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Archive for the ‘Media Packaging’ Category

Types of CD Packaging

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

The compact disc, or CD as we call it, was introduced in 1982. This new technology allowed us to go from analog to digital recording capabilities. CD’s offer a much higher sound quality and storage capacity. They are also more durable and less susceptible to damage compared to cassette tapes and vinyl records. Although CD’s are becoming a less popular means of listening to music since places like iTunes exist, CDs are used for a variety of other things which means they still need secure packaging.

We are most familiar with the standard jewel case, but there are actually many different types of CD packaging. Below is an overview of the types of CD packaging:

Jewel case: This is the most popular and commonly used form of CD packaging. These cases are fitted with a molded, semi-rigid plastic insert that features a center hub to secure the CD and hold it in place. The case closes with a hinged door that is snapped into place. The cover of jewel cases have a slot for holding a booklet or artwork. The back is designed to hold a lining of artwork.

Slimline case: This type of CD case is half as thick as a standard jewel case. The front is similar, allowing for a booklet or artwork to be inserted. The back is a one-piece plastic tray. These cases are smaller and easier to ship.

Slim Double Case: This cases is basically like a standard jewel case, with the exception of the CD tray design. The CD tray is a slim double case and hinged near the spine. The way it is molded can hold a CD on each side.

Chubby CD Jewel Case: This case, also called the fatty case, is a way to hold multiple discs in one case. It has two clear sides to hold CD trays and each side is connected to a center section that may be molded to hold one or two additional CDs.

Digipak: This type is made of cardboard with a plastic molded tray attached to it. The cardboard case allows for screen printing and the interior sleeve has a place for a booklet to be inserted. Some digipaks have gatefold flaps that fold over to cover the CD from both sides.

FLPpak: This is a type of digipak but with added protection. A molded tray is attached to the cardboard backing. The bottom, top, and opening is protected with hard plastic. The opening edge has a hard plastic tab that is hinged to the back and snaps in place when closed.

Clamshell Cases: These cases are shaped just as their name, like a clamshell. They are a great way to protect CDs. They hold CDs snugly and keep them safe against scratches and damage.

Paper Sleeve: These sleeves have a clear plastic window and are the easiest as well as cheapest CD packaging. This type of CD packaging is commonly used for promotional and demo discs.

So there won’t be a test on these different types of CD packaging. But it is interesting to know there are more options than the standard jewel case.

Tags:CD cases, CD packaging, compact disc, digipak, Jewel Case, packaging, slimline case
Posted in Media Packaging | No Comments »

From Airplanes to Superheroes, New USB Flash Drives

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011

USB flash drives come in a variety of sizes, shapes, capacities, and designs. What used to be a simple and small data storage device, is now a something that not only stores information but also reflects an individual’s personality. There is no reason that flash drives have to be boring. Innovative and creative designs for flash drives help to bring a little touch of fun and spirit to these small device. Check out these new USB flash drives that have morphed from a device into an accessory.

One of the newest flash drive designs is airliner tail fins that come painted with your favorite airline logos. These tail fins can give your computer wings!

Another new flash drive design has powers all its own. The newest character from USB flash drive designer Mimoco, was designed in honor of Batman’s 75th anniversary. The design was inspired by Batman’s original appearance from the 1939 comics.

If I told you there was a rechargeable battery that recharges via USB that is also a flash drive would you believe me? Well its true! The new AA USB is here and is literally an AA battery form factor flash drive which is also a rechargeable AA battery. They have a removable adapter cap which allows it to be used in place of standard AA batteries and when the cap is removed, it can be plugged into an USB port to recharge.

Who new a USB flash drive could be functional and luxurious. A new luxurious pebble shaped, silver plated USB flash drive has been designed and hand-crafted in France to add a designer feel to technology. The pebble shape allows for easy portability, while the design introduces elegance.

Tags:creativity, data, device, flash drives, information, Mimoco, Storage, USB
Posted in Media Packaging, New Products | No Comments »

Introducing the Color of 2011: Honeysuckle

Friday, January 7th, 2011

If you recall from our blog post from last year that was posted around this time, turquoise was the color of 2010. Pantone Color Institute has made honeysuckle the color of 2011. This color is said to be courageous, optimistic, and vital. It has the essence of braveness for this brave new world and year we are in. The bold spirit of the color should lift and carry everyone through the year. This color embodies the idea that we can face everyday troubles with verve and vigor and encourages us to be confident as we meet challenges in our everyday lives.

This is what Executive Director of Pantone Color Institute had to say about the color. “In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating and stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going, perfect to ward off the blues.”

Honeysuckle can be found everywhere this year in places like the fashion industry, the home improvement sector, and packaging. Honeysuckle is a flattering hue in fashion that is guaranteed to produce a healthy glow for both men and women. Accessories and cosmetics are also capturing the essence that honeysuckle produces. Don’t be surprised if you see honeysuckle appear down the aisle. The dynamic reddish pink of honeysuckle is a rich color that many brides are incorporating into their weddings. Paint, pillows, bedspreads, and even small appliances are getting a makeover with honeysuckle. It adds a lively flair to interior spaces. Honeysuckle is also an excellent packaging color for products. It gives a festive and active look and is a great shade for food or drink packaging.

Keep your eyes peeled for honeysuckle this year. Hopefully it brightens everyone’s 2011!

To learn more check out Pantone.

Tags:2011, color of the year, fashion, Honeysuckle, packaging, Pantone Color Institute
Posted in Media Packaging | No Comments »

Custom DVD and Blu-ray Packaging

Monday, September 13th, 2010

As DVD packaging and Blu-ray packaging continues to evolve, much is put into custom packaging to create a splash and increase sales. Traditional DVD cases and Blu-ray cases are still the standard, but as we take a look at a few examples, we find that companies are customizing the packaging to target their audience and make their releases stand out.

Last winter, Toy Story 3 shattered box office records and is due out on DVD and Blu-ray on November 2, just in time for the holidays. Pixar recently showed what they have in store for collectors by revealing the custom packaging for their Toy Story Ultimate Toy Box Collection. The collection will include Blu-rays, regular DVDs and digital copies of all three Toy Story movies- a total of 10 discs.

The packaging features a square box on the outside with a Toy Story character on each side. On the inside, an original wagon toy box holds all of the discs. By going the extra mile with exclusive custom packaging, Pixar is hoping to attract both collectors and youth to the box set that is retailing on Amazon for $65.99.

Not only big budget film releases like Toy Story merit custom DVD packaging. This example of DVD packaging comes from the Gutek Film Company who’s celebrating their 15th Anniversary by paying homage to the artistic Italian cinematography of Michelangelo Antonioni. This collection features eight classics targeting film art lovers (lovers of multi-level sophisticated film art that is difficult to perceive).

Package design for the project is simple containing two boxes. The main “grand box” holds a smaller box inside where the DVD discs and booklet are held. The book jacket is made of black cardboard and has a logo cutout. On one side of the disc holder sheet is information relating to Antonioni’s works while the other side features specially shaped envelopes that holds the DVD discs.

Tags:Blu-Ray, Boxes, custom packaging, DVD, film, media, movies, packaging, Pixar, Toy Story
Posted in Media Packaging, Packaging Design | No Comments »

Katy Perry Puts Cotton Candy Into CD Packaging

Monday, September 6th, 2010

The music industry has been in a transitional phase for a handful of years. Digital sales continue to grow at a steady pace while CD sales continue to decline. Artists continue to fight the transition because buying digital albums means consumers are paying less and less attention to the artwork and digital mp3s do not sound as good as CDs. Thus the compromise of art and quality.

Packaging has come to the forefront in the music industry as many artists and record labels are trying to find innovative ways to convince consumers that they’re missing out when buying digital.

The example of Katy Perry’s recently released album “Teenage Dream” takes music and media packaging to the next level. After removing the shrink wrap from the album, the sweet scent of cotton candy is exuded from the packaging. After weeks and weeks of testing, the pressing plant was able to apply the scent into the printing varnish of the CD booklet. Not sure how consumers benefit from something like this unless maybe you’d like it to act as an air freshener in your car?

Regardless, this is a unique way of enticing your fans to pick up a physical copy of your disc rather than a digital copy from iTunes. It will be interesting to see what other ideas surface in an attempt to salvage the ultimate fate of CDs…..time is running out.

Tags:album, CD, compact disc, cotton candy, Katy Perry, music, packaging
Posted in Media Packaging, Packaging Design | No Comments »

Avatar Blu-ray Distress

Friday, May 7th, 2010

It’s the release of one of the most successful movies in history, Avatar. Some industry analysts think this movie will push Blu-ray sales in the same fashion that The Matrix pushed DVD sales. You can imagine how quickly the Blu-ray version has been flying off of stores shelves since its April 20th release. As sales have been through the roof, a little controversy has surfaced regarding the Avatar Blu-ray release.

1. The Packaging: Part of Avatar’s focus has been on environmental awareness. Choosing its release on Earth Day (April 20) the creators hoped to drive the message further. Even the film’s director James Cameron has been on Capital Hill recently talking about how his movie is a “Call to action” to protect the planet. Many bloggers and writers are finding the irony of Avatar’s Blu-ray and DVD releases not featuring eco-friendly packaging.

Further, there are two additional releases of the film scheduled on Blu-ray in the next year. One coming up during the holiday season that will be loaded with extras and special features and a 3-D version slated for early 2011. Critics are citing the waste that these three different versions will produce.

2. Required firmware updates: Avatar is not playing in every Blu-ray player. Why? The player needs a firmware update. So don’t run back to the store for a disc exchange. It’s actually quite common. According to a Best Buy service rep, the Avatar Blu-ray version would not work in 70% of the in-store Blu-ray players before the update.

So how are consumers reacting? Well, many are annoyed. After all of the anticipation, consumers brought their new disc home to realize that it wasn’t as simple as popping it in and pressing play. Some Sony Vaio® computer customers are experiencing the annoyance to a greater degree. Not only was the disc not playing, there was no update at the time so the customer had to wait it out. Sony released this statement back in April:

It has been discovered that the movie “AVATAR” in Blu-ray Disc™ format cannot be played on certain VAIO® computers. The issue is caused by an incompatibility between the WinDVD BD application by the Corel Corporation and the BD Plus encryption technology used on the AVATAR Blu-ray Disc™. We are actively working on a solution and apologize for any inconvenience. Please check back soon

Tags:Avatar, Blu-Ray, blu-ray update, blue-ray, disc, Earth Day, Eco-Friendly, environmental awareness, firmware, movies
Posted in Eco-Friendly, Media Packaging | No Comments »

Packaging Personality

Monday, March 15th, 2010

Meet earBudeez™ Jay D and friends. So cool you wouldn’t even want to open them.

The fun new packaging of earbuds from JDA, Inc. packs a lot of personality, literally. JDA developed the earBudeez™ personalities with the earbuds as eyes in different positions to convey various attitudes and emotions. The innovative design of the earBudeez™ connects the product with various consumers to influence their buying behavior.

The design concept came from research done by Audiovox. They found that people were choosing their earbuds like a fashion accessory for their iPods and mp3 players. The research also showed that packaging played a key role in consumer decision making.

To no surprise, the earBudeez design won a 2009 Gold Pentaward- Congratulations to JDA, inc!

Tags:consumers, creative packaging, custom packaging, design, innovation, packaging, sunrise
Posted in Custom Packaging Products, Media Packaging, Packaging Design | 1 Comment »

What is Clamshell Packaging?

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

A clamshell, in packaging, is more than just something that Venus stood upon. Clamshells are formed clear plastic packages that have one or more hinges, and may include a hanger tab so that the product can be displayed from store hanging pegs. All sorts of items use clamshell packaging, from electronics to toys, medical supplies, and even sports equipment.

Although clamshells can be made different ways, the fact that it has the option of multiple hinges may give the final distributor more display options. If desired, retailers can even stand multiple-hinged packages flat so that it can be easily displayed on store shelves without pegs, on counters, or in windows.

Sometimes difficult to open, clamshells are popular for retailers because of the increased security of the package. They are popular partly because they are so difficult to open in the store! Clamshells also offer an attractive, functional look, where the product inside and surrounding literature can be easily viewed.

Although clamshell’s are not the only packaging option out there, they are extraordinarily popular and easily recognized.

Tags:clamshell, display, options, package, packaging
Posted in Custom Packaging Products, Media Packaging, Packaging Design | 1 Comment »

Turquoise the color of 2010

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

After much anticipation over 2010′s color of the year the winner is Turquoise as announced by Pantone Color Institute. It is said to be both an inviting and luminous hue. This color shies away from the vibrant yellow of last year. In case you are wondering how these experts choose the color of the year, they say that it is chosen based off of years of research from word-association studies.

This is what Pantone’s executive director had to say about the color turquoise. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. … we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

Some of the most beautiful items in the world are turquoise, including the turquoise color of a Caribbean sea, and turquoise jewelry made by master craftsmen. And if anyone is an expert in color, you can bet it’s Pantone!

For more information visit:

Pantone

Tags:2010, 2010's color, color of the year, packaging, Patone's, Patone's Color, Sunrise Packaging, Turquoise
Posted in Custom Packaging Products, Media Packaging, Packaging Design | 1 Comment »

Packaging Shells: A love/hate relationship

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

The loved and occasionally loathed packaging shell, commonly called clamshell, is a product with a lot of positive as well as negative reviews. Manufacturers and store owners appreciate the perfectly protected shell around precious products. Customers reach for that new flashdrive, phone charger or other shelled item appreciating the fact that it sits where it is supposed to, untampered with. However, the appreciation of knowing it’ll make it home safely sometimes fades to the frustration experienced when trying to open it.

So why does packaging that sometimes leaves you frustrated continue to find it’s way onto our shelves? The simple answer is because it looks nice and it works. Does a shoplifter really want to experience all of that? Of course not, simply put, these shells reduce theft while at the same time showing customers the benefits of the product they are about to purchase.

Additionally, your product was also able to make the journey from one area of the world to your house or business without injury which is something that isn’t always easily attainable in other packaging designs.

For more information or to purchase packaging products, please visit our website:

Sunrise Packaging

Tags:clamshell, clamshells, Openit, packaging, plastic packaging, Sunrise Packaging, wrap-rage, Zibra
Posted in Custom Packaging Products, Marketing, Media Packaging, Packaging Design, Product Information | 1 Comment »