DIGIPAK RESEARCH

Digipaks are a protected style of DVD or Blu-ray disk that are presented in a book style format and is an alternative to the original jewel case which is commonly used for most CDS. They are often used for singles or special editions CD albums and also the tall DVD sets. Digipaks were originally owned by the company, IMPAC Group, INC and than were acquired by MeadWestvaco (MWV). In 2000 the company folded it into its AGI MEDIA division and then the name and designs were licensed to manufacturers around the world. Then in 2010 MWV sold to AGI media to Atlas Holdings where it then purchased Shorewood Packaging from international paper and merged the two companies together to create AGI-Shorewood. Digipaks are made of paperboard or card stock outer binding with either one or more plastic trays that are made to hold a CD which is attached to the inside.

 

As the digipaks often wear easily, a protective UV coating was recommended for the production of the digipaks so that the raw printed paper is more protected from wear. Over the years digipaks have been developed so that environmental impact is reduced and so they now include recycling components. Digipaks are used to promote an artist especially if images of the band or artist are on the digipak as it creates a star image and also a band signature. Their songs can also be promoted because often song lyrics are printed within the digipak so that the consumer can familiarise them self with the song and so this may lead to more exposure to the band. I have found that continuity to also be important within a digipak as the audience and consumers can familiarise themselves with a band or artist’s iconography, signature or star image.

 

Continuity can also be used throughout the digipak and also in the website, this means that all of the distribution methods have some think within them and so this allows consumers and the audience to easily recognise the artist or band. I think that looking at the manufacturing and production of digipaks has proved helpful as it has allowed us to think of different layouts for our digipaks which will make it quite unique and different from other artist or band digipaks. It also matches the indie genre as it will incorporate a star image and a song list which will give an insight into the genre.