SHAPED DISCS

The data portion of a CD / DVD begins at the center of a disc. The data starts on the inner tracks and continues outward. All of the space beyond the end of the data is essentially blank, and subsequently unnecessary! It is possible to actually remove this unused area, either by actually molding a smaller disc, or by cutting a full size disc into a common (or unique!) shape.

MOLDED CD-ROM/DVD

Molded discs are available at selected plants, are and generally available in a few common shapes such as Rectangular "BIZ Cards" (shaped like an actual business card, 50MB), Mini-Round CD's (8cm/80mm,185MB), or "Rounded Corner" BIZ Cards (shaped like a "hockey rink", 50MB).

CUT MEDIA

Cut discs start out as full size discs and are literally "cut" to spec. Many people are surprised that the discs can be cut, and many too are surprised that the disc does not need to be round! This provided designers with the opportunity to create a completely innovative product. The process of "designing" a shape begins with identifying the amount of data that needs to be stored on the CD. This will determine how much data area needs to be left untouched. Then, Kopy-Rite will work with you to design a shape, taking into account your unique marketing ideas, the need for balance and symmetry, and packaging. Samples can easily be made.

RECORDABLE CD-R SHAPES

There are recordable CD's available in the shape of BIZ Cards (both varieties) and Mini-Rounds. They are usually done in lower quantities (<1000), and are usually labeled. There are other options (such as "shapeable" discs), but they are harder to find and much more expensive and subsequently used by understanding, cooperative, and determined designers!

A FEW CONSIDERATIONS...

There are a few things to keep in mind when considering a shaped CD. First, not all players can accept these shapes. Any player that uses an "insertion style" mechanism cannot accept these types of disc. Most car audio players, for example, have an insertion slot for the discs. The player will recognize that a disc is being inserted, and it will then "grab" the disc and draw it into the player. Anything other than a standard size disc will not work. Some MAC systems use the same type of CD/DVD drive.

Secondly, some (many,actually) shaped CD's will make a loud "whir" sound when put into a CD-ROM drive. This does not cause any problems whatsoever, but it seems to bother some people and should be discussed with the end user in order to manage expectations and ensure satisfaction!