What is the difference between a Digipack and a CD case?
There are a number of differences between the two, a digipak refers to a certain kind of CD case, the one that I will be designing. It essentially consists of a plastic disc tray that has been glued inside a folded cardboard case. Digipak once referred specifically to the patented digipak packaging but has now become a genericized trademark that is basically used for any cardboard centred CD packaging.
They are made of paper, and despite this they were once considered the environmentally friendly version of CD cases, however they have remained less common due to the fact that they can survive less wear and tear than jewel cases, particularly when they are in the store, ojn top of this they have higher manufacturing costs.
A jewel case/ CD case consists of 3 peices of plastic put together to create a protective case for the disc. The plastic disc pinner is generally the same as in the digipack, yet information about the CD including the case is pinned in to the front of the case, and printed onto separate paper. The back artwork can be held securely in place between the CD and back plastic.
Why There is more value on a Digipack
The digipak has 6 sides, therefore there will be more opportunity for visible artwork, information or promotions. This way the artist has a better chance at attracting potential buyers, such as fans, as they will see the digipak as more than just a disc of music, it is a collectable item as well. In comparison to the jewel case, all of this additional information is easier accessible, the sleeve in a jewel case is easily ripped when removed or put back into the plastic grips, making it unappealing to remove. On a digipak all information is very easily accessible.
Things I need to Include in my Digipack;
The artist name
The album title
The names of the songs on the album
The copyright label
The record company
Album credits
Lyrics?
Album artwork
Barcode
Disc holder
CD's have always been a 'must have' and have remained to be a very popular product to listen to music via. However music sales in the UK have fallen for the sixth consecutive year, according to the British record trade. The BPI said combined digital and physical album sales fell 7% last year, from 128.9 million to 119.9 million.The 2009 figures saw an overall drop of 3.5%, despite a rise in download sales., music and books retailer HMV announced plans to close 60 UK stores in the next 12 months. The company said Christmas sales were down 10% and warned profits would be at the lower end of forecasts, blaming severe weather and "challenging trading conditions". The BPI monitored sales gathered by the Official Charts Company and said sales of digital albums in 2010 have increased by 30%.It also found the combined singles market recorded an all-time high of 161.8m, beating 2009's figure of 152.7m.
It is now easier, and faster, to click a button a download your new favourite track, legally or illegally. Now thanks to to sites such as youtube and spotify, it is simple and easy to listen to music over and over again free of charge. This dramatically effects artists as they do not make a profit from there music. Itunes helps this by charging for downloads, although this does not support the sales of CDs.
Artisits are no longer making a great amount of money from CDs. It is now coming from performing at festivals or concerts, or going to do a private show. If they are going to do a festival then normally the company will fly them out there and pay for their accomadation. As well as this itunes is still used all over the world on a daily basis. Itunes will keep a percentage of the money but the rest will go to the artist. As well as this artist will avertise themselfes, they do this in many different way's such as selling T-shirts, Caps, Flags,Horns and 20 second recordings of their latest song.
