ART PREFLIGHTING
After you upload or mail your artwork to us, we'll take a quick look for missing items, such as fonts or image files. We'll also do a preliminary check for bleed, proper template, etc..general things.
Cost to make minor changes: free.

PDF SOFTPROOFS
This softproof is preliminary to the hardcopy proof set (test disc & matchprints). It is meant to verify that all of the art files you submitted made it over OK and look correct to you. It is not meant for color matching or resolution checking (for those items, we recommend you send a color matchprint to us).  If the softproofs are not correct, you may resubmit art files without incurring much, if any, cost. After the softproofs are approved, any changes will result in charges for redoing the film and proof set.
Cost to make changes: free to minimal, depending on nature of change and if we do it or you do.

Download Adobe Acrobat Reader
(PDF Reader)

 
FILM GENERATION
This is the output of film for your disc & packaging. The film is used to create the printing plates on the test disc printing, and the packaging matchprint.
Cost to make changes: $$ requires a new set of films.

PROOF SET
This includes your printed test disc (has data also) and if you have printed packaging / paper inserts, a matchprint for those paper items. These items are FedEx'd to you. You need to check these carefully and e-mail us back approval to proceed to final production. There is no need to return these. (See more on Megalodon ProofSets)
Should you need to make changes at this point, the costs will involve graphics time, a new set of film, and possibly a new Proof Set, if you require it.
Cost to make changes: $$$

If your schedule is rushed, other alternatives are:
- Print-Only Test Disc
- Scans of the disc or matchprint sent via e-mail
- FYI-Only viewing of the PROOF SET (could save final product shipping costs)
- bypassing the ProofSet altogether

MANUFACTURING PROCESS 
After approval of the Proof Set items, manufacturing will be completed.

FINAL SHIPPING
...and finally the end product is ready to be sent to you. We'll help track the project and notify you of delivery progress. We're also happy to work with you on contingent addresses, such as a conference hall or hotel.
Cost to make changes: $$$$

SCHEDULE 
If you have a definite IN-HAND / DELIVERY DATE that you need these discs by, please let us know immediately so we can help guide you to meet your schedule. We're part of your team, but we can only help if you give us all the information! Let us know your schedule!!

COST TO MAKE CHANGES
The earlier in the process you can catch changes, the better. Use the proofing process to catch the problems early rather than when the discs are at your warehouse.

We are happy to provide you with these proofing measures to ensure the quality of your final product. If you have any questions or concerns along the way, please do not hesitate. We want your project to be a perfect success!

Megalodon is happy to provide you with a complimentary barcode. You will need to ask us to place it in the art for you. Be sure to look for it in the PDF softproof you get back (the first proof), and if it is there it will of course be in the hardcopy proofsets. If it is not there, then we've crossed our wires somewhere!

Is it better to get your own barcode?
Clients often ask us about the barcodes we provide, and if it would be better if they provided their own. The answer is - it's probably not worth the expense to you to purchase your own.

When we purchase bar codes from the United Bar Code Council, we buy them in a large lot and get about one thousand at a time. Our cost is something around $900. We can then distribute the bar codes to our clients, one per title.

The bar code initially has our information (the replicator & purchaser) associated with it. The purpose of a bar code is to give a title an unique number - a number designated by the UBC that no one else will have. When you give your title to a distributor or retailer, say for example Amazon or Walmart, they are going to ask you to fill out forms and assign the correct information to this title. What they want and need, is an unique UBC number to have in their database, which is what they get.

You can purchase a bar code directly from the UBC and it will have your own information associated with it. You will probably still have to fill out the same form and input the information. Your cost to purchase a single bar code is around $800. if you have your own bar code , we can place that in the art for you, or you can do it yourself.

CD & DVD Distribution

We have lots of exciting avenues to help get your title see and sold! Check our out distribution page. Every project is different, and we know it. Rather than offer assistance with just one distribution company, we offer you a wide variety of choices. These companies will help distribute & sell your title. Some help you handle just the actual sales & fulfillment.

We also have a great page of very useful sites & articles & terminology to help you with your content creation.

Programming, authoring, encoding page

Glossary of terms