delivered in about the same amount of time.

What does this mean for your presentation? It gives you the professional edge over other presenters. It captures the "Wow" factor. Specific comments may not be made by the decision makers on the spot, but eyebrows will raise and your "above-and-beyond" professionalism will be mentally noted by all. You will read it in people's faces as you stand before them, making your presentation. It's high-impact.

Your goal is not necessarily to make your competition look bad, but when you look great by adding finishing touches to your presentation that are conspicuously absent from theirs, the end result is what you want to achieve; yours shines and is remembered, while the rest are generically forgotten. The next time you need to make your mark in the boardroom in short order, consider a quick batch of short-run discs.

There are many companies that specialize in disc duplication, replication, and authoring. From a consumer standpoint, it would seem simple enough to expect your multimedia project to be defined by "copy a quantity of 100 CDs", or something as succinct. Unfortunately, with all of the options for inserts, cases, covers, media types, and labels, it can become confusing when actually placing an order. To make the process as simple as it SHOULD be, you will find answers to the most commonly asked disc- related questions at http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com/faq.html .

Benchmark Multimedia is unique (http://www.benchmarkmultimedia.com). They focus on multimedia projects from the customer's perspective, knowing that clients want the confidence of knowing the product will be perfect, and produced using cutting edge software and equipment. Benchmark provides a turnkey solution for your multimedia needs, delivering on time and on budget. Benchmark Multimedia stakes its reputation on delivering, accordingly. (Website built and optimized by http://www.webdrafter.com). For more information about using multimedia online (in Websites), visit www.website411book.com.