Enhanced CD (E-CD) Mastering

What is an E-CD?

In short, the E-CD format (Blue Book) provides a multimedia bridge to the existing audio compact disc (Red Book) standard, which allows a data sector to be added to the format, in turn forming the Enhanced CD format, also known as Multi-Session since the disc contains both an Audio and a Data session.

Within that data sector, you can then add content such as Music Video, Documentary Video, PDF, HTML, etc.
Leveraging the E-CD format can aid you in creating additional value within your CD project.

• Early Marketplace Challenges:

When introduced to the markeplace in the mid-90's, some early E-CDs
set out to engage an elaborate user experience. While those goals were experimental and highly creative, they often frustrated users more than entertained them, and created many cross-platform (Mac/PC) headaches.

• Where we are today:

Presently, the E-CD has evolved to become a vehicle for adding video and promotional content to compliment an Audio CD, as the industry has learned the best way to ensure a positive user-experience is to keep things simple.

Step 1: Deciding what to add

As mentioned earlier, the E-CD format allows the integration of Audio and Multimedia data within one format, the Blue-Book format.

So the question then becomes "What should I add?".
To simplify the E-CD experience, the two most common parts of the data portion within an E-CD are Video and PDF content.

•  Video:

Music videos, recording documentaries, tour diaries, artist retrospectives;  all can be presented using video within the E-CD format.

•  PDF Content:

By adding PDF content, you can provide the user with a familiar document format to present artist & label information, links to websites, tour date & fan club information, etc.

Your creativity is your only limit.

Step 2: Formats & Testing

Once you have determined the scope of your E-CD project (what to add), the authoring of an E-CD can be broken into 2 components: Formats, and Testing.

• Formats:

Video content can be published in a variety of formats, including .WMV, .MP4, .M4V, etc. Additionally, you may want to include large & small viewing sized videos for use with computers vs. PMP (iPod) devices.

Multimedia content such as .PDF, .HTML, or other media also require considerations of how many devices the multimedia should run on.

• Testing:

Once all formats have been specified, encoding, formatting, authoring, and testing of that content within a constructed Blue-Book format can be executed in-house at Mike Wells Mastering using an array of Mac & PC systems to ensure full compatibility with Windows 7, Vista, XP, and Mac OSX Leopard, Tiger, etc...

Step 3: Results

By leveraging the E-CD format, you offer your fans a unique opportunity to experience your release with audio, multimedia, and promotional content.

Given today's challenges in marketing any release, consider the E-CD as an excellent way to rise above your competition.

• Adding E-CD content to your project:

Since each E-CD is unique, scope & estimates are best addressed with a phone conversation.

To get started, call Chris at 323.363.3693.