What is the difference between duplication and replication? Back To Top
Replication is the process by which CDs or DVDs are made by stamping/pressing from raw material, whereas duplication is the burning of CDs or DVDs from blank CD-R or DVD-R media.  There are no differences in the quality or data capacity of the discs, however for duplication you will actually see burn marks on the data side of the disc. What makes Disc Creations different from other companies is that, aside from replication we also offer affordable small run duplication with the same quality printing and packaging as our replication packages. Our duplication packages have the same commercial quality silkscreen or offset printing and packaging that will give your CD or DVD that professional appeal. We also use special recordable media that minimizes the visibility of burn marks which makes it difficult to tell the difference between our duplication and replication. So whether you choose duplication (quantities less than 500) or replication (quantities 500 or more), you can be sure your discs will look professional.

Should I duplicate or replicate my disc? Back To Top
When deciding on whether to duplicate or replicate, you may want to consider certain factors such as; the quantity you need, the frequency at which you change your content or data, and whether you plan to utilize copy protection technology (licensing required).  Whether to duplicate or replicate on the number of copies you need.  It costs less to replicate at the 500 qty than it would to duplicate and would be more cost effective for you.  However, for quantities less than 500, duplication would be the more cost effective choice.  The second factor to consider is how often you change the content of your disc and printed disc artwork. Some customers require frequent version updates of their data or changes to their disc artwork every 3 months or so, in which case duplication is the better choice that will allow you this flexibility. Copy protection is an important factor to consider since it is only available with replication. If you don't plan to utilize copy protection for your CD or DVD then you can go with either. If you do, then you would need to contact the company that owns the proprietary protection type plan to use to purchase their license. Licensing costs may vary.

What types of printing do you offer? Back To Top
For both duplication and replication, we offer commercial grade Silkscreen and Offset (CMYK) printing.

Silkscreen or Offset printing? Back To Top
Deciding which type of printing to use on your disc depends on how your artwork is designed. Having printed many discs in the past, we can help you determine the printing method that will give you the best results once we receive and take a look at your artwork. Offset printing is often used to print artwork that contain any photos or artwork that has a combination of a lot of colors and gradients. Silkscreen works best for designs that are made up of mostly solid colors and solid lines. Shades and gradients is a sign not to use silkscreen. With artwork designed for offset printing, avoid leaving large areas of solid color as it may result in “banding” or “ghosting" where some parts of the solid area may be lighter than others. Gradient settings lower than 15% may not print clearly.  Dark tones above 85% tend to become solid due to dot gain. Disc Creations is not responsible for imperfections on disc artwork printing that are a result of technically poor designs that do not follow printing/press rules and guidelines. If you are unsure of the specification and how to correctly design your artwork, we recommend that you work with a professional artwork designer who has experience with commerical printing.

What is the quality of your printing compared to inkjet printer labels? Back To Top
Our printing for replication and duplication are not labeled printed stickers but is the commercial standard and prints directly to the disc. It is the highest quality printing for CDs and DVDs available today and is equivalent to what you would find on retail shelves and blockbuster movies. Silkcreen and offset disc printing provides the longest shelf life, offers the highest durability without peeling, and is waterproof. 

Do you handle printing and packaging of my disc? Back To Top
Yes we do. You can order your discs in bulk or have it packaged ready for retail sales. Disc Creations provides all the packaging and printing you need to have your discs ready to sell or distribute once they arrive at your door. We also offer our customers warehousing and fulfillment/mailing services.

What types of packaging does Disc Creations offer? Back To Top
We are always at the industry forefront, adding and incorporating new products and technology to our line of services. This includes all the latest and popular packaging types available on the market and provide custom packaging options as well.  

Can I receive a samples of packaging material? Back To Top
Yes.  Call or email us with your contact information and mailing address and we will send you the samples you request.

Can I have a spine label on my packaging? Back To Top
Yes.  Fill out our spine label form and we will add a spine label to your packaging. Spine label cost additional.

Does Disc Creations provide UPC Barcodes? Back To Top
Yes.  We can provide you with your own unique UPC code and barcode image at an additional cost.  If you already have a UPC code and just need the barcode image on your packaging material, provide us with the your barcode numbers and we will generate and email you your barcode image so that you can add to your artwork design.

Do I need a barcode for my CD or DVD project? Back To Top
Some retailers and databases may require you to have a UPC barcode for your CD or DVD item.  However, if you don’t plan on storing/selling your CD or DVD off of retail shelves, you do not need a UPC barcode.

How do I place an order with Disc Creations? Back To Top
Call us at 1-888-714-7722 to receive a quote/order form via email. Once you receive it, review your quote to make sure everything is correct. Sign and fax back your quote along with your IPR form and CC Authorization form if paying by credit card.  Email your artwork to artwork@disccreations.com or upload your artwork to us using the “Upload” link on our website. Files larger than 12MB must be uploaded from our website. Mail your master disc to our address. Once your master arrives, we will confirm the receipt of your master and keep you updated on the status of your order.

When will my order be ready? Back To Top
Your order will be ready within the turn-time specified on your quotation. Your turn-time begins after we receive your master disc, all required forms, and once you approve your artwork PDF proofs that you will receive via email within 24 hours after we begin processing your order. Turn-time begins as soon as you approve your artwork.  For more details on turn-time, please refer to our Terms and Conditions under “Turn-Time.”

How long does it take to complete my order? Back To Top
Our standard turn-time varies depending on the type of packaging you order as some packaging takes longer than others. Turn-time will always be specified on our quotes and can range from 3-5 Days, 5-7 Days, 7-10 Days and 10-12 Days. Special or unique project may require additional time.

Can I speed up my order? Can I rush my order? Back To Top
Yes you can. We offer rush options for those that need their order completed in a hurry.  Rush however cost additional and are based upon availability.  Please call us to discuss your project timeline and we will be happy to try and help you meet your timeline.

What areas do you offer your service? Back To Top
Our services are available nationwide to all major cities where USPS, UPS or Fedex shipping is available. International orders are generally accepted with a few exceptions to some parts of the world.

What are your prices? Back To Top
Our prices are very competitive and may vary depending on special promotions or rising costs. We offer Price Match for all of our products and services so you can rest assure that you’ll be getting the highest quality and service at a fair price.

How can I be sure my replicated CD or DVD will work? Back To Top
Before submitting your CD or DVD for duplication or replication, you must carefully check your disc to make sure it functions exactly the way you want it to. Your duplicated or replicated disc will contain exactly the same data as your master disc bit for bit. For DVDs, we recommend you test-play your master on 3 different DVD players before sending to us for replication.

What guarantees can you offer me? Back To Top
We guarantee 100% exact copies of your master disc as well as 100% On-Time completion of your order.

What is the quality of your discs? Back To Top
Our duplication and replication is of the highest quality and are in accordance with industry standards.  For duplication, we use high quality CD-R and DVD-R recordable media to ensure the highest level of data integrity possible once duplicated.

How do I approve my digital artwork pdf proof? Back To Top
If everything looks correct on your pdf proof, reply to the email with “Approved.”

What is a Check Disc? Back To Top
Check Discs are test replicas of your master disc and are used to check the functionality and integrity of your disc data before replication begins. Check Discs can have your artwork printed on them as well so that you can approve your design and the resulting colors of your artwork. Additional cost will apply if you decide to change your artwork design and/or colors. Check discs can be ordered at an additional fee and are recommended for discs for large quantity orders.

How do I approve my check disc? Back To Top
There are 2 ways to approve your check disc. You can email your check disc approval or, print your name, sign and date your check disc, and mail it back to us.  Once we receive your signed check disc, we will begin replicating your order.  Your replicated discs will be exactly the same as your signed check disc.

What if I find a mistake on my check disc? Back To Top
Call us and let us know the problem and we will research as to the possible cause. If the problem also exists on your original master, you must submit a new master disc for processing and we will send you new check discs. Additional charges apply for re-processing.

What is a matchprint? Back To Top
Matchprints are a high-quality printed sample of your packaging inserts such as DVD casewraps and jewel case inserts. Matchprints are used to ensure more accurate color matching for your paper printed packaging material. Matchprints are the closest representation of the colors to be printed on your final product. If your project requires colors to match more precisely you can order a matchprint and we will mail a copy to you. Once you approve your matchprint (by email or mail), we will proceed to print. Matchprint cost additional.

What if I am not satisfied with my matchprint? Back To Top
You can revise and make adjustments to your artwork and re-submit it to us for re-processing.  We will output the new matchprint artwork and send you another matchprint for approval. Additional fee applies.

What if I find a problem with my duplicated or replicated discs? Back To Top
If you find a problem with your disc, and the problem does not exist on your original master or approved artwork, contact us to let us know the problem.  We will begin investigating the problem.  If the problem is our mistake, we will either replace the damaged discs or refund you your money back.  Please read more under Terms and Conditions .

How can I make sure my DVD plays on all DVD players? Back To Top
Check your disc for playability and compatibility on at least 3 popular DVD players before submitting to us.

How can I make sure my CD plays on most CD players? Back To Top
Use an audio format that gives your disc exposure to the largest and widest audience, which means it should be playable on most devices on the market today.  Test your CD (if audio) on a Stand-alone CD player, Car CD Player, and Computer. Although most CD players now are compatible with .MP3 format, .WAV is still the most popular and compatible format for Audio CD.

What kind of Quality Control do you provide? Back To Top
Every replicated disc is guaranteed to contain exactly the same data as your master disc.  All replicated discs undergo a bit-to-bit comparison with the data on your master disc..

What if I need to make modification to my master after I approve my check disc or after production begins? Back To Top
If you need to change your master after production begins, you will be responsible for all costs and services up to the point of stop-production, which may include printed materials, packaging labor, and discs duplicated/replicated.  You are also responsible for any additional fees for re-processing your master or artwork.

What forms are required to place an order? Back To Top
To place your order, you must submit:

1. Signed Quote or Purchase Order
2. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Form
3. Resale Certificate (if applicable)
4. Manditory Indemnification Agreement

Where do I mail in my master? Back To Top
Mail your master to:

Disc Creations
Attn: Order Processing Dept.
704 N. Valley St., Ste H
Anaheim, CA 92801

Can I drop off my master? Back To Top
Yes you can. Be sure to write your DC quote# on your disc and place your master in a sealed envelope or package. If you arrive after office hours, you may place your package thru our Drop Off slot at the front door.

Will I be charged tax on my order? Back To Top
You will not be charged tax if you provide us with a Resale Certificate Form or if you are located outside the State of California. Customers outside the State of California will be responsible for reporting their own tax liabilities. All orders that do not meet these two requirements will be charged sales tax.

How do I calculate Turn-Time? Back To Top
Once all items required are received (order forms, artwork, master disc, and payment) and your artwork is approved, turn-time will begin (See How To Order for more information). A “1” day turn is 24 hours.  A “Zero” Day turn is within 24 hours.  Turn-time will be calculated beginning on Day “0” and end on the last work day of the specified turn-time.  For example, for a 7 Work Day Turn, if Disc Creations receives all items required and approval of artwork at 12 noon on Monday 5th, Customer’s order will be ready to ship on or before Wednesday, 14th at 12noon.

Monday 5th       Day “0”
Tuesday 6th       ..Day “1”
Wednesday 7th   .Day “2”
Thursday 8th      .Day “3”
Friday 9th          ..Day “4”
Saturday 10th    ..Non-Work Day
Sunday 11th      ..Non-Work Day
Monday 12th      ..Day “5”
Tuesday 13th    ...Day “6”
Wednesday 14th...Day "7"

Holidays count as Non-Work Days.  Rush is available for certain orders and are based upon availability. For rush orders, Customer must take into account the time it takes to ship. Turn-time does not include the time it takes to ship. Important: Artwork PDF proofs, Matchprints, and Check Discs must be approved before turn-time begins.

Will I know if there is a problem with my master or artwork? Back To Top
If we encounter a problem with your master or artwork we will call or email you to notify you of the problem.  It is up to you to respond as quickly as possible to resolve the issue in order to avoid any delays on your order.  Your order will be delayed in the amount of time it takes to resolve the problem.

How many masters do I mail in? Back To Top
Mail in 2 copies of your master whenever possible.  Do NOT mail in your only master copy.  We will not be responsible for masters lost in the mail or damaged during shipping or replication process.

Can I purchase packaging and other products from Disc Creations? Back To Top
Yes you can.  We carry many packaging products and materials used to fulfill replication orders. Give us a call and ask us for pricing.

Is there a discount on re-orders? Back To Top
Because of our already low pricing we do not offer discounts on re-orders.

What types of payment do you accept? Back To Top
We accept Check, Cashier's Check, Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, and PayPal. You can make credit card payments by phone or online at www.disccreations.com/contact.html. Check payments must clear before your order is shipped.

When do I pay? Back To Top
Payment must be received before production of your order begins.

What formats do you accept? Back To Top
We accept the following artwork file formats:
.EPS, .AI, .PSD, .PNG, .PDF, .QXD, .JPG, .GIF, .TIFF, .BMP

Will I get to see my artwork once more before printing begins? Back To Top
Once we begin processing your order, you will receive an email with your digital PDF proof within 24 hours for your approval. Once approved we will proceed with printing and turn-time begins. Matchprints and Check Discs are mailed within 2-3 Days after processing your artwork and must be approved before production and turn-time begins.  

How long do I have to approve my proofs? Back To Top
Proofs should be approved once you received them; however you have until the end of the same day you receive them to approve.  Keep in mind that your order will be delayed in the amount of time it takes for you to approve your proofs, so try to approve them as soon as possible.

Do you provide hard copy proofs? Back To Top
Yes we do.  Hard copy proofs such as Check Discs and Matchprints are available at an additional cost.  Digital PDF proofs come with the standard ordering process.

Do you have templates I can use for my artwork? Back To Top
Yes.  Templates can be downloaded from our website under “Artwork Templates.”  If you cannot find the template you need, call or email us at artwork@disccreations.com and we will email you the correct template.

Can I use templates I already have? Back To Top
Yes.  You can use templates you already have but make sure they have the correct dimensions and specifications.  Artwork submitted with incorrect specifications will be sent back to you for revision.

How do we send our artwork to you? Back To Top
Compress all artwork and supporting files into a .ZIP or .SIT (for Mac files).  If your file size is 12MB or less, you can email your artwork to artwork@disccreations.com.  If your file size is larger than 12MB, you must use our “Upload” link on our website to send us your file.

Do you charge additional for full color disc artwork? Back To Top
No. All of our disc prices include full color printing. The maximum number of colors possible on your artwork is 5 (C, M, Y, K + White).  All artwork that contain photos or pictures are full color and consist of all five colors.  For all other artwork, count the number of solid colors on your artwork including white.

What is the difference between CMYK and Pantone (PMS) colors? Back To Top
CMYK and PMS are just two different color modes used in commercial printing.  With CMYK, the colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (K) are mixed at different percentages to produce a resulting color.  Pantone colors, created by the company Pantone, Inc., consists of colors prepared by CMYK base colors mixed at different percentages to produce an large array of colors that are assigned a pantone number and made available on a color chart or guide.  This allows Pantone colors to be used as a very accurate method of color matching for printing. Offset printing utilizes basic CMYK color mode and Silkscreen printing uses Pantone color mode.

Which color mode has more accurate color matching capabilities, CMYK or Pantone Color? Back To Top
Pantone color mode.

What is a white flood? Do I need white flood? Back To Top
White flood is simply a coating of white that is printed on the disc that acts as a primer before your artwork is printed.  Without white flood, white areas of your artwork will show the silver of the disc, also known as a white "knockout." White flood is not required.  Some customers don’t print a white flood on their label to produce creative effects with the silver disc background.  Customers who doesn’t want white flood must specify so on their design or when they submit their artwork. 

Can Disc Creations design my artwork? Back To Top
Yes.  Our graphic design team can help you design your disc and packaging artwork.

How do I avoid errors with my artwork? Back To Top
Read our technical guidelines on how to prepare your artwork and follow any instructions found on our artwork templates.  For extra measures, you can email your artwork to artwork@disccreations.com and ask us to check for problems with your artwork.

Will the colors on my printed disc and packaging material match exactly to colors on my PDF proof? Back To Top
Unless you've chosen Pantone colors for your artwork, they will match very closely (80-90%) but not exactly.  Colors represented on our digital PDF proofs are not accurate determinants of the resulting colors once printed. This is the case industry-wide and is a result of your computer screen displaying digital artwork in RGB color mode as opposed to CMYK color mode used with commercial printing.  Unless you chose silkscreen printing and specified the corresponding pantone color codes for your colors, your printed colors will match up to 80-90% of the colors assigned on your digital PDF artwork.  Digital PDF proofs are meant for you to confirm the positioning and layout of your artwork and not for approving whether colors match.  If you are concerned with color matching and want to improve the matching of colors for your project, assign pantone color codes to colors on your artwork and order from us a Check Disc (for disc artwork) and Matchprint (for printed packaging material).

Can I make modifications to my artwork after it is approved? Back To Top
Once your artwork is approved, we will proceed to output your film for printing.  You can revise or modify your artwork as long as we have not outputted your film or begun printing your disc.  If we have already output your film or begun printing your disc, you can still change your artwork but you will be charged for the work that has been completed up to the point we were notified.  Contact us immediately if you need to make changes to your artwork in order to avoid any additional charges.

Why won’t colors match exactly to my digital artwork colors? Back To Top
Printed colors cannot match 100% to colors assigned on your artwork when viewed on your digital computer screen.  This is inherent in the printing process and is a problem industry-wide.  There are a number of reasons for this.  First, your computer screen uses RGB mode to display colors, whereas digital printing uses a combination of CMYK to produce colors.  Second, CD and DVD surfaces do not absorb ink like printing paper, thus resulting in a slightly different color when dried.  For printed material such as inserts and casewraps, colors will also vary slightly depending on the air temperature, humidity and pressure.

What formats do you accept as masters? Back To Top
We accept CD-R, DVD-R, DVD-R Dual Layer, DLT and Pre-replicated CDs or DVDs.

How do I avoid errors on my master? Back To Top
Read our technical guidelines on “How To Prepare Your Master.”  Be sure to thoroughly test your master CD or DVD for functionality and playability.   Check for scratches and safely package your master to ensure protection during shipping.

Can I receive my replicated disc to check and test before you replicate? Back To Top
Yes.  You can order Check Discs from us at an additional cost and we will mail you 5-10 check discs to approve.  Once approved, we will proceed to replicating your order.

Can Disc Creations create my master disc? Back To Top
If you need us to create your master from contents you provide, you can compress your files into a .ZIP folder, .SIT (for Mac files) or disc image (.ISO) of your master and upload to us from our website.  This option is available at an additional cost and available only if there is no other programming or editing work that needs to be done to the files you provide. Once created, we will mail you your master disc for approval before we proceed with your order.

Do I get my master disc back? Back To Top
Master discs are returned upon your request and mailed back to you after your order is complete and all order processing data is entered into our system.

Can I upload my disc content instead of mailing? Back To Top
Yes.  If you would like us to create your master disc from files you provide, you can upload your files in a compressed .ZIP folder, .SIT (for Mac files), or disc image (.ISO) of your master and upload it form our website. Additional fee applies.

How will I know when my order is ready? Back To Top
We will contact you via email or by phone once your order is ready.

How do I receive my order? Back To Top
Your order will be ship via UPS, Fedex, DHL or Freight.  We also offer same-day delivery if you are located within 50 miles of one of our facilities.  Cost of delivery depends on your location.

Can I track my order once shipped? Back To Top
Once your order ships, we will email you your tracking number so you can track your order.

Can you local deliver my order to my address? Back To Top
If you are located within 50 miles of our facility, we can deliver your order.  Cost of delivery depends on your location.

Can you drop ship or blind ship my order? Back To Top
Yes.  We can ship or deliver your order directly to your customer.

Can you mail our finished disc to addresses I provide? Back To Top
Yes.  We offer bulk mailing of your CDs or DVDs to addresses you provide.  Mailing lists must be in Excel spreadsheet (.xls) and formatted with the appropriate headers. Contact us and we'll email you the mailing list template.

Do you offer warehousing & fulfillment? Back To Top
Yes.  We can store your CDs or DVDs and ship your items once your customer orders from you.  Call us for information and pricing.

What is region coding? Back To Top
All DVD players are manufactured with a code based on a particular region.  The regions are coded from 0-8. 

The geographical regions are as follows:

REGION 1 -- USA, Canada
REGION 2 -- Japan, Europe, South Africa, Middle East, Greenland
REGION 3 -- S.Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Parts of South East Asia
REGION 4 -- Australia, New Zealand, Latin America (including Mexico)
REGION 5 -- Eastern Europe, Russia, India, Africa
REGION 6 -- China
REGION 7 -- Reserved for Unspecified Special Use
REGION 8 -- Resevered for Cruise Ships, Airlines, etc...
REGION 0 or REGION ALL -- Discs are uncoded and can be played Worldwide, however, PAL discs must be played in a PAL-compatible unit and NTSC discs must be played in an NTSC-compatible unit.

Region coding allows you to assign which region DVD player you would like your DVD to be playable.  Such coding is a tool to protect copyright and film distribution rights in other parts of the world.  Therefore, Region 1 DVD players can only play Region 1 coded DVDs. The region code can be assigned using the software used to design your DVD.  There are DVD players sold on the market that is coded for all regions, allowing DVDs coded for any region to be playable.  If you want your DVD to be playable on all DVD players then set your region code for all regions (Region 0).

Do I need a UPC Barcode? Back To Top
You only need a UPC Barcode if the retailer where you plan to sell your CD or DVD requires you to have one, or if you want to register your disc with databases online such as iTunes or Windows Media Player.

How do I register my UPC code? Back To Top
To register your title with soundscan/videoscan, simply fill out the Title Addition Form on the soundscan website. You must submit your Title Addition Form at least three weeks before the project's release date. It can be submitted by email to dbase@soundscan.com or faxed to (914) 684-5606. If you have received a barcode from Disc Creations, put us down as the parent label.  This simply indicates where you got the label from.  In the sub-label field, fill in your label name if you have one.

Registering with soundscan and videoscan is free and will take about 10-15 business days for it to be processed.  In order to review sales reports on your registered titles, you need to subscribe to the service. Nielson soundscan and videoscan provide different packages for their subscribers. The limited access package for smaller labels gives access to up to 20 titles. Full access lets subscribers see all title information in the database, as well as more types of reports. For more information, visit http://home.soundscan.com/faq.html

What formats do you accept for artwork? Back To Top
We accept the following artwork file formats:
.EPS, .AI, .PSD, .PNG, .PDF, .QXD, .JPG, .GIF, .TIFF, .BMP

What formats do you accept for masters? Back To Top
We accept CD-R, DVD-R, DVD-R Dual Layer, DLT and Pre-Replicated CDs or DVDs

Do you offer copy protection? Back To Top
Yes.  We offer copy protection such as Macrovision RipGuard, Macrovision ACP, and CSS Encryption. Licensing Fees Applies.

How do I add CSS Encryption to my CD or DVD and what does it cost? Back To Top
CSS Encryption is available at an additional cost however does not require licensing. Copy protection for RipGuard or ACP requires licensing from Macrovision.  For CSS Encryption, your master can be in the form of a DVD-R or DLT however you must use your DVD authoring software to flag your master for CSS encryption when creating your disc. Once flagged and your CSS code is present, you can submit your master for replication. Your replicas will also contain CSS Encryption. Do NOT encrypt your data before submitting your master since we will need to access your data in order to replicate. Only flag your master for CSS Encryption. Encryption will be added once the CSS code is detected. CSS Encryption is only available for replication and not duplication.

Do you provide other services besides duplication and replication? Back To Top
Yes.  We offer Graphic Designing, DVD Menu Design, Audio Mastering, Video Editing, PDF Document Design, and Warehousing & Fulfillment Services.

How can software such as iTunes and Windows Media Player recognize my album and song titles? Back To Top
Many computer audio players retrieve track and album information by connecting to online databases such as CDDB. CDDB is supported by Gracenote.  To submit a new title to CDDB, enter it through one of its licensed applications (such as ITunes or Windows Media Player). For more information on how to submit a CD entry, go to http://www.gracenote.com/business_solutions/music_id/. For specific steps to submit a new disc, consult the help section of the player.  For a list of players that are enabled with CDDB, go to http://www.gracenote.com/partners/software/

Will my song titles appear when I put my CD into a computer? Back To Top
CD Text information is normally written to an audio PMCD master using CD Text enabled software. If your studio cannot provide you with this service, Disc Creations can add CD Text to your master for a small fee.  You’ll need to supply us with the exact text in an email.

CD Text can consist of varying degrees of song, album, and artist information that are encoded on an audio CD. CD Text can only be decoded by specifically enabled CD players. In other words, even though your CD is encoded with CD Text, it may not appear on all displays. The player/display must support CD Text in order for the text to appear.

CD Text should not be confused with internet-based CD identification services such as Compact Disc Data Base (CDDB). CDDB works with software players, such as Windows Media Player, to read the unique "fingerprint" that any audio CD has. Your computer will stream the “fingerprint” through your internet connection, and the CDDB server compares that CD's "fingerprint" against CDs in the database. If it finds a match, it sends artist/album/song info for that CD back to your virtual player.

CDDB does not require any title and artist data to actually be encoded on the disc. What CDDB does require is that you submit the title and artist info for your disc to the database. Computers using CDDB to look up CDs must have an active internet connection, and the computer user must not have blocked access by their player program to the database (some users may have decided to do this due to privacy concerns). Some firewall/antivirus programs may interfere with the operation of CDDB as they may also block the necessary internet access.