Does anybody actually think about CD jackets and, if so; what do they really mean by the jacket? You have to remember that (back in the 1980’s when they were first introduced) CD’s were designed to take over from the gramophone record. It would do this by providing better sound quality in a more durable; yet portable, format. Naturally, the music industry continued to use much of their gramophone record terminology when describing their new CD product.
Protective Covering
Records needed to be protected from dust and scratching while not be played; therefore, they were placed inside some sort of protective envelope which was called variously a sleeve or a jacket. Although the playing surface of a CD is not quite as delicate as the grooves in a record disk; CD’s also need protection and the terms sleeve or jacket were simply transferred over. In other words; a CD jackets are nothing more than smaller sized versions of record jackets.
More Than Just Protection
Again following the record industry precedents; the packaging was also viewed as a media for advertizing, promoting and describing the product within. Thus CD jackets for holding commercially traded discs will invariably be printed.
Many Different Forms
At a basic, non-commercial level; discs (both CD and DVD) can be simply slipped into a paper or clear plastic envelope – this is similar to the sleeve that was commonly used for the old 45 rpm records; but, being an envelope; the open end can be closed to stop the disc falling out. This packaging style (along with hand writing something on the non-reflective side of the disc) is fine for “one off” CD jackets for an individual’s use; but hardly suitable for a commercial release.
Major commercial CD’s will use some sort of substantial packaging – like the jewel box plastic case for example. While, strictly speaking, this is neither a sleeve; nor, a jacket; it does serve the same dual purpose of protecting the disc while making the product more eye catching in order to secure more business for it.
For CD’s that have a more restricted distribution but still require something better than the envelope approach; there are CD jackets made from two pieces of card folded and glued together in such a way as to have one end open. The resulting square has sides that are only slightly bigger than the 4.7 inch standard CD diameter. Naturally, the outer surfaces of this type of jacket will be printed.
If you are planning a CD project for limited release and have to stick to a tight budget; have a look at the Cd Jackets offered by Dataworks Inc in midtown Manhattan. You can have them printed with your design; or, Dataworks will come up with a design for you.
