Adding Patronus Copy Protection to a DVD Video with a StorDigital SafeTower.


In this post we wanted to touch briefly on the advantages of using a StorDigital SafeTower for duplicating DVD Video discs. StorDigital duplicators are widely recognised as the best duplicators in the industry for producing large volumes of CD, DVD and Blu-Ray. One of the reasons they are so successful is because they are both reliable and feature packed. One feature that is much sought after is our DVD copy protection function available in the StorDigital SafeTower model. Using the industry leading copy protection software, Patronus from ‘Fortium Technologies’ the StorDigital SafeTower has the ability to quickly and easily protect your DVD Video titles from unauthorised copying.

Applying DVD Video copy protection via the SafeTower both protects your content and boosts long term revenues from subsequent sales.

To protect your DVD Videos from unauthorised duplication just follow these steps:

01 Take your DVD Video and place into the drive on your computer

02 Open the “Imgburn” software, and convert your DVD into a ISO file on your PC

03 Open the “Copylock” software. Select the ISO you just created as the source file, and type a filename for the destination file your destination file will be called a VCP file.

04 Once the process is complete, transfer the VCP file to the Hard drive of your duplicator, using the supplied USB cable.

NOTE* To enable or disable the USB on your duplicator, select “Setup” from the duplicator Menu, then turn the “External Connection” on or off. The external connection must be “on” to transfer VCP files from your computer to the duplicator hard drive, and must be turned off when you are ready to burn your new copy protected DVD Videos through your duplicator.

Patronus DVD Video copy protection is very cost effective when making larger volumes of discs due to the fact that you only pay to protect the master disc. This means every copy you make is protected, but without incurring any extra costs.

It’s as simple as that.

In tests at CD-writer.com HQ we have found the DVD Video discs very diffcult to copy with all the mainstream DVD ripping solutions. Customers should note that the SafeTower software can easily be updated to offer ongoing protection.


Fortium’s DVD Anti Rip Copy Protection technology “Patronus” is designed with reliable levels of protection from mass market ripping programs. Patronus provides effective speed bump protection from unauthorised casual copying. Patronus software is regularly tested against new and upgraded ripping programs.

Since its launch Patronus has gained considerable traction across all geographies of the world.
Major US based film studios, content owners and duplicating service providers have found the high level of copy protection and easy of use key factors in their adoption of Patronus. Patronus today is helping our global partners secure their video content so helping to prevent the organised ripping and exploitation of their content, thus protecting their revenues and brands which is fundamental in the competitive video production world. From Videographers to the largest Film Studios Patronus is delivering results.

Patronus DVD video anti rip copy protection solution helps content owners sell more discs by reliably preventing unauthorized copying from common ripping programs without affecting playback. Patronus is widely used by videographers and the major film studios for protecting screener DVDs.
It introduces copy control encapsulation in areas of the disc not read by DVD players during playback. Complying with the DVD standard, the original content is not modified and play-back quality remains unaffected. Patronus effectively controls access to the content by common ripping programs and provides effective, speed bump protection from unauthorised copying.

Complex content – including menus, special features, extras and even dual layers – are protected by the passive technology of Patronus, which ensures no changes are made to the original video files during analysis. Patronus provides an ideal solution for consumer ‘download-to-own’ and in-store ‘on demand’ manufacturing.

Patronus is a passive anti-rip solution that encapsulates image files on a DVD disc causing access to the content by common ripping programs to be controlled. The original media content is not modified and play-back quality remains unaffected. This is achieved by introducing copy control encapsulation in areas of the disc that are not read by DVD players during playback. Copy controlled discs are designed to provide effective speed bump protection from unauthorised casual copying. Copy controlled discs have full DVD player playability matching that of unprotected DVDRs. Menus, special features and extras are unaffected and remain as the original.


How do I apply Patronus to DVDs?
Copy control is applied through our proprietary Patronus software authoring program which adds protection to the ISO or DDP image file prior to burning. Once protected the ISO files can be processed in the normal way for PC playback, duplicating DVDs or for mastering and manufacturing. Content that is protected in this way can be burnt to disc using any standard burn engine.

How reliable is it?
The high level of copy protection, playability and simplicity of its use are key factors in the continued success of Patronus. Whereas NO copy protection solution can be guaranteed to be 100% un-rippable , Patronus provides a significant ’speed bump’ in any attempt to rip and copy video content and hence has been adopted by leading content owners across the world. Independent testing has shown both a significant level of copy protection robustness but also virtually 100% playability on the huge range of DVD players out there. Further, it is an upgradable software solution. New and innovative development continues to ensure that it provides the most reliable, efficient and easy to use anti-rip copy protection solution available.
Low quality media should be avoided.

Patronus can also be used with CSS, Content Scramble System to protect movies on DVD from being illegally duplicated. Patronus has been licensed by Sonic Solutions for integration with Qflix which is an industry-backed standard and comprehensive licensing and certification program that allows movies to be legally purchased by downloading through the Internet and burned onto DVD or directly duplicated by in-store retail systems, providing movie studios and distributors with an efficient new channel for the electronic distribution of digital video entertainment to consumers.

Simply, Qflix is a system that enables the recording of premium content to DVD-recordable discs with the same level of copy protection found on today’s instore DVDs. Being both secure and compatible with the billion DVD players deployed worldwide, Qflix opens up a whole new way to digitally deploy movies with the same quality and level of interactivity as standard DVD discs, but with virtually no inventory management costs.

You can find the StorDigital SafeTower DVD Duplicator with Patronus copy protection on the CD-writer.com shop or by via the CD-writer.com outlet on EBay.

Call us on 020 8293 0777 (in normal working hours) for more information about how we can help protect your DVD Video content from unauthorised duplication.

Home Studio Recording Tips’n’Tricks

Everybody knows that the recording conditions in a home studio aren’t usually as good as professional studio recordings. You simply don’t have as many possibilities as a full equipped studio does. But here are some tips to bring your own home studio as close to a professional one as possible.

A must for a good home studio is that you never stop trying things. It might take some time until you have found the best way of recording, producing and, of couse, playing your music, but it will be worth it. Experimenting is the only way to improve your skills and to get the best out of your equipment.
Try not to rush things and have plenty of patience.

Make sure your instrument is in good shape. No matter if you sing, play guitar or drums, it`s important to prepare it before the recording to get the best out of it.

You play the guitar? Change your strings!
You play the drums? Change your drum heads!
You are a singer? Be gentle to your voice a few days before your recording. Wear a scarf, drink tea and don`t smoke. Also, prepare your voice right before you want to sing. Do some vocal exercises and, as funny as it may seem, eat potato chips! They help your voice to get a better tune.

 

Now the recording itself.
If you need a very calm voice for your song, let’s say a ballad, let the vocalist lie down on his/her back and hold the microphone right above their mouth. This helps the vocalist to relax and gives him/her more head space.
You can also adjust the room to your song. With light for example. You’re playing a ballad – light a candle. You’re playing a rock song – turn all the lights in the room on. It helps you to get the feeling of the song.

Depending on the conditions in your room, your instruments can sound completely different. Is your room wooden, do you have a carpet on the floor or a lot of windows? All this can change the way your song sounds. That`s why you have to move around in your room with your instrument and find the place with the best sound.
If your room doesn’t offer the best conditions and creates an echo when you’re recording, make use of your blankets, sleeping bags or cushions. Put them up to a kind of wall or tent and put the microphone in it. Also, if you have the cash, be sure to buy some good cables, it’s money well spent.

 

Try to get someone who knows how to check your recording studio space for ‘standing waves’ and any other soundwaves that can spoil your recording or mix sessions – use empty egg cartons (not plastic ones) to eliminate waves by ‘dampening’ the room.

If the low end or the highs aren’t the way you want them to be, don’t change anything on your EQ immediately. Try to adjust the settings on your instrument or amp first. Another mic can also make a difference.

You will need different frequencies for your recordings. Use filters to focus your instrument on higher or lower frequencies. The filters also help you to cut out unwanted noises like an air conditioner.
It’s a good thing to have good equipment, but don’t use too many devices at the same time. It might not do any good to your music. Again, experimenting is the key. Try using different devices to find out how to get the best sound.
Another way of getting different tones out of the same equipment is to adjust the gain on your preamp. Using a microphone for example, you won’t need a pad if you’re recording something that’s supposed to sound natural. But now, to change the tone, you can push the preamp. Using the pad cranking the gain on the preamp will make a big change. This might also mean that you have to move all your devices, including the musician.
Play your recording/mix through small speakers to try and gauge what the sound will be like when played on the radio.

You see, everthing comes down to experimenting.

It is also important to try different placements and angles for your microphone. Turning it up toward a 45º angle will fade down unwanted hissings.
Angling your amp will do a huge difference to the sound as well. Adjust it to the conditions in your room (especially the floor) and to the music you`re playing. Put it off the floor in case the low end is sucked by the floor or increased because of vibrations.

Listen carefully and critically to your own work to see where you can make improvements.
BUT do NOT listen to your music over-loudly, especially when using headphones. Remember, your ears are the most important bit of ‘kit’ you have and they are NOT replacable.

It is also helpful to read magazines like SOS that inform you of recording techniques and tricks to give you a more professional sound.

 

And most important, don’t lose your fun doing your music!

Want to be a successful indie musician? We can help you!!

We have compiled a huge list of tips and advice that will prove indispensable for any musician or band looking to make it big in the music business. Follow our guide and get on the road to the success that you deserve and experience the warm glow of affection from your swollen fan base. Rock On, Dude!

01 Believe in the product you are selling – you are your music. Imagine you run your own business, I’m quite sure your main objective would be to place your products successfully on the market, wouldn’t it? However, in order to achieve this lucky situation, one of the most important things is that you really believe in your products. Your products should reflect your personality and your passion. And so it is in the music business. If you do not like what you do and are not completely convinced of your music, your style, your genre, and your final cut you will never earn the success you are aiming for. Continue reading “Want to be a successful indie musician? We can help you!!”

They’re here! The new range of Blu-Ray Duplicators from StorDigital

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blu_ray_duplicator

You heard it here first, StorDigital have just released their new range of Premium Blu-Ray Duplicators and we think they are definitely worth a look! They vary in size from a petite 1-1 device through to a mammoth 1-15 capable of churning out an incredible 60 Blu-Ray discs per hour.* Backwards compatibility means they also function as a DVD and CD duplicator, and come with a host of upgrade options to improve their performance even further. Packed with the latest high speed Blu-Ray burners, these machines are built to offer a first class solution for even the most dedicated duplicator professional.

StorDigital as always provide their renowned UK based support, and all the systems come with a 12 month parts and labour warranty.

 

Get in touch now for more information about the best value Blu-Ray Duplicators around on +44 (0) 208 293 0777 or buy online here.

Primera 4100 Disc Printer – offers full face prints in 6 seconds

Primera-Bravo-4100

The Primera 4100 Auto Disc printer for MAC and PC is the latest disc printer available from market leading, Primera. It offers 100 disc capacity and a remarkable 6 second per disc print speed for full face, full colour discs. Whilst the 6 second disc print is not to the highest resolution it is sufficiently good for most purposes. When you need to produce a great many discs in the shortest possible time your throughput is largely determined by the speed at which you can print your discs.

The 4100 Printer from Primera does have it’s limitations. WHilst it has a fast print speed it should not be confused with more expensive industrial type CD printers. However its 4 colour ink system does help to ensure the best possible prints at the lowest possible cost (albeit based on Primera ink prices).

Customers should also note that the 4100 AutoPrinter requires the changing of print heads after printing upto 8000-10000 discs. But at a price under £100 this is a small price to pay for the convenience of speed and quality, since the new print heads will ensure the printer continues to print discs to the highest possible standard.

Use JVC Taiyou Yuden watershield discs to get full colour, high resolution, glossy water resistant discs.

Find out more about the 4100 Printer by calling 020 8293 0777 or by clicking here.

WE’RE THROO – Roy’s boys lift the nations expectations.

After a shaky start to what was considered the most important match so far in England’s Euro 2012 campaign, the Three Lions booked their place in the quarter finals with a 1-0 victory over co-hosts Ukraine. A goal from the previously suspended Wayne Rooney sealed a top place finish in Group D.

 Wayne Rooney’s goal came in the 48th minute following earlier criticism after the miss of his first-half sitter.

 England started the game in a very defensive frame of mind inviting early pressure from Ukraine who threatened to defy England’s expectations. Early attacks from Yarmolenko and Garmash looked to danger Joe Hart’s goal and the two Ukranian full-backs, Gusev and Selin, aimed to attack the wings at every opportunity causing Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole problems in defense. Against the run of play England looked likely to score after a good ball in to the box from Ashley Young perfectly picked out the head of Wayne Rooney who found himself one-on-one with the unconvincing Pyatov, but the Manchester United forward’s finish didn’t quite match the quality of the delivery with the ball consequently drifting wide of the target. A packed central midfield forced Ukraine wide as a solid partnership of Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard seemed to be handling the centre of the park very capably, however the Ukrainians continuously showed their quality to deliver exceptional balls into the box.

 After a poor first half performance some good work from Gerrard on the wing created an opening for England. A low driven ball in from the right proved to cause difficulty for the unimpressive Pyatov who managed to spill the ball only to direct it into the path of the goal-poaching Wayne Rooney who finished with a simple header from close range. Ukraine’s best piece of play came with a cross from the left finding the head of Milevskiy who failed to finish from just 6 yards. Ukraine attacks continued to flood the England box and an effort from Devic, which seemed to have crossed the line, looked to have put the co-hosts level only to be denied by the extra official on the goal line following John Terry’s quick reactions who controversially scooped the ball away which inevitably sparked post-match talks. England saw out the remainder of the match to hold on to the all important victory which ignited English celebrations and sent the co-hosts crashing out of the tournament.

 England now go on to play Italy in the quarter finals on Sunday 24th June.

Epson Disc Producer MAC software available from July 1st 2012

Epson announce that they will offer Apple Mac software for their best selling Epson Disc Producer from July 1st 2012. Great news for the digital creatives all over the world.

Digital Media creativity in 2012 is bigger than ever and the leading tool for the UK’s digital creatives remains the Apple Mac platform. To that end Epson appear keen to ensure they don’t miss out on this very important corner of the market and have release apple MAC software for their fantastic automated disc publisher the Epson DiscProducer. Available as printer only or print and burn with varied options the software is available for the following MAC OS platforms.

Mac OS X 10.6.8 “Snow Leopard”, Mac OS X v10.7.3 “Lion”

The Epson Disc Producer is available here

 

Here’s the full press release from EPSON:

Epson Discproducer now compatible with Mac OS X

Free software download enables Mac users to enjoy
high-quality disc burning and printing

 

Epson Disc Producer for MAC

xx June 2012 – Epson makes its popular DiscproducerTM range available to Mac users with the release of its new Mac OS X-compatible Discproducer software, Total Disc Maker Version 1.0. The success of the Discproducer range and the growing demand for Mac-compatible CD/DVD publishing solutions led Epson to develop the software, which registered Discproducer owners can download for free at https://download.epson-biz.com from 1 July 2012.

 

Leonard Beckmann, product manager at Epson Europe, says: “We are delighted to offer Mac users exactly the same Discproducer features that Windows users already enjoy, including fully-automated CD and DVD production, accurate burning, and high-quality, 6-colour printing. As one set of ink cartridges can produce over 1,000 fully-covered discs, the Discproducer is an economical choice for a variety of businesses and applications, including creative agencies, music and video production, pre-press, arts, education, duplicators and corporations.”

 

Total Disc Maker 1.0 supports the following:

  • Epson Discpoducer models: PP-50, PP-100, PP-100AP
  • Mac OS versions: Mac OS X 10.6.8 “Snow Leopard”, Mac OS X v10.7.3 “Lion”
  • CD/DVD formats: all major standard formats for data, music, video
  • Image formats: AI (Illustrator: PDF-compatible formatted), Adobe PDF, BMP, PNG, JPG, TIFF
  • Audio formats: WAV, MP3, AIFF, AAC
  • Barcodes types: EAN 8/13, ITF, Code39, Code128, NW-7, PDF417, QR
  • Auto insert fields: date, time, data size, volume label, counter
  • File systems: ISO9660, Joliet, UDF(1.02), UDF Bridge, HFS+
  • Languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese

 

Registered Discproducer owners can download Total Disc Maker Version 1.0 free of charge at https://download.epson-biz.com from 1 July 2012. The software will be included with any purchase of an Epson Discproducer PP-50, PP-100 or PP-100AP from approximately July 2012 onwards.

Squeeze choose StorDigital Duplicators for LIVE duplication on forthcoming tour.

Squeeze choose StorDigital for live duplication

Yes, this week we have been very happy to supply famous London band Squeeze with a series of daisy chain duplicators from the StorDigital Link Tower range. Glen Tilbrook, of Squeeze explained that the units would be used to create instant CDs of the evenings show and will include the first new songs from the band in 14 years. The limited edition discs will be available at the end of each show, alongside other merchandise offered by way of a ppop up squeeze shop.

Obviously as CD-writer.com we are very proud to be supporting Squeeze on their tour and wish them every success with their LIVE duplication experiment.

Here’s a link to the StorDigital LinkTowers chosen by the band.

To find out how CD-writer.com Ltd can help your band call us today on 020 8293 0777.

3D Printers offer automated 3D modelling for everyone

3D Printing technology has been around now for some 15 to 20 years, it’s certainly not new, but over the last 24 months is has certainly become more affordable. Thanks largely to enthusiastic innovators and hobbyists everyone is now able to get their hands on desktop additive 3D printers that really do work.

BY feeding filaments of ABS or PLA material an additive 3D printer will build a physical 3D model layer by layer. These first to market additive 3D printers use a print head/nozzle similar to a heated glue gun, just on a smaller scale. The ABS material is is fed from a roll similar to the roll of plastic filament used in garden strimmers. Then the filament reaches the print head it is melted and extruded.

The physical model is mapped out in software and a STL file is most often created. The print command is then sent to the printer and the job will start. There are various options that will allow you to optimise your print for either speed or quality that will determine the amount of filament used and the finish of the final product.

At CD-writer.com we have a range of 3D Printers avaialable

To find out more about the opportunity to start 3D printing in your home or business call us today on 020 8293 0777.

 

Photos of a Mexican drug lord’s home after being raided….

The money and valuables found in this one house alone, would be enough to pay for health insurance for every man woman and child in the USA for 12 years!

It is estimated to be approximately 27 more of these houses in Mexico alone. Not to mention the ones in other countries who are enriching themselves in the drug trade. These people have so much money, they make the Arab oil sheiks look like welfare recipients.

Their money can buy politicians, cops, judges, whatever they need they just throw down stacks of cash and it is theirs! This is why the drug problem is so difficult to fight.

Continue reading “Photos of a Mexican drug lord’s home after being raided….”