What is a DDP Image & do I need one?

What is a DDP Image & do I need one?

DDP: Disc Description Protocol, also referred to as DDPi (DDP Image) or DDP File Set. An error-protected delivery format that has become industry standard for reliable CD & DVD replication.

Advantages of DDP include:

Integrity Of The Recordings. DDP files are not subject to manipulation and end up exactly as the artist intended. An audio CDR, for example, can influence the sound of a recording when used as a master due to errors and other effects of different dyes used in the disc itself.

Delivery Speed. DDP can be transferred using any medium including over the internet which speeds up the production process. Many organisations now only accept DDP, as they are faster and more reliable to work with.

Replication Errors. Using a DDP Image with MD5 Checksum will ensure accurate replication unlike an audio CDR.

Unlike audio CDs, DDPs can be checked to ensure that the data is 100% accurate. For this we insert a code known as an ‘MD5 Checksum’. The MD5 is created at source and is based on an analysis of the DDP Image data. When the code or is opened by the end user the data is analysed once again and a comparison is made to the existing code. Any difference whatsoever will result in a rejected DDP master. Audio CDRs do not provide this level of assurance from errors. Many CD players will also execute error-correction on playback of your audio CDR and may mask any issues with your disc. These errors may therefore not be identifiable until you hear them on your final disc run!

A DDP Image is recommended for all customers who are replicating CDs of their project.