CD ROM is a method of storing computer information on Compact Discs. The main advantage of CD ROMs is the amount of information (or data) that they can store, roughly equivalent to 500 floppy discs. This space can then be filled with a variety of different media, such as text, pictures, sounds, movies and animations. It is possible to provide a friendly user-interface (or front end) to make accessing the information on the disc more friendly and straightforward.

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What are the advantages?

CD ROM has a number of advantages over traditional means of communication.

Interaction

Unlike a brochure, flyer, or video tape, the user of a CD ROM is free to choose what information they want to access. It is possible to skip to different sections of a disc almost instantly, and browse through information in whichever order they please. This means that one disc can be targeted at various different groups of people, and meet a whole range of needs. What is important is to design a front end that lets people access information relevant to them with the minimum of fuss.

Adaptable Data

Material can be provided on a CD ROM that users can then alter, save, and print on their own computers. Logos and other graphics could be provided for people to drop into their own publications, and text for liturgies, prayers, etc. could be imported into a word processor and edited to suit.

Mixed Media

CD ROM technology makes it possible to supply a range of media contained in only one physical product. A CD ROM for a particular project could include music tracks, text, video footage, and pictures, all on one disc, which is much more cost effective than producing a pack containing an audio CD, video tape, floppy disc and printed booklet.

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What are the disadvantages?

There are some drawbacks to using CD ROM technology:

Accessibility

Almost all home computers sold in the last five years are capable of reading CD ROMs. Slower computers may struggle to play videos smoothly, but otherwise should not have any problems. However, there are those that will not have access to a suitable computer, or will choose not to engage with the technology.

A CD ROM is a single basket.

Once a disc is released, its content is set. This means that if material was to be provided for use throughout the year, it would all need to be ready to go out in time for the first deadline. Also, material needs to be thoroughly checked, because once a disc is produced, the only way to correct any errors is to produce an entirely new disc.

Cost

Producing CD ROMs is a costly business. While it is much more cost effective than providing the same material on traditional media, producing a quality disc requires a fairly significant investment.

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What is involved in producing a CD ROM?

There are four main stages:

Producing and gathering material

This would include filming and editing video, writing text, producing photographs etc.

Preparing Material

Basically, getting material into the best format for use on a disc. Video needs to be compressed, in order to make best use of space, photographs need to be scanned, and text either incorporated into the front end or converted into an appropriate format.

Developing the Front End

This involves programming the user interface, determining the structure that the disc shall take, and designing a pleasant visual interface.

Producing the Discs

A master disc will usually be produced, checked for errors, and then sent to a duplication firm who will produce the actual CDs. The duplication process can take anything from a couple of day to a month. As well as the discs themselves, the packaging needs to be designed and printed, including labels and case inlays.

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Where do we come in?

We can help with, advise on or do any of the stages in this process. If this idea appeals to you we can give you some examples of work we have done and help you design a product to suit your needs.

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