The disc content uploader is a Java applet designed to run on computers running Windows, Mac OS, as well as Linux. If your browser does not have the Java plug-in installed, the upload tool will ask permission to install the required plug-in - a free download from Sun Microsystems.

It can be launched from the "Add Disc Content" step of the CD and DVD project assembler or from the My Content section of your account. It will launch in a new window, be aware that some browsers may block pop-up windows and prevent the content uploader from launching. If this is the case, you will need to allow pop-ups.

If you are uploading an Audio album, be sure the "Audio Upload" tab is selected in the uploader. Likewise, if you are uploading a Data album, be sure the "Data Upload" tab is selected.

Once uploaded, an album may be added to a project. Uploading an album only adds that album to your library, before placing an order you must add the content to your project. You can also reuse the same content in a different project, in the case of revised artwork, for example.

The time required to upload an album depends on several factors including the size of your album, the speed of your internet connection and your computer's processor and available memory.

*Data CDs requiring Mac OS native file systems, multi-session CDs, and hybrid CDs are not currently supported for uploaded content. You must mail in your master for production.

Audio File Requirements

The CD content uploader accepts either .WAV or .MP3 files. .WAV files should be saved as 44.1 kHz, 16 bit, stereo files. .MP3 files should be encoded between 128 and 320 kbps with non-variable compression (VBR off). Audio files with other settings will result in order delays. .WAV files are recommended for the best audio quality.

Uploading an Audio Album

Make sure you have the "Audio Upload" tab selected and start out by giving the album a name. Click "Add Track" to start adding your audio files, you can select all your files at once at a time by holding down the shift key and selecting the first and last files in the list. Once you have the files added, you can use the up and down arrow buttons to sequence the tracks in the order you want as well as the "Delete" button to remove tracks that you've added. You may additionally change the names of your tracks in the uploader before clicking "Upload Now".

Addition or deletion of a track from an album, re-sequencing tracks, or renaming tracks or albums is not possible once an album has been uploaded. If you change anything, you will need to re-upload the album with those adjustments.

The size of an uploaded audio album may not exceed 74 minutes of listening time. Albums over that size must be mailed in as masters. Files in an audio album must all be of the same type, they must all be .WAV files or all be .MP3 files.

Uploaded audio albums used in projects will create a (Redbook) standard Audio CD, playable on nearly all Audio CD players as well as computer based media players like iTunes, Windows Media Player, Winamp, etc.

An audio album may include only audio files, data files cannot be included in the album. You must mail in your master for Enhanced CDs (CD-Extra / CD-Plus), do not use the uploader for your project.

Uploaded content is not altered in any way, the audio quality provided will be the audio quality of your final product. Any static, clicks, pops, skips, etc. in the original files will be faithfully reproduced. By providing us with content, you are responsible for the quality.

Previewing Uploaded Tracks

.MP3 previews are made available for you to quickly listen back to your uploaded audio content. Previews are created at 64 kbps and do not reflect the quality of your originally uploaded audio.

Previews are available in the My Content section of your account as well as the "Add Disc Content" step of assembling your project. They may not be available for listening immediately after uploading. This does not represent an immediate problem with your content.

Displaying Artist and Track Information on Computers / CD Players

There are two different ways this is accomplished.

Gracenote (formerly CDDB): You can submit your CD data to an online database of CD artist, album, and track information. Some applications / programs, such as iTunes, will download and display this information upon disc recognition. It is not uncommon for there to be multiple artist / album matches for a CD. The information displayed will be incorrect until it is submitted to Gracenote. We can take care of Gracenote submission for you as an optional add on when creating your CD project online.

CD-Text: CD-Text allows capable players to display artist and track information without being connected to the internet. You can opt to author CD-Text on your own in applications / programs such as Toast or Nero. If you do it on your own and have that content on a master disc, you will need to mail in your master; be sure to note on the master that it contains CD-Text. We also enable you to add CD-Text as an optional add-on when you create your CD project for a small supplemental charge.

Gapless Playback (Continuous Mix CDs)

If you are uploading your content, we neither add or remove space between tracks. Any space / silence between tracks is a result of the supplied audio file, even if it's just a microsecond. Gaps may appear between tracks depending on how the files are created, oftentimes when CDs are "ripped" a space may be introduced at the start or end the resulting file. Alternatively, If you wish to add gaps or silence of any specific length between your tracks, you must insert the desired space / silence to the end of the file after the track ends. You cannot use the content uploader to add or remove gaps between tracks. If you are concerned that your audio files are not set up properly, we recommend that you author a master CD, test it thoroughly, and mail in your master.

Uploading a Data Album

We advise you to compile a test disc and test it thoroughly, you should be comfortable that the file structure performs exactly as you expect it to before uploading your data.

Make sure you have the "Data Upload" tab selected and start out by giving the album a name. Click "Add File" or "Add Folder" to add your data files and folders. Use the "Clear Selected" button to remove content if you need to. You may add any file type you can view on your own computer, files could include Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, Powerpoint presentations and PDFs to name a few. You may additionally change the names of your files and folders in the uploader before clicking "Upload Now".

File names must be unique; the same file name cannot be used in multiple sub-directories. If you must copy the same file to more than one directory you must rename it before uploading. If you must have multiple copies with identical names, you must mail in your master.

Do not use special characters within the naming of data files or folders such as slashes ( / , \ ) apostrophes ( ‘ ), !, @, #, $, %, <, >, etc. Use of underscores ( _ ) and dashes ( - ) is acceptable.

Addition, deletion or renaming of files and folders from an album is not possible once an album has been uploaded. If you need to change anything, you will need to re-upload the album with those adjustments.

The size of a data album may not exceed 700 MB, there is no limit to the number of files or folders that may be included on an album.

Data albums uploaded using the content uploader will create an ISO9660 (Yellow Book) CD. Data CDs of this type are Windows OS native, and are also readable on MacOS and Linux computers. If you require a special format (Hybrid, multi-session, V-CD, MacOS native) you must mail in your master, do not use the content uploader for your project.

Uploaded content is not altered in any way, if files are corrupt or placed in the wrong location in your data album, these conditions will be faithfully reproduced when your CD is produced. Customers are held responsible for the accuracy of their uploaded content.

Verifying Uploaded Data

Your album's detailed structure is made available for you to view quickly in the My Content section of your account as well as the "Add Disc Content" step of assembling your project.

Specifying a Volume Label / Disc Name

A volume label is the name a data disc displays when inserted in your computer. On Windows PCs, volume names are visible via My Computer. On Macs, they are visible on the desktop. The content uploader does not allow users to assign volume label. If you require a volume label, you must mail in your master.

Autorun Data CDs

For Windows OS CDs, you may use the content uploader to add autorun files. The autorun file must be at the root level in the directory, ensure that the files are in the proper location and contain the correct syntax prior to uploading the files and saving your data album. It is recommended that you create a physical CD and test it on other computers to ensure that autorun functions as expected.

Including Hidden Files

You cannot upload data albums with hidden files. If your data contains hidden files you must mail in your master, do not use the content uploader. We also recommend that you contact us to ensure that your project is handled appropriately.

Currently, all DVD projects with content require a master to be mailed in. We recommend submitting an order before mailing in your master, please include a mail in master form along with the master to avoid processing delays.

We advise thorough testing of your mail in master, you should be comfortable that the master performs exactly as you expect it to before sending it in for production.

Mail in masters are non-returnable. Please do not send your only copy to us.

DVD-5 (4.7 GB Single Layer)

Content for DVD-5 (4.7 GB Single Layer) orders can be provided different ways depending on production method.

Duplication Orders: Your master must be provided on a single layer 4.7 GB DVD-R as an authored, playable DVD for all duplication orders. Rewritable (RW) media and DVD+R's are not accepted.

Replication Orders: Your master can be provided on a single layer 4.7 GB DVD-R as an authored, playable DVD, a DDP image or a DLT tape for replication. Rewritable (RW) media and DVD+R's are not accepted.

DVD-9 (8.5 GB Dual Layer)

Your master can be provided on a single DVD-R DL, 2 DDP images (one for each layer) or DLT tapes for replication. Rewritable (RW) media and DVD+R's are not accepted.

NTSC, PAL, Region encoding

Your supplied master should be authored with the desired standard and region codes. Supplied content is not altered in any way.

DVD Video / Data Quality

Supplied content is not altered in any way, the video quality provided will be the video quality of your final product. All properties of the original video or data will be faithfully reproduced. By providing us with content, you are responsible for the quality.

Currently, all Blu-ray projects with content require a master to be mailed in. We recommend submitting an order before mailing in your master. Please include a Mail in Master form along with the master to avoid processing delays.

We advise thorough testing of your mail in master. You should be comfortable that the master performs exactly as you expect it to before sending it in for production.

Mail in masters are non-returnable. Please do not send your only copy to us.

All Blu-ray disc projects will use the duplication method of disc printing, where content is burned onto a pre-manufactured blank BD-R. Your master must be provided on a playable BD-R. Rewritable (RW) media is not accepted.

.Zip files of up to 1 GB of content can be uploaded to your account, there is no limit to the number of files or folders that may be included. Content can be uploaded at the "Add Drive Content" step of the project assembler or from the My Content section of your account.

The .zip file that is uploaded to your account will be decompressed, or unarchived, before loading onto the drives. You should be comfortable that the file structure is exactly as you expect it to before creating your .zip file and uploading it. The contents of the .zip file are not altered in any way, if files are corrupt or placed in the wrong location, these conditions will be faithfully reproduced on your USB flash drive. Customers are held responsible for the accuracy of their uploaded content.

Do not use special characters within the naming of data files or folders such as slashes ( / , \ ) apostrophes ( ‘ ), !, @, #, $, %, <, >, etc. Use of underscores ( _ ) and dashes ( - ) is acceptable.

Uploading from the My Content section will only add the content to your library, before placing an order you must add the content to your project at the “Add Drive Content” step. You can reuse any content in your account for different projects. For example, in the case of projects with revised artwork.

The time required to upload content depends on several factors including the size, the speed of your internet connection and your computer’s processor and available memory.

Drive Formatting

USB flash drives will be formatted as FAT32 for drive capacities up to 2 GB and as NTFS for larger capacities. (Both formats are Windows and Mac compatible)

Specifying a Volume Label / Drive Name

A volume label is the name a drive displays when inserted in your computer. On Windows PCs, volume names are visible via My Computer. On Macs, they are visible on the desktop. USB flash drives will be loaded with a volume label of the uploaded content name (11 character limit), by default.

Including Hidden Files

You cannot upload content with hidden files. If your data contains hidden files you must mail in your master on a USB flash drive for direct copying, do not upload your content. We also recommend that you contact us to ensure that your project is handled appropriately.

If a custom format, volume label, or other settings are required you will need to contact customer service once an order is placed. Additional fees may apply.

Video Content

• DO submit your master in a robust format: QuickTimeProRes or similar low-loss video format, as large as possible (1920x1080 HD is ideal). This will insure a crisp, detailed image when converted to BluRay or DVD. Masters, especially feature-length ones, should be submitted on a portable hard drive or USB Flash drive. Masters can be posted online, but since the codec for online video is compressed and lossy (usually MPEG-4) online masters should only be used for DVD authoring. DVD images are smaller than HD, and when the image is reduced it should not show MPEG-4 compression artifacts.
• DO submit all master elements in FINAL edited condition. Editing masters after submission will slow down the authoring process and may result in multiple iterations.
• DO leave at least 1.5 seconds of black in front of all clips. This will allow players to adjust audio output and guarantee audio won't be clipped. And unless you want the viewer to see and hear them, all leaders, countdown and the 2-pop should be removed before delivery.
• DO submit your feature at 23.976 fps if it was shot and edited to that timebase. Any masters in 24.000 theatrical-release timecode should be interpreted to 23.976 before submission.
• DO submit any special features or extras in sizes and timecodes that match the main feature. We realize this is not always possible.
• DO NOT hesitate to send us your master -- even if it does not conform to these intake specs! We can handle a wide range of master formats, from VHS to professional videotape and non-standard video files to your own DVDs or Blu-Rays. Additional charges may apply, depending on the master format.

Audio Tracks

• DO submit any menu audio loops (if so requested) as WAV or AIFF files no shorter than 90 seconds long. This will disguise the loop point.
• DO submit any additional audio tracks (5.1 surround or LtRt stereo) in robust formats (WAV or AIFF) and timed perfectly with the video master. The preferred submission format would have the stereo tracks integral to the video and the 5.1 or alternate audio tracks as separate but perfectly matched stereo or multichannel tracks. If 5.1 multichannel tracks are submitted, make sure the tracks are clearly labeled (for instance, top to bottom L-R-C-LFE-Ls-Rs)

Menus, Chapters and Subtitles

• DO submit any menu artwork as Photoshop format, HD size (1920x1080) or larger. All menu text should be 18 points or larger with lines being 2 pixels or more. Keep text and essential graphics 50 pixels from all edges to account for over scan crop on old CRT TVs (this is known as “Title safe”). Create button high-light graphics (also called selection state graphics) as one color on separate layers. NOTE: All rollover graphics within a menu must be the same color. Making text glow/hi-light is not recommended. Having a simple bold graphic, arrow, underscore, or box appear near the button text usually results in the best look. If you have specific ideas for button highlight overlay colors, include these as Photoshop layers. Text showings on menus should either be rendered or the fonts used should be provided.
• DO submit a chapter list of chapter points if they are requested. The format for these should be as follows:
  Chapter Number – Chapter name – timecode – Description of A/V
  We would need a description if a chapter points falls on a fade-to-black or crossfade. A sample of a workable chapter point description would look like this:
  Chapter 1 – The Gathering Storm – 00:16:35;12 – Fade up on barn. VO: "We lived on the ranch..."
• DO submit any subtitles in a format easily usable by the authoring engineers. STL (for DVD) and TXT (for BluRay) are our preferred format. An "SRT" file is for on-line video use and can sometimes be converted for use on DVD/Blu-ray, but this incurs extra time/cost and doesn't always convert with 100% accuracy. Subtitles should be completely readable when dropped into a text-editing program. We do not recommend submitting Closed Captioning files (.CC or .SCC) as subtitle masters.

Be sure to thoroughly test your master, you should be comfortable that the master performs exactly as you expect it to before sending it in for production. We also recommend submitting an order before mailing in your master, please include a mail in master form along with the master to avoid processing delays.

Be sure to ship your master with ample padding/protection to ensure it arrives to our facility undamaged. Do not send your only copy to us, mail in masters are non-returnable.

Mail in masters are not displayed in your account, however they are kept on file as specified in our content retention policy. If your content has expired, you will not be allowed to place a reorder without supplying a new master.

Supplied content is not altered in any way. Audio / video quality, data files and their structure will be faithfully reproduced when your project is produced. Customers are held responsible for the quality and accuracy of their supplied content.

Audio and Data CD Formats on CD-R

Red Book: CD-DA – Digital Audio extended by CD-Text
Yellow Book: CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA
Orange Book: Multisession and some Hybrid Formats
White Book: VCD (Video) CD-Bridge – hybrid discs, e.g. CD-Ready SVCD (Super Video)
Blue Book: CD-Extra, E-CD (Enhanced), CD+ (Plus), CD+G (Plus Graphics) including CD+EG and CD+XG
Rewritable (RW) media and CD+R's are not acepted.

DVD-5 (4.7 GB Single Layer)

Content for DVD-5 (4.7 GB Single Layer) orders can be provided different ways depending on production method.

Duplication Orders: Your master must provided as playable DVD-R for all duplication orders. Rewritable (RW) media and DVD+R's are not accepted.

Replication Orders: Your master can be provided as a playable DVD-R, DDP image on DVD-R and a DLT tape for replication. Rewritable (RW) media and DVD+R's are not accepted.

DVD-9 (8.5 GB Dual Layer)

Your content can be provided as a playable DVD-R DL, 2 DDP images on 2 DVD-Rs (One for each layer) and DLT tapes for both duplication and replication. Rewritable (RW) media and DVD+R's are not accepted.

USB Flash Drives

Your content can be provided on CD-R, DVD-R, USB flash drive, or a USB hard drive for content over DVD-R capacity (4.7 GB), contact us to make arrangements for a large file transfer.

An IPR form is required for all replication orders. Contact us and we will provide the forms necessary for your project. View our IPR policy here.

If you are using Safari 7 (or newer version) and are unable to see any files in the file browser when you upload audio or data files via the Java uploader, please do the following:

• Close the uploader window
• In Safari, click on the "Safari" tab at the top of the browser
• Go to Preferences -> Security
• Click "Manage website settings"
• One of the websites listed there should be 209.119.31.6. Select that, and change the permissions to "Run in Unsafe Mode"
• When a pop-up comes up asking for confirmation, allow it by clicking the "Trust" button
• Open the uploader tool again

If this process does not fix the issue, please use another browser. We recommend Mozilla Firefox.