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The CD-ROM Business Card, CD-R Card and Shaped CD-ROM FAQ
A no frills guide to the CD-Business Card
This guide is aimed at the PC platform. If you are well versed at MAC, I would be interested in the possibility of adding a MAC/Cross platform section consisting of your input.
I have assembled a collection of frequently asked questions
regarding the use of CD-ROM and CD-R Business Cards. Sources vary and may be a
compilation of more than one source.
Please ignore this link, it is a test for anchor function Bottom
The open question page.
I will be posting questions submitted from readers for
public input. Click Here to submit a question or to browse the unanswered
questions
What exactly is a CD Business Card?
A CD Business Card is nothing more than a standard CD-ROM
(or CD-R) in the shape of a business card. This can be accomplished through a
number of means. The most popular method is to cut two sides a standard 180mb
Mini-Disk. This creates a rounded rectangle with capacities dependant on the
amount of disk removed when cutting the "flats" of the rectangle.
The other method is molding a CD to the specific size desired. I have never
heard an argument where it was proved that one method was more superior than the
other. If you have information to the contrary, please forward it to me.
How can it work?
Unlike LP records which play from the outside-in, CD's
play from the inside-out. Therefore it does not matter what the size or shape of
the CD is as long as there is concentric data area available after the cut.
Click here for a "flash" demonstration of a CD Card in use.
Note: this is a rectangular card. A rounded rectangle (aka: saddle, rink) do not require alignment beyond being placed horizontal
What exactly is a Shaped CD?
Shaped CD-ROM's are simply a full size or mini-disk which
is milled down to a specific shape. The capacities of the cards are dependant on
the shape chosen. After the cards have been made if a "full size"
format and printed, they are aligned and through the use of a guide or a
computerized cutting head, cut to the desired shape. This success of this format
is heavily dependant on the balance of the design. Music is much more forgiving
than data. When placing data on a shape CD, it is recommended that it be in a
smaller format and consist of a balanced (concentric) shape. An example of this
would be a square or sprocket.
How has it been used?
The uses to date are endless. Here is a list of those that
come to mind. It is by no means all inclusive.
Business cards, e-brochure, website, product launch,
resume, medical records, sweepstakes token, event ticket, music promo, music
single, music demo, movie trailer, commercial, house tour, press kit, database, employee
hand book, area guide, restaurant guide, trial software, full software, phone
card, gift card, prepaid card, discount card, portfolio, slide show.
Is there a standard size?
There is only one semi standard size at this point for CD
business cards and that applies to the "rounded rectangle" shaped
cards. It is the dimension of 80mm which is the outer diameter of a standard
mini-disk. If you open your CD tray, you will see a depression with a diameter
of about 1/3 smaller than a standard CD-ROM. That is the location where mini
disks are meant to play.
What kind of content can be placed on the cards?
Anything that can be placed on a CD-ROM, Floppy or ZIP
disk can be placed on a CD-Card. If you have a video, it can be compressed and
placed on a card. the same goes for a website. (See web based disks) If you want
to install software, format the disk as you would any standard CD. Programs like
Macromedia Flash, Director, acrobat files, Powerpoint files are the most popular
software's and files used.
Can I put Powerpoint presentation on the cards?
A Powerpoint presentation can be placed on the cards along
with a generic Powerpoint viewer. However, if you wish to use Powerpoint 2000,
be warned that the viewer has not yet been updated and may not support the
features that your require.
I will be adding more information to this area.
How do I put my website on a CD Card?
The simplest way to do this is to first make sure that
your filenames are in the maximum 8-3 format to make your card as compatible as
possible. Example: 1.htm up to 12345678.htm. Of course any legal character can
be substituted for the numbers. Then use your preferred CD authoring software to
add your content to your CD. Note that you can add images and files of any size
because there is not any download time. It is kind of a dream web where everyone
has a T-1 line.
(a T-1 is a high speed/capacity data/phone line)
How can I get a program to auto-run?
I have received dozens of inquiries regarding the use and
creation of auto-runs for CD use. An auto run consists of an autorun.inf
file and an executable file (.exe). When a CD-ROM is inserted in a users drive,
the windows operating system looks for the autorun.inf file. It then runs
that file. That file (in most cases) points to an .exe file containing
installation, playback, configuration, menu or other types of instructions.
Programs are available to help you create these. I
will be adding more information as time allows or as it is submitted.
What is a "Glass Master"
A glass master is a master CD that is used to create all
copies of your data. It is required for CD-ROM Duplication. It consists of a
glass disc which is burned with a laser to create the that make a CD-ROM
readable.
How can I create my own CD-ROM Business Cards using a CD
burner?
First take a look at the tray of your CD burner. There is
a slot where the reader scans the CD. It should not be wider than the height of
the CD-R. There is a possibility that it could fall inside the drive. I have
never had it happen to me but I have heard of it occurring. As always, use this
faq as a guide only and make that decision for yourself. CD Cards are compatible
with all of the CD authoring software that I have tried. Make sure that the
recording speed matches the media! There are CD-R cards available in many
capacities and speeds. 12x compatibility is not as common but is available. One
note of caution. I would not recommend the use of any CD player or recorder in
the vertical position (such as a desktop computer stood on it's side). This is
asking for trouble when it comes to CD-ROM Business Cards.
How do I create label (face graphic) artwork?
You have create artwork from a supplied shape template or
create your own abstract shape. Graphics programs such as Adobe illustrator or
Photoshop are the most common formats. Consult with the manufacturer for
specifications.
CMYK is a standard for four color printing.
This can be accomplished in a few ways. You can purchase CD card labels and print and apply them yourself, (the fastest and most economical) purchase printable cards and a dedicated CD-ROM Printer (thermal printing works best for most of these), or if you have the need, custom silk screen or offset printing is available for large quantities.
This document is Copyright (C)2001 by Steve Jones, All Rights Reserved.
Distribution of this faq is encouraged on not for profit or personal websites . Please contact me for uses in products to be sold.
All information related to content origin (including the date and this url) must remain intact.
Please do not take any information contained here as law. It has been collected from various sources and some details may be incorrect. In fact this faq could be all incorrect. I and no one associated with this faq claims to be an expert on CD-ROM business cards or any other item or subject mentioned here. We are not responsible for time CD media, monies lost or any other damages due to the reference of this faq.
Last Updated: 2/6/01
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