Digipak Research

For our coursework we are having to develop and construct a digipak to advertise our music video. This will consist of an album cover and poster. We will be using programs such as powerpoint and photoshop and our IT skills to develop this.

Our first task will be to do a photo shoot so we can capture our images and import them onto the cover/posters. 




History of the Digipack:


'Digipaks typically consist of a gatefold (book-style) paperboard or card stock outer binding, with one or more plastic trays capable of holding a CD or DVD attached to the inside. Since Digipaks were among the first alternatives to jewel cases to be used by major record companies, and because there is no other common name for Digipak-style packaging made by other companies, the term digipak or Digi-Pakoften used generically, even when the media holder is a hub or "Soft Spotrather than a full plastic tray.
Digipak-style packaging is often used for CD singles or special editions of CD albums and the tall DVD Digipak (DVDigipakis used as a premium package for DVDs and DVD sets. Because such packaging is less resistant to abrasion than jewel cases, it tends to show signs of wear relatively quickly. Licensed digipak manufacturers such as domestic U.S. printer and disc replicator Oasis Disc Manufacturing recommend coating the raw printed paper with a protective UV coating, thus ensuring greater longevity.
Although less vulnerable to cracking than a jewel case, the disc tray inside the package (particularly the "teeth" of the hub which secure the disc in place) remains rather brittle and is prone to cracking if the package is crushed. Digipak-style cases grew in popularity among record labels and recording artists in the early 2000s.
Manufacturers have sought to reduce environmental impact and improve functionality by introducing recycled components into its trays; one has announced a 100% post-consumer PET tray made from recycled bottles which also eliminates the need for the brittle "teeth". Many printers use recycled or sustainable material for the board stock.

Historically, Digipak was only available in large quantities. However, AGI has recently introduced a new product called digipak i-create for the consumer market. Digipak i-create is a web-supported concept that is aimed at the download, music, photo and creative markets.'


Our Digipak will consisit of a Back, Front and Inside CD covers aswell as promotion material such as posters and/or magazine adverts. As a group we have already began our research for this, looking at examples from well known artists such as Michael Jackson. This has been performed online as well as looking at hard copies.


Examples:

 

This Digipak folds out to show pictures of the band with lyrics on top. It also includes a booklet that includes more band photos and information of their recent tours and recording sessions. I like the red/black colour scheme and have been inspired to include promotion material inside my own Digipak as I feel it offers more to the fans, and will bring in new buyers.

This second Digipak is one I didn't like as much. It has a much larger 'DVD' style case which I think makes it awkward to transport and would look out of place in a CD collection. The reason for the size is the large book it comes with it, although a good idea, I think it would be better to include a poster or fold out booklet which can fit in a CD case.