Purchasing Blank CD/DVDs:

Burning CD/DVDs:

Most computers come with a CD burner, and can burn CDs using Windows Media Player. (instruction for using Windows Media Player) But I prefer to use professional CD Burning software like Nero or Roxio. (One CD Burner can burn approx. 50-100 CDs per day.) I have used External USB 2.0 CD burners in the past. This prevents you from needing to open up your computer to add new hardware. You just plug them into a USB 2.0 slot.

Other CD/DVD Burning Software (Freeware):

* Free Easy Burner
* CDBurnerXP Pro is a free CD/DVD burning solution:

* "Switch Software" Switch converts from various audio file formats so that you can get an audio file into a format for burning .  Switch is free (Switch-Download).  Switch PLUS costs money. http://www.brothersoft.com/mp3_audio/misc_plug-ins/switch_31906.html

* The following URL is for "Wave Pad Software".  Wave Pad edits .wav files or .mp3 files.  (Wavepad-Download) is free . http://www.soft32.com/download_94744.html

* Express Burn Software. Express Burn is a program for Windows that lets you create and record audio or data CDs with any PC with a CD recorder installed. With Express Burn you can record a data or audio CD quickly and easily by dragging the files you want onto the Express Burn icon and clicking record. Express Burn CD/DVD Burner is a software that allows you to create audio CDs. The software then does all the rest converting the files if required. It is also the fastest CD writing program in the world using proprietary optimizing systems. (Express Burn Software - Download Free). http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/Audio-CD-DVD-Burning/Express-Burn-CD-DVD-Burner.shtml

For (legally) copying from one DVD to another, I use http://www.burnworld.com/burnoncddvd/
It launches a web page to it's site at the end but it works well.

For authoring DVD's, I recommend using "SoThink Movie DVD Maker":  http://www.sothinkmedia.com/movie-dvd-maker/  Or  "DVD Flick" http://www.dvdflick.net

For converting files so the above can convert them, I recommend:
http://www.any-video-converter.com/products/for_video_free/


In the past I've purchased an inexpensive ($30) External USB 2.0 CD Burners (with Nero included) from www.ComputerStop.com

But last year, I've purchase a CD duplicator tower, that can burn 9 CDs at the same time, for about $650. I recommend purchasing one that can burn both CDs and DVD-Rs. (Search Yahoo, Google, Ebay shopping for "CD/DVD Duplicator") Now I can burn 300-700 per day, very fast, and not tie up the computer. Remember to purchase one with a Hard Drive so you can store images onto the machine. I

Labeling the CD/DVDs:
There are many ways to Label a CD.

1. (RECOMENDED METHOD) You can purchase Paper CD Labels, and print them on your computer.  (One place to buy them is OnlineLabels.com) This will allow you to make professional looking CDs, since you can print them in Color.  I buy mine online at: http://www.goodlabelsforless.com/1231.htm But you might spend a little money replacing your ink cartriges (inexpensive ink can be purchased on ebay or at: http://www.kingkahler.com).

Another good provider is: http://www.sheet-labels.com/

Note: Free CD Tracts Ministry is currently using this method.

3. White Top Printable CDs. These CDs have a printable surface on the top, where an injet printer can print. But you'll need a specific printer that can handle this, along with printable CDs.

 

I'm currently have great success using the following setup (HP K550 with Continuous Ink Supply System (CISS). You must buy both separately. I've already printed out over 30,000 labels in a relatively short time. Just refill bottles on outside and you're off and running. Buy CISS here on Ebay

5. The way I have been labeling CDs is useful for very high volumns.  They do not look professional, but it allows me to label many CDs, in little time, at no cost.  I purchased a self inking stamp (with ink made for glass surfaces), enabeling me to stamp the CD with Text and a small graphic

For the best ink, I recommend none cheaper for quality ink than http://www.alotofthings.com/viartshop/  Best to buy bulk ink and syringes. Another option is: http://www.kingkahler.com

Self Inking Stamp, Very Quick	Hand Stamp, slower	Ink made for Glass CD Sufraces	The Image Robert from Spiritlessons.com uses to stamp with.

Ink: (Ebay.com) (Save lots of money by refilling your cartridges)

You can order a Self Inking stamp from ([email protected]) or find a Stamp Maker in your area. (You'll need a graphic for them to work with.)

• Graphic Size: Approx = 1.25" x 3", (Fits the bottom of a CD) You can make your own graphic or use mine, [1]  [2]

• Be sure to ask for NO ink on the stamp pad, since you'll need to buy your own special ink made for glass surfaces.  I use STAZON ink bottle from This Link

• Keep the stamp pad in a plastic bag, while you're not using it, to prevent it from drying out.

CD/DVD Covers, Sleeves:

For Covers, I do not use hard plastic covers or Paper Sleeves, but Paper Sleeves.  They cost around $25 for 1000, and are therefore very affordable.  Paper Sleeves allow me to run them through my Printer.      

Hard Cover	Blank Paper Sleeve Flap, No Window	Finished Paper Sleeve	Paper Sleeve, +Flap, With Window	Vinyl Sleeve
	1000 for $25		If you have a CD with a nice printed label on, then all you will need is a Paper Sleeve with a plastic window.  1000 for $20	1000 for $60 (6cents per CD)

All these can be purchased at LDB Enterprise inc,   Email: [email protected]   
Tel: 1-800-370-2197,   (402) 991-1999

Sleeves: (Ebay.com Type in VINYL CD SLEEVE) Pakpal sells 400 Sleeves at $35
or http://www.proactionmedia.com/cd_dvd_sleeves.asp

One other technique for making Sleeves, is to print them out yourself on standard 8.5x11 paper.  Then CUT/FOLD/PASTE them together. This technique looks professional, and allows you to have text and images on both sides of the Sleeve.  This can be time intensive, but if you have some volunteer helpers, it is a great technique.  Here are the files you'll need for that.

Mailing the Package:

When mailing packages, I use the US Post Office.  I use MEDIA MAIL rate since I'm only sending CDs.  I can ship about 50 CDs for ~$2.50.  I don't use insurance or confirmation, since the price of a package is so low. (To save time, you can print your postage stamps at home using the USPS.com.). When mailing in quantities greater than 60-300 CDs use the Flat Rate Boxes for $8.10. For shipments of less than 15 CDs, use a 6x9 envelope or one with padding.

For packaging, I just wrap the CDs in brown postal paper.  You can purchase this at a Paper supply store, very inexpensive per roll.   CDs are pretty durable, so they don't need any protective bubble wrap.  You can also purchase CD Mailers for your packages.

Mailers / Envelopes: (Office Depot) $9 per 100 6x9 Mailers

CD Burners

A long awaited CD Media sale.

2 stores clean out before they even knew what hit them.