DVD Cases

Moderator: Ken Berry

nt88498
Posts: 44
Joined: Fri Feb 18, 2005 6:18 pm

DVD Cases

Post by nt88498 »

I know this questions isn't about the actual DVD creation, but more a questions about the whole package deal.

I have created my DVD and it looks great. I now am trying to create my own artwork and print my own DVD case insert for the aramay case. I went out and bought Art Explosion Publisher Pro so I could create some awesome covers and now I can't figure out how to print them on 8 1/2 x 11 glossy brochure paper. The size doesn't come out correctly.

Do any of you create your own cases, etc.? I have an Epson R200 and a Hewlett Packard Photosmart P1000 and would really like to print on the glossy 8 1/2 x 11 brochure paper.

Can anyone give me any tips or pointers or settings or measurements?

Thank you so much.....
Susan
Terry Stetler
Posts: 973
Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2005 3:34 pm
Location: Westland, Michigan USA

Post by Terry Stetler »

I use the SureThing Labeler Deluxe for printing labels and Ulead PhotoImpact 10 for my image editing. With SureThing I've had no problems with size using HP, Canon or Lexmark printers;

http://www.surething.com/ST/
Terry Stetler
erock1
Posts: 202
Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2004 7:22 pm

Post by erock1 »

Susan,
I don't use DVD cases. Instead I use CD cases because they are smaller, takeup a lot less space and cost less. I do not use the ultra-slim CD cases because the side wall of the case is to small to hold a proper title insert. I use regular size CD cases that I buy in bulk. I buy single and double disc cases. I create extensive artwork and inserts for my cases using the cover and title creator program that comes with Roxio's EZCD. I either use Ulead's PhotoImpact or Adobe PhotoShop to create the artwork from scratch or import existing artwork into EZCD.

The process is very simple and works like a charm. After choosing the blank template for the case I import the art and place it. I then resize or stretch the art to fit the template borders. The most important thing is to create the artwork in the proper size to fit the template. For a DVD cover the art must be at least 1500 (image width, horizontal dimensions) X 1000 (image helght, vertical dimensions in pixels) to fit without any stretch or squeeze effect. Image not print resolution should be at least 300 pixels per inch for both horizontal & vertical. I use an Epson 785 EPX Stylus Photo printer and as long as you set the print properties for the correct paper, layout orientaion, dpi for the quality you want there shouldn't be a problem. Again, the size of the artwork must first be correct.
DVDDoug
Moderator
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Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 12:50 am
Location: Silicon Valley

Post by DVDDoug »

I use Neato MediaFace II ($15 - $25). It automatically sizes a JPEG, Bitmap, etc., to fit the DVD "wrapper". It also does CD/DVD labels and CD packaging artwork. It will work with any Windows printer, and it's very easy to use. (My version 2 is a bit outdated... It's now MediaFace4.)
MikeGunter

Re: DVD Cases

Post by MikeGunter »

nt88498 wrote:I know this questions isn't about the actual DVD creation, but more a questions about the whole package deal.
Hi Susan,

PhotoImpact might be a place, or Movie Factory or DVDWS.

But it is a popluar topic, and a popular forum, so no harm, no foul.

I do a lot like others in using a sleeve on the CD(DVD) case. I have printable lables, too, so I don't have future problems with labels peeling - something I think will happen.

PhotoImpact has some great templates for labels and sleeves. PI usually has a deep discount and is available for download or via Nova Development in stores like Staples/Office Max.

My best,

Mike
kebrinton
Posts: 421
Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2004 6:02 am

Post by kebrinton »

I use Imation SoniX to make labels. It cost me less than $6 and is the best I've ever found, with a learning curve of about 10 minutes.

Most people have heard about not labeling DVD disks, and out of caution I don't label them either. But I have found a way to create labels for CDs which saves money.

I used to buy pre-cut label paper, and became familiar with the problem of positioning the label on the burned CD. Now that's no longer a problem. I buy whole sheets of sticky-backed paper ($14 for 100), print my CD labels on that, trace a cutting line with a round template, and cut them out with a scissors. I apply them to the CD before cutting the hole -- SoniX allows me to position pictures and text away from it -- and when the label is stuck on, I take a small, sharp penknife and cut out the CD hole.

Friends have marveled that I can EXACTLY POSITION my labels over the hole. Never a miss.
erock1
Posts: 202
Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2004 7:22 pm

Post by erock1 »

kebrinton wrote:I buy whole sheets of sticky-backed paper ($14 for 100), print my CD labels on that, trace a cutting line with a round template, and cut them out with a scissors. I apply them to the CD before cutting the hole -- SoniX allows me to position pictures and text away from it -- and when the label is stuck on, I take a small, sharp penknife and cut out the CD hole.
kebrinton,
Wow, can you make a fire by rubbing 2 stick together too? :D
DVDDoug
Moderator
Posts: 2714
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 12:50 am
Location: Silicon Valley

Post by DVDDoug »

DVD LABELS

Everything I've read says that you should NOT apply labels to CDs or DVDs. If you search the forum you'll find a few discussions about this.

However, I've been successfully labeling CDs for many years. And, I've burned & successfully labeled about 100 DVDs over the past 6 months or so. The Neato tool aligns the labels perfectly. I assume the competitive tools work just as well. The only real problem I've had is that the labels do not stick well to printable CDs / DVDs.

In my opinion, the BEST current solution is to use printable DVDs with an ink-jet printer that can print them. (My printer won't.) LightScribe looks cool (from the pictures I've seen) but it's monochrome.
maddrummer3301
Posts: 2507
Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 10:24 pm
Location: US

Post by maddrummer3301 »

Susan,

If you use Neato Labeling Software along with their labels you can
create many different types of labels for DVD inserts, CD inserts etc.
You can buy pre-made labels.
Staples, Office-Max etc.

A paper cutter is a very useful tool for making inserts.

MD
Bill345

Post by Bill345 »

Here's what I do for DVD labels and for DVD cases.

DVD LABELS: I have a Epson R200 which does a really nice job of printing labels directly onto the DVD. This does require buying printable DVDs, but these are pretty reasonable at Costco. There is software included with the printer, and the printer costs about $150.00 or so. I agree with everyone who say not to use sticky labels on DVDs. The problem as I understand it is that the labels may come off and cause problems with the DVD players. This makes sense, especially given how hot these DVDs can get.

DVD CASES: I use 8.5x14 inch paper. I create my own Word document. I use Microsoft Word 2000, and am able to print a nice looking DVD cover that has printing sideways for the edge, etc. I use a solid dark background, I include an image on the front and back along with appropriate text (large font and white or other light color for text). I then trim to fit, and insert it into the DVD cover.
THoff

Post by THoff »

The MSRP of the Epson R200 is US$99, and is usually discounted a little below that -- if you wind up paying $150, you're getting ripped off.
Bill345

Post by Bill345 »

I'm pretty sure I paid less. I couldn't remember, and I didn't want to quote too low a price.
nt88498
Posts: 44
Joined: Fri Feb 18, 2005 6:18 pm

Post by nt88498 »

I was talking more about the DVD case insert and not the labels (I use printable disks).

The software I bought (Art Explosion Publisher Pro) is awesome in that it comes with 100,000 graphics, you can add effects, overlays, all kinds of fancy things. I would really like to use this software for my DVD cases.

I created a cover with what I thought were the correct margins, etc. but when I printed it on the 8 1/2 x 11 glossy brochure paper, it didn't print the entire image. It is now shorter than the actual margins I had set and shorter than the DVD case. I really want to use the 8 1/2 x 11 glossy brochure paper because I think the covers will have a little more of a professional touch to them. I just can't get my printer to print the entire image.

Any suggestions?
Bill345

Post by Bill345 »

It's the margins that get you. The DVD cover needs to be about 10.75 inch long. Most printers require a minimum .25 margin on each side, which is another .5 inch. That makes the paper requirement 11.25 inch. Maybe you can try one of the newer printers that prints borderless images. If they can print the full 8.5 x 11 inch paper, then you should be all right.

My printer requires the margin. That is why I switched to using legal size paper (8.5 x 14). It runs through my color inkjet fine. I had to tell my Word processor that I was using legal sized paper, and I also had to change my printer settings as well. Both of them had to reflect the use of legal paper vs letter paper in order to get the whole image to print.

I don't know if you can get legal sized glossy paper or not.
erock1
Posts: 202
Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2004 7:22 pm

Post by erock1 »

Susan,
my original reply only discussed creating DVD case inserts and not labels. I suggested image and printer properties to use for 8 1/2" X 11" stock. If you provide the image and printer properties you are currently using I might be able to assist you further. Also include what paper stock you have selected. If your image is adequate enough for this size stock and the template you have selected is correct than the problem is more than likely with your printer settings. Will your printer correctly handle this size stock without margins or what is called borderless printing?
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