Enhanced CD Authoring Services

What are Enhanced CDs?

An Enhanced CD is an audio CD that plays on a standard audio system, that also has an additional graphic show embedded into a session (or sessions), that you can open and run on a computer. The show includes graphic and audio combined in an entertaining way, and can have such graphics as a picture slide show set to music, rolling text, animated effects, rolling credits or dedications, a biography, and a link to your web site or your ordering center. You can even include a screen saver featuring your production.

What are standards for Enhanced CDs?

Uniform Enhanced CD specifications have been set by the Recording Industry Association of America (the RIAA): "All Enhanced CD discs (including but not limited to Single Session, Multi-session, CD Extra) should be capable of playing on all CD audio players including home players, disc changers (juke box, cartridge, carousel types, etc.) portable players, and car players."

Why do I want one?

Because it is an embedded animated advertisement for you and your organization. Because multimedia is exciting and interesting to people who have computers. Because the show continues to sell you and bring people to your web site with a live link, long after they have bought the CD. Because people talk about it to their friends. In non-technical language, because they are COOL!

Why is it useful?

You advertise your images, your news and your photos, directly to your end customers. It saves money over print advertising and brochures and can function (secondarily) as a great "digital press kit."

Can I include my bio and a list of the places I have played?

Yes, this is encouraged. Customers are interested!

What (digital) formats can I provide my audio in?

You can provide audio on CD-Rs, DAT, cassette, reel, record and mini-disc. We can accept .Wav and Aiff files.

What format can I provide my photos and graphics in?

You can provide actual photos or scans saved as TIFS, EPS, PICT, or JPEG.

How many photos can I include?

The standard kit allows for 6 photos. Additional photos can be scanned and inserted.

How much audio can I include?

The standard kit is up to 4 audio snippets, chosen from your music.

Can I include video clips?

Yes! Video can be added in higher end packages.

What is the difference between a "linear" and "interactive" Enhanced CD?

1. The LINEAR option means that the enhanced CD is like a short film. The user watches it, and sits through the entire "show," as options are presented one at a time in predetermined sequence. There is little or no interaction. At the end the user could push a button to play it again, or use a link to a website.

Upside: The user does not have the option to "skip over" areas you wish him or her to see, and can sit back and enjoy.

2. The NON-LINEAR / INTERACTIVE option lets the viewer decide which things to see, and in what order to see them. Program starts with a set of navigational buttons allowing the user to choose from a set of options.

Upside: Navigation and control increase chances of repeat playing and makes the user feel involved.

What is a recommended press kit?

A press kit often contains photos, logos, and informational text about your organization. That is why the Enhanced CD has a second use as a "digital press kit." It becomes an excellent way to send this information to publications and media.

Do you offer writing services?

Yes this can be arranged. The price will be additional to the standard package.

How much data and graphics can I fit on a Enhanced CD?

A standard CD holds about 650 MB of data. The audio elements and graphics elements combined share that space. In most cases this is not a problem, since most musicians do not need more than 50-60 minutes of Audio. Our KABA sound engineers calculate:

Room for embedded data and graphics:

• Audio is 45 minutes: 219 MB
• Audio is 50 minutes: 175 MB
• Audio is 55 minutes: 131 MB
• Audio is 60 minutes: 87 MB
• Audio is 65 minutes: 44 MB
• Audio is 70 minutes: none