What is a DDP image and what is it used for?

We have many clients that ask if we accept "DDP images" for their CD audio work as they have been provided a CD master in that format by the studio or mastering house. The answer is yes we do, however we always recommend that they have a CD Master or Reference copy to verify and approve the CD content before production takes place. A cd audio copy is really the only way to verify the audio, track markers and gaps that make up the CD that your customers will hear. Mp3s, Wav files, Aiffs etc are not what the customer is going to hear so they are not an accurate representation of the final product.

In many ways a DDP image is a more reliable format for a CD master for replication work as it is a data version of the master rather than strictly audio (or red book master). and the major benefit of a DDP is that should be accompanied by an error verification file called a "Checksum",  this file is used to verify the integrity of the data that is contained on the master.

The disadvantage of a DDP file is that for smaller run duplication work that is normally done from a CD audio master there would be a conversion fee to make the master that is required for that type of work and a reference copy would be produced for the client to approve before production commenced. This may also delay the turnaround time of a project. 

DDP images are also a great way to send masters for replication as they can be uploaded to an FTP server with the knowledge that the content can be verified as accurate by the glass mastering engineer at the plant.

So in summary we can now:

Download DDP images from FTP servers and verify the content

Produce CD Masters and Reference copies for client approval from DDP Image Files.

Manipulate CD Masters or DDP Images to add CD text alter gap length or the track order, and

Create & Upload DDP Images for bulk replication created in the SonicLab or provided on CD Audio Masters.  

If you have a CD audio project coming up soon where you require multiple copies give us a call to determine the recommended format for your master on 1300 4 PROCOPY or 08 9375 3902.