Re: CD duplication recomendation

["Krispen Hartung" <khartung@cableone.net>]

----- Original Message ----- 
> it's very hard to beat the $1.60 a unit with Kunaki.  Thanks for this 
> Kris...

Here are some more tips regarding Kunaki, that I've learned along the way, 
after creating five CDs with them thus far:

1. Some things are difficult to find on the site, but you can find the CD 
specs here: http://kunaki.com/scripts/help.htm   Be sure to create your 
templates in 300 dpi, and use their exact dimensions, because if you 
don't, 
their program re-sizes your files to fit their specs (which you don't 
want).

2. They don't provide templates, but just create your own with the above 
specs, and then you have to use trial and error to get the binding text 
alignment and other text alignment correct. DON'T try to use standard CD 
specs...they won't work. Just use trial and error with their design 
software 
and a mock project. Also note that their specs DO NOT include a full 
bleed, 
and do not include full bleed space in your templates...their program will 
only resize it to their actual print/cut dimensions. This is important. 
You 
could add 2 feet of full bleed space, and when you upload to their 
program, 
it will just resize to fit in their "virtual jewel case". So, what you see 
is what you get.

3. I highly recommend ordering just one CD first so that you can inspect 
it 
(your very first CD is free, but after that you pay the $1.60 per CD).  If 
you find that the graphics are not right, you cannot edit the project. You 
have to delete it on your account page of kunaki.com, and then re-upload a 
new project. You cannot re-upload a revised version of the project, just 
create a brand new project.

4. Their software is fairly intuitive (but PC only). You launch the 
executable, define your project info (title, etc), and then start browsing 
to your graphic tif files on your hard drive. The program places your 
graphics in a virtual CD jewel case, and this is your only method if 
seeing 
whether your alignment is correct. If it isn't, you just go back and edit 
your graphics, and then browse for them again while you are in the 
software 
program....repeat until everything looks visually right.  Once you have 
your 
CD graphics right, the program then asks you to put your CD-R in your 
drive. 
It makes a digital copy of the CD-R and adds it to the design info.  Once 
you are done, the software saves your project to a giant file on your hard 
drive.  You can either open it later or click a button while you are still 
in the program to upload the project to the kunaki server.

5. After the kunaki design program creates your project file (graphics + 
sound), it gives you an option of burning a CD-R from that file. I highly 
recommend doing this before you upload your project to their server, and 
listen to it through and through....that way you know there were no errors 
in the ripping of the original CD-R to your project file. It hasn't 
happened 
to me, but I know of someone who didn't do this, and ordered 50 CDs that 
had 
audio glitches. It was a problem with their system, not the kunaki 
program. 
It's just safe to check before you upload to their server.

6. Kunaki's policy is that you or a customer order at least one CD from 
your 
project every 90 days. I you don't, they will retire your project, and 
you'll have to re-upload a new version from the project file on your hard 
drive.

Kris