CD DVD Duplication Equipment - What's New at MF Digital

Press Release: MF Digital to Demonstrate Ripstation Technology at Denver CEDIA Expo Show, September 4-7, 2008.

2008-07-08T16:34:00.007-04:00

East Farmingdale, NY July 8, 2008 - Sponsored by the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association, the CEDIA Expo Show will be the venue for MF Digital's latest Automated Disc Ripping Technology Solutions. Together with our UK-based technology partner Ripfactory, we will be exhibiting at the CEDIA Show on September 4th through September 7th, 2008.

We invite you to come by our booth #1039 for live demonstrations of this exciting and groundbreaking digital music technology. Ripfactory and MF Digital representatives will both be on hand to answer your questions, demonstrate hardware, and discuss any CD or DVD production needs you might have.

MF Digital will be demonstrating the Ripstation 7000 Series System which provides a powerful and automated digital music conversion solution. With this system you can easily convert a complete audio CD collection with metadata management features and configuration tools to control the exact CD ripping quality. In addition, the Ripstation will encode multiple file formats - even simultaneously. All metadata or tag information, including album art, is retrieved from your choice of up to three on-line databases. Add to the mix our Media Grabber video ripping option and the Ripstation 7000 provides the ideal solution for automated production CD ripping.

Advanced features include full Codec support on CD ripping to MP3, FLAC, WAV, WMA, AAC and WMA lossless audio file formats. To insure music information content is consistent and accurate the metadata tag information is pulled from a verity of database resources, such as: GD3, FreeDB, and Amazon. Loading your iPod or MP3 player has never been easier with the MF Digital Ripstation. Using advanced features like direct-to-device support you can upload automatically to MP3 manufacturers such as the Apple iPod, Creative, SanDisk, Nokia and others.

MF Digital products are available through a world-wide network of authorized resellers. To find out more about our automated Ripping Systems or to find a dealer in your area, contact MF Digital: + 631 249 9393 ext 205 or sales@mfdigital.com. For additional information about MF Digital's CEDIA Show Exhibit, please contact Simon Langlais in Marketing at 719-216-9315.

About MF Digital

MF Digital is known as a leading manufacturer of DVD / CD duplication, publishing and printing equipment for the professional audio and video, corporate, church ministry and government markets. Based in E. Farmingdale, NY, the company has been developing duplication solutions for over 30 years. Additional information about MF Digital and their products may be found at http://www.mfdigital.com.

About Ripfactory

Ripfactory, known the world over as specialists in automated CD encoding, has over 10 years of experience within the digital music space. Its renowned RipStation product is the leading solution for volume CD encoding with an emphasis on sonic and metadata quality for the home and installation market. Spanning all areas of digital music Ripfactory delivers software, hardware and kiosk music solutions to 22 countries from its Belfast, Ireland headquarters. Additional information about Ripfactory and their products may be found at http://www.ripfactory.com.

MF Digital Announces Release of 5000 Series USB Duplication Systems

2008-05-28T16:15:00.007-04:00

USB is a cutting-edge memory format and it's great for data backups, IT applications, marketing rollouts, music MP3s and more. Now you can easily and quickly duplicate USB storage media with MF Digital's 5000 Series USB Duplication Systems.

The 5000 Series offers User-Friendly USB Duplication. Our standalone 7 and 11 Drive USB Towers are easy to use with a 4-key touchpad and LCD readout. Includes all copy functions needed for quick and accurate USB duplication.

These reliable systems also offer Fast Throughput and Advanced Features. The 5000 USB copiers can copy up to 600 MB/min, support asynchronous duplication and have a bit-by-bit Compare function for perfect copies every time.

For more information please contact MF Digital at (631) 249 9393 and visit our View our 5000 Series USB Copier Web Page.

April Blu-ray Special

2008-04-02T11:26:00.004-04:00

This month MF Digital is offering Free Ground Shipping on all Blu-ray duplicator products.

Blu-ray is quickly becoming the standard for consumer applications such as HDTV, Gaming, Video and Audio authoring. And now is a great time to be part of this cutting edge technology with MF Digital's Blu-ray duplicators.

Save between $75 to $500 with our free ground shipping on the following MF Digital Blu-ray systems:

- 2 and 4 drive Blu-ray Scribe drag-n-drop duplicator / publisher which may be configured with inkjet, thermal or dye-sublimation print technology.
- 2 or 4 drive Blu-ray Director unique-one-off disc publisher. As with the Scribe Series, the Director Blu-ray series may be configured with inket, thermal or dye-sublimation print technology.
- 6 drive 5000 Series Blu-ray copier is available with network option to expand production. This is our largest Blu-ray drive configuration, burn150GBs of data in a single pass!

To find out more about our Blu-ray systems contact MF Digital at (631) 249 9393 or visit our Blu-ray duplicator page.

March Madness Special

2008-03-12T12:19:00.003-04:00

This month MF Digital is offering a 3rd year warranty absolutely free with the purchase of equipment and 2nd year warranty.

If your company or business is looking into duplication equipment, now is a great time to buy MF Digital equipment. The March Special is different than other offer we've done, because the special may be applied to any MF Digital model or product equipment.

If you are looking at our Live Event Duplicator & Recorder, this special will save you $190. Maybe you are considering the fully automated Scribe DVD Duplicator with PicoJet printer (4 drive), this special will save you $700. Or how about the Unique Disc Publisher, Director Series? Get a savings starting at $1,300.

These numbers are just an example of what great savings are available from MF Digital. Please inquiry to learn more. Contact MF Digital. + (631) 249 9393

Blu-ray Publishers & Duplicators from MF Digital

2008-02-14T18:47:00.002-05:00

MF Digital is proud to announce the new arrive of Blu-ray technology to our complete line of Duplicators, Publishers and Copier Towers. Using only the highest quality Pioneer Blu-ray drive, MF Digital can now burn, duplicate and publish to Blu-ray media to satisfy the largest of data storage needs. The Blu-ray drive from Pioneer was designed for authoring houses to pre-master Blu-ray discs for replication; however, it is also suited for professional users and advanced storage needs from high definition broadcast and video content.

MF Digital offers a 2 and 4 drive Scribe drag-n-drop duplicator / publisher with Blu-ray technology which may be configured with inkjet, thermal or dye-sublimation print technology.

In addition to the Scribe Blu-ray series, MF Digital also offers a 2 or 4 drive Director unique-one-off disc publisher with Blu-ray technology. As with the Scribe Series, the Director Blu-ray series may be configured with inket, thermal or dye-sublimation print technology.

Rounding out the Blu-ray offering, the 5000 Series Blu-ray copier is also available in a 6 drive configuration and network option to expand production. This is the largest Blu-ray drive configuration MF Digital offers where 150GBs of data can be burned in a single pass.

To find out more about our Blu-ray systems contact MF Digital or visit our new Blu-ray duplicator page.

MF Digital Exhibits at PMA 2008 Trade Show

2008-01-21T13:02:00.000-05:00

MF Digital will have equipment on display this January at the PMA 2008 trade show in Las Vegas. This year, MF Digital has partnered with WEVA (Wedding & Event Videographer Association) and will be exhibiting the Scribe, RipStation, Director, PicoJet and Teac Dye-Sub printer in the 1,500 square foot WEVA Kiosk.

Show details are:
January 31 - Feb 2
Las Vegas Convention Center
Hours: 9am - 5:30pm
Booth # J220 - Main Floor
in WEVA Kiosk

If you would like to schedule a demo, or a reseller who has customers interested in MF Digital product, please contact myself, Greg Morris - Marketing or Sales with details (contact page).

Celebrating 30 Years

2008-01-18T14:18:00.000-05:00

January 2008 marks 30 Years of doing business for Formats Unlimited, the parent company of MF Digital. What started out as a small service company 30 years ago, quickly turned into a leading developer for floppy diskette duplicators and ultimately transitioned into today's technology of DVD Duplicators, CD Publishers, Disc Printing Systems and System Solutions.

To help celebrate the milestone some new features will become available at MF Digital. Most recently is the launch of our Duplicator Demo Room.

Stay tuned for upcoming monthly specials, case studies and demo room updates. Want to learn more about MF Digital? Visit our About page.

Video of Disc Shake on DVD Duplicator

2007-12-12T12:22:00.000-05:00

MF Digital published a new DVD duplicator video on the exclusive feature of "Disc Shake."

Feature: Disc Shake is a toggle On/Off feature used when multiple discs are being placed into a CD / DVD duplicator drive or CD Printer tray because of sticky media.

Situation: This type of problem occurs when "sticky media" is used during the production process.

Benefit: By enabling this feature, MF Digital robotics will "shake lose sticky media" dropping the erroneous media. Result - Only 1 Disc is placed in the tray during load process.

The Disc Shake feature is available on the following models: Scribe CD DVD Duplicators, Director Publishing Duplicators, CD DVD Print Stations, CD DVD Ripping Systems and Medical Disc Imaging Duplicators.

If you would like to publish the Disc Shake video on your website or blog please click here for code.

December Special - 'Tis The Season

2007-12-04T12:11:00.000-05:00

The MF Digital December special provides a unique opportunity to purchase the highest performance and capacity disc duplicator with silk-screen like print quality. This month, MF Digital is offering a FREE 2 drive upgrade when you purchase a Scribe 9602 + Teac P55 Dye Sublimation printer (# DP4-9602 D).

The upgrade not only includes two additional drives, the upgrade increases your capacity from 300 to 500 discs. (upgrade system # DP4-9104 D).

This special is an extraordinary savings of $2,000. After all, 'Tis The Season for giving. To find out more or inquiry about the December Special please contact us.

MF Digital fabrica copiadoras de CD y Duplicadores de DVD

2007-11-29T11:53:00.000-05:00

A short overview of MF Digital equipment in Spanish...

MF Digital fabrica copiadoras de CD y DVD ideal para duplicador en sitio duplicacion e impresion. MF Digital ofrece una amplia gama de productos y duplicador de DVD sistemas de impresion. La nueva linea de sistemas automatizados para la rasgadura de las estaciones de CD. El CD es una rasgadura de la estacion de maquina automatica que carga una pila de CDs de musica y que convierte automaticamente la pila de CDs a MP3. Con la creciente popularidad del iPod y otros reproductores MP3, MF Digital se ha convertido en el proveedor lider de CD a MP3 conversion.

El mas popular modelo de MF Digital es el equipo de Scribe DVD duplicador. Este sistema puede ser configurado como un 2 unidad duplicador o 4 unidad duplicador. Ademas, la serie Scribe tambien puede usar una impresora de inyeccion de tinta de HP, la impresora termica o impresora de sublimacion de tinte. Todos los cuales ofrecen una excelente calidad de impresion en el lugar de la duplicacion e impresion.

Si desea obtener mas informacion acerca de MF Digital duplicadores, pongase en contacto con nosotros el dia de hoy.

Customer Feedback on RipStation

2007-11-02T13:09:00.000-04:00

Music ripping, video ripping and data ripping is an exciting category for MF Digital. The ripping business segment is the newest to hit the CD DVD Duplication industry and MF Digital is leading the way. Our systems offer features which competitors do not. In addition, you have the reliability of a proven robotics system for accurate and consistent disc movement. But don't take it from us, read what our users are saying:

#1:

This is awesome. I'm now ripping my entire collection. I had started to use another ripping system, but it was a horrible product. At the end of the day, it didn't have error correction and I found a couple of bad rips in the first batch of test rips. Everything that annoyed me about this other system is addressed in your MF Digital RipStation. But at any rate, the fee structure from "the other guys" have AMG and Freedb lookups. The cost is $0.28/rip, regardless of the data source. It was really annoying me that it would not find a match in AMG, then do a freedb rip and charge me, especially when I could find the title manually in AMG.

I like the RipStation because I can do a pass on chargeable database after searching, then a pass on GD3 and reject, then a pass on CDPlayer.ini and reject, and finally a freedb and reject pass if needed.

I really like RipStation! It blows my other system away!

#2:

Thank you for the sales info...looks like a great tool, and I am happy to use more of your products. They are great, solid, intuitive, and well supported.

#3:

Once again, this is an excellent product and I can't wait to run my collection through it. I tried another system and it before buying the RipStation. It was a nightmare! RipStation is much better and easier to use and configure.

The RipStation by MF Digital is also backed by our well known customer support team who is not only dedicated to solving problems, but pride themselves on rapid response times. To learn more about the automated CD ripping systems, visit our RipStation homepage.

MF Digital Welcome's Webex

2007-10-25T13:41:00.000-04:00

MF Digital is proud to announce partnership with Webex, an on line internet service allowing for real-time technical support via direct connect access to remote CD DVD duplicator systems.

Through Webex services, MF Digital technicians may log-in, view and control remote disc duplicators for real-time troubleshooting and diagnostics. This service allows MF Digital to work with off site duplicators as if they are sitting in our own shop.

Webex is a safe and secure web service with complete functionality regardless of firewall settings at the end-user site.

With the recent partnership with Webex, MF Digital continues to deliver superior technical support through creative solutions and rapid response times for those in need.

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MF Digital manufacturers a full line of CD DVD Duplicators, Disc Publishers, Medical Imaging Systems, Music Ripping Systems, Disc Printers and CD DVD Print Stations.

October Special at MF Digital

2007-10-02T12:55:00.000-04:00

During the month of October MF Digital is offering the RipStation Dp4-7601 at a very special price of $795 MSRP. This is a $200 savings!

The RipStation is music ripping software and automated loader for complete, 100% unattended CD ripping. RipStation includes advanced features such as album artwork and metadata information which drills down 20 levels. RipStation offers a flexible and powerful way to archive, organize and standardize your CD music collection into a digital format.

Find out more about the RipStation CD ripping system or contact MF Digital today about the October Special.

*For a limited time current Baxter owners may upgrade their system to RipStation for only $195. Expand the possibilities of your Baxter digital assistant.

MF Digital also manufacturers professional grade DVD Video Ripper and Data Ripper systems.

Printer Options for Scribe Series

2007-09-12T12:50:00.000-04:00

The MF Digital automated CD Duplicators and DVD Duplicators may be configured with three different printers. Our printer selection for automation is the most versatile in the DVD Copier industry.

The most economical solution which yields excellent print quality is the CD DVD inkjet disc printer, PicoJet. With over 12 million colors and smallest droplet size for details and color the PicoJet is our most popular disc printer configuration.

The P55 Dye-Sublimation Retransfer printer produces the highest print quality on the market. With an LPI of 290 (Lines Per Inch) the quality surpasses that of printed silk-screen and is water repellent, scratch proof, and UV-protected, eliminating the need to laminate the disc!

The Prism Plus Thermal Printer is an excellent choice for quick printing with low cost per print. The Prism printer offers the lowest cost per print in the industry. Although CMY ribbons are available the Prism printer is best suited for monochrome color printing. Single color ribbons are available in black, blue, red and green.

The MF Digital Scribe Series may be configured with any of the above printers. In addition, swapping out one printer technology for another is quick and easy. With MF Digital's attention to detail in design the Scribe system offers a wide range of printing options.

August Special Is One Exceptional Deal

2007-08-13T13:45:00.000-04:00

August is a great time to get yourself into a Scribe 9000 Series CD DVD duplicator and inkjet printer.

This monthly special is one extraordinary deal!

August Special Offer
Buy Scribe 2 Drive with Inkjet printer Plus 2nd Year Warranty & Receive:
FREE 2 Drive Upgrade At No Cost!

This is a $1,000 Value!

For Scribe units purchased without the 2nd Year Extended Warranty customers are eligible to receive two free PicoJet Ink cartridges.

Experience the award winning line of optical disc solutions from MF Digital like our DVD Copier systems, CD Audio Ripper systems, Medical Disc Imaging systems, CD Copier systems, Live Event Recorder, Hard Disc Backup unit and most recently our DVD CD Production Systems.

July Special at MF Digital

2007-07-11T12:05:00.000-04:00

MF Digital is offering a Free 3rd Year Warranty on all models sold during the month of July. To qualify and receive this Special Offer simply purchase an MF Digital system and 2nd Year Extended Warranty and the 3rd Year Extended Warranty is absolutely Free.

This offer is valued between $258 and $5,800 depending on the model purchased. However, you must hurry as this Special Offer will only last until July 31st.

Experience the award winning line of optical disc solutions from MF Digital like our DVD Copier systems, CD Audio Ripper systems, Medical Disc Imaging systems, CD Copier systems, Live Event Recorder, Hard Disc Backup unit and most recently our DVD CD Production Systems.

If you would like to find out more about MF Digital products or the July Special please contact us.

CD DVD Data Ripping or Data Extraction

2007-06-19T13:50:00.000-04:00

Data ripping or data extraction is an untapped vertical market and a solution MF Digital offers for those needing to upload large amounts of data from CD or DVD.

The concept of Data Ripping is extracting information from source CDs or DVDs into a storage box or network location. With the amount of data generated for storage and archive, there comes a time when that off-line information needs to become on-line.

MF Digital offers a solution which automatically extracts data from CD or DVD sources and puts that information to your designated location. What is nice about the Data Ripping solution is our ability to quickly and easily provide a naming convention for the extracted data, provide reliable robotics for large sets of discs and include network software for more convenient system control.

The Scribe Data Ripping features include some of the following:

Auto naming - Names destination folder with source disc Volume Name (other options also available).
Standard 1Gigabit Ethernet - High speed connection on Scribe System insures high transfer rate during ripping process.
Data Ripping supports both CD and DVD so regardless of media, you can data rip.

To better understand the vertical market here are some examples for data ripping needs:

Airforce has thousands of training DVDs and needs to upload the content to a SAN (Storage Area Network) box for on-line access.
San Diego law firm uses data ripping to upload case files delivered on CD to firm's storage network.
NASA archives high resolution .tiff image files to DVD and needs to pull that information back on-line to conduct further research.
Johns Hopkins receives 80mm mini CDs from all over the world with DNA information needing to be extracted and uploaded to their Inherited Disease Research Data Center for cataloging and data analysis.

Each example is intended to demonstrate how data ripping solutions become valuable assets to those needing automated data extraction systems.

MF Digital Announces RipStation 7000 Series

2007-05-15T14:03:00.000-04:00

Press Release:

May 15, 2007 -- MF Digital announces the release of The RipStation 7000 Series, a multi-format music CD ripping system which automatically rips CDs to iPod or similar MP3 player devices. The automated CD ripping system is designed to convert traditional CD music to a digital format for use on MP3 players, cell phones and personal media players (PMP). Ripping is not limited to players, the system may also rip to hard disk then automatically backed up to one or more DVDs.

With an estimated 10 billion CDs currently in possession in the US alone, MF Digital developed a solution to convert music collections already in place to a digital format. "On average, a household has 150 discs in their collection and many of these owners are not savvy enough to convert CDs to MP3 or do not have the time for the conversion process," says John McGrath, product manager, "The RipStation system is ideal for service bureaus, radio stations and professional services looking to provide this service and convert the traditional music CD to the digital format."

McGrath continues, "The RipStation uses multiple databases to provide accurate and consistent metadata information for every CD ripped - the key to successful ripping is organization and accuracy during the aggregation process. The RipStation offers advanced software features allowing direct loading straight from CD to digital device. This forward thinking design speeds up the ripping process and increases throughput from disc-to-disc which ultimately provides a better return on investment for the CD ripping service company."

The RipStation uses multi-threading technology so in multi-drive models each drive will rip CDs independently and simultaneously. The CD ripping system is available in one, two and four drive configurations with a maximum 300 disc capacity. Metadata information is extracted 20 levels deep from the original source CD along with album artwork for graphical presentation. The RipStation supports the following MP3 players for direct-to-device download: iPod, Creative, SanDisk, Nokia, Imerge, XiVA, Crestron, Escient, Request, Digital Future & Sonos.

The complete line of MF Digital RipStation Systems are available through a world-wide network of authorized resellers.

To find out more about the RipStation 7000 Series, or find a dealer in your area, contact MF Digital: + 631 249 9393 x 205 or sales @ mfdigital.com or http://www.mfdigital.com/baxterRip.html

NAB Special - A Limited Time Offer

2007-04-16T14:29:00.000-04:00

For a limited time MF Digital is offer one outrageous deal. From April 16th through April 30th MF Digital is offer a FREE Baxter automated MP3 Ripper and Duplicator with the purchase of a Scribe 9604-PCJ (4 drive Scribe with Picojet printer).

This is a rare opportunity with a gift value of $750. But hurry, this offer is only around until April 30, 2007.

The Scribe 9604 Duplicator offers the most advanced features for DVD CD duplicating and printing in the marketing today. Simply connect the monitor, keyboard and mouse and your new 4 Drive Scribe System is ready to go. Here are some more noteworthy features:

Network ready with license free client software
Asynchronous duplicating (each drive works independently)
Auto detecting CD or DVD media from input spindle
Industrial robotics with proven picker mechanism
Photo realistic direct-to-disc printing
Unlimited job queue which is great for network job submission
much more...

The Baxter MP3 Ripper and Duplicator is an entry level system with 25 bin hopper and advanced software features for automated MP3 Ripping. It's never been this easy to rip audio CDs to load up your iPod or favorite MP3 player. Baxter not only rips, but steadfast workhorse for small run duplication. Click to find out more about Baxter Personal Digital Assistant.

To find out more about the Scribe Series please visit the Scribe 9000 web page, or better yet, Contact Us today and ask about the NAB Special.

New Product Brochures, YouTube Video Available

2007-04-05T16:14:00.000-04:00

MF Digital just completed an update on all product brochures. The pdf documents have updated information, complete list of model options and specifications. All documents are available for immediate download from product pages or download directly from the MF Digital Marketing Website. Original files are available for dealer customization or language translation.

In addition, MF Digital replaced the autoloader video (wmv) video file with a YouTube video file. The YouTube video can be seen on any autoloader page and improves user experience on the MF Digital website. Resellers may incorporate this video with little effort into their site. Details may be found on how to insert the YouTube video from the Video Marketing webpage.

EMediaLive Scribe 9000 Series Product Review

2007-03-08T19:43:00.000-05:00

EMediaLive recently conducted an in-depth review of the Scribe PC 9602-PCJ with PicoJet inkjet printer. The full review is listed on EMediaLive's website and may also be viewed below:

The ScribePC 9602 ($4,995) from MF Digital is a CD/DVD publishing—that is, duplication and printing—workhorse with several unique (or at least rare) features, including the ability to handle sequential CD/DVD production jobs and print variable content on discs (like serial numbers or names). The unit ships with an embedded Windows XP computer, so it is very easy to get up and running, and with free network clients and 300-disc capacity, it's also affordable compared to some relevant competition. In testing, the printer produced high-quality output with efficient ink consumption, and the Pioneer recorders handled every media type we threw at it, from dual-layer DVD±R to 2X DVD-RW from Verbatim and Ridata. Pure duplication performance was competitive, though duplication/print performance could probably be improved. There is no Mac client, however, which could disqualify it for use in Mac shops.

Meet the ScribePC

We tested the ScribePC model 9602, which has two Pioneer DVR-111 drives, maxing out at 16X for single-layer DVD±R and 8X for dual-layer DVD±R media. I tested the unit using the HP-manufactured PicoJet inkjet printer, though it's also available with a Prism Plus thermal printer from Rimage.

The unit came in two boxes, one for the 34 lb. duplicator and controller (which is 22x22x16"); and the other for the printer, which mounts atop the main unit. Once set up, the ScribePC has two main input spindles, a reject spindle, and a holding spindle for high-volume jobs. The system is not covered, so the topmost media on each pile can accumulate dust, potentially degrading the print job.

One of the key differentiating features of the ScribePC unit is that it is a PC, a fully functioning Windows XP computer complete with Ethernet connection. Just connect your keyboard, mouse, monitor, and network cable and you're up and running. I used my ATEN KVM switch, which worked perfectly.

The embedded PC approach has several advantages. First, the system is totally plug-and-play, with all software pre-installed. You also avoid all hardware and software installation hassles that sometimes crop up with other duplicator/printers. The computer comes with a 12GB system hard disk and 72GB work disk, which is plenty of room for staging multiple DVD and CD images. Though you probably have an older computer laying around that you could use with a competitive duplicator/printer, it may not meet the required specifications and probably doesn't have that much free space.

In addition, you can install the system on your office network with unlimited clients, while companies like Primera charge $299 for each additional five users. The 9602 unit has a capacity of 300 discs, while Primera's Bravo Pro maxes out at 100 unless you buy the optional ADL-MAX, which costs $1,995 and boosts Bravo II capacity to 325 and Bravo Pro capacity to 350. Even though the base price of the ScribePC is substantially higher than the Bravo Pro (which lists for $3,995), the prices look more competitive once you match up the capacities and start adding network clients. While the large-network issue might not be significant to most videographers, those doing stage event video with higher-volume production runs will want to weigh the disc-capacity comparisons carefully. (It's also worth noting, price-wise, that the Scribe includes a PC and the Bravos don't.)

Obviously, if your jobs include printing, ink capacity is as important as disc capacity when it comes to your ability to run high-volume jobs unattended. Though your mileage will vary with the amount of full-color imagery and type in your label, the PicoJet inkjet printer proved very efficient in our tests. More on that below.

Like Primera, MF Digital bundles a special edition of SureThing CD Labeler for label design, but unlike Primera, it includes no Mac design or operation software, though you can create your disc labels on the Mac using downloadable templates. Interestingly, the one major negative of creating your labels on the ScribePC is that there are so few system fonts because there are so few programs installed. If you buy a system, plan on acquiring a few of your favorite fonts for it, or plan on designing your labels on another computer.

Usability

You drive all burning activities in the MF Digital ScribePC application, which has five tabs that take you to specialty operations. You'll spend the most time in the Job Manager interface (left), which has three windows, one each for queued jobs, jobs in progress, and finished jobs.

You start all jobs with the New Job wizard, which allows you to queue multiple types of jobs for sequential batch operation. There are the usual types, including archive-only (saving a disc image); copying and/or verifying, where you can also print; relay mode, which lets you copy and print multiple masters; print-only; and data input, where you copy the data from the media to your hard drive in data form, rather than an image.

One unique feature is the ability to include CD and DVD operations in sequential batch operations. For example, from his network seat, user A could queue a CD-Audio reproduction job, while user B could queue a DVD reproduction job. The unit would then be able to pick the correct media and perform the required task, a valuable option in shops producing both types of media.

The software also has a data image editor with a simple, four-window interface reminiscent of Easy CD Creator, where you drag and drop directories and files into a target area for copying. You can save the disc image or burn the disc directly after creating it. You can also create and burn Red Book CD-Audio files, or again save the disc image for later mass reproduction.

Recording Performance

I tested with a mix of Verbatim and Ridata media, from 4X DVD-RW to 4X DL and 16X DVD-R. In straight duplication jobs, the hardware seemed to top out at 8X performance, as the time required to reproduce two 16X Verbatim discs (8:57 min:sec) was almost identical to 8X burn speed with two 8X Ridata discs (9:00). This could be media-dependent, but Verbatim is usually a top performer.

In reproduction-only applications, operation was very efficient, with the robotics swapping discs within seconds after the drive ejected the finished disc. In print-related functions, it felt like MF Digital left some efficiency on the table. Specifically, after recording a DVD, the unit printed the disc before loading another blank into the burner, costing about 90 seconds in burn time while the disc printed. Burn and print time for 10 full DVD-R discs was 55:03, while burn-only time for the same number of discs was 44:30. Seems like the unit could have shaved a good portion of the 10:30 differential by replacing a disc before printing.

Printer Usability and Performance

The SureThing labeling software is almost ubiquitous in this class of product, and it generally works well. However, I found its operation confusing when it came to printing in the hub area of the disc, which is the printable area on some discs between about 22 and 35 mm. MF Digital has a helpful tutorial on the subject that I received once I raised the issue, but I never fully got it to work from within ScribePC.

Specifically, when printing from ScribePC, you can print a SureThing project file (.STD), a .PRN file, or a .PDF file. Though I was able to create a .PRN file that printed on the hub from within ScribePC, I never could get it to work from an .STD file.

The PicoJet printer is based on an HP Deskjet 5650 engine, with an added tray for disc printing and hardware to attach to the main duplication system. Print quality was very good, comparable to Bravo Pro in my testing and a touch behind my Epson Stylus Photo 380, though you'd have to see up-close, side-by-side comparisons to tell them apart, making the differences commercially irrelevant.

The default printing mode is 600x600, and I could see little difference between that setting and the highest setting of 4800x1200, even when using an 8-megapixel image from a digital camera on the label. I tested down to 6-point text at 600x600 resolution, which looked very good in black against white, though a bit fuzzy in white on black. Ink cartridges are relatively inexpensive at $30 for a black cartridge and $48 for color. I printed about 125 full-color labels during my tests, and the black cartridge has 68% remaining and the color cartridge 58%. Ink consumption varies wildly depending upon the label type, but the cost of printing should be on par with Bravo Pro.

One very cool feature is the ability to input merge fields into a label and then merge a .CSV file with serial numbers, names, or some other unique identifier during printing, in essence producing custom labels. This is a standard feature of the SureThing program; MF Digital's value-add is the ability to integrate the dynamic labels into a duplication/print job.

Bottom Line

ScribePC is ideal for networked, high-volume shops with DVD-only or mixed CD/DVD duplication and printing jobs, especially those needing to serialize or otherwise customize their disc labels. The only significant deficit is the lack of a Mac client, so if you're a Mac shop, this probably isn't for you.

Source: Thank you EMediaLive for the Scribe 9000 Series product review.

MF Digital March Madness Special

2007-03-06T13:02:00.000-05:00

Let March Madness begin! During March 2007, MF Digital is offering one outstanding deal. Purchase a Scribe 9602 and PicoJet inkjet printer (part # DP3-9602-PCJ) and MF Digital will upgrade your order from a two drive system to a four drive system (DP3-9604-PCJ) at no additional cost.

This is one outrageous deal that saves you $1,000. But hurry, because this is a limited time offer.

The Scribe 9000 Series offers the most advanced features for DVD CD duplicating and printing in the marketing today. Simply connect the monitor, keyboard and mouse and your new 4 Drive Scribe System is ready to go. Here are some more noteworthy features:

Network ready with license free client software
Asynchronous duplicating (each drive works independently)
Auto detecting CD or DVD media from input spindle
Industrial robotics with proven picker mechanism
Photo realistic direct-to-disc printing
Unlimited job queue which is great for network job submission
much more...

To find out more about the Scribe Series please visit the Scribe 9000 web page, or better yet, Contact Us today and ask about the March Madness Special.

Press Release: Backup for Single PC, FTP Server or Local Area Network Solution

2007-01-15T18:32:00.000-05:00

East Farmingdale, NY January 15, 2007 -- MF Digital, an industry leader in CD/DVD copier production equipment, now offers an optional automatic disc loading backup solution to CD-R or DVD-R for your single PC, FTP Server or Local Area Network.

The MF Digital backup solution is a fully automatic disc loading backup solution eliminating the need for human intervention during the backup process. The bundled solution allows for critical data to be permanently stored on CD-R/W or DVD±R/RW media and offers scheduling for reoccurring automated backup activity. "Never before have CD DVD duplication solutions provided such an in-depth and user controlled backup solution as what MF Digital offers today," says Mark Hulswit, West Coast Sales Manager. "The turn-key solution MF Digital provides make it a tough act to follow. Beyond auto-detect disc spanning, MF Digital offers criteria filters, backups to self-restorable executable files, include/exclude synchronized items and backup access permissions."

Hulswit continues, "The program uses a Wizard to define the automated activity set of what, where, when and how to backup. MF Digital equipment makes this backup process an unattended operation via robotic disc loader pick mechanism. Our backup solutions are in-line for single PC archive, FTP Server archive and complete Local Area Network backups."

MF Digital's fully automated backup solutions are available now with any Scribe PC CD/DVD duplication model. MF Digital products are available through a world-wide network of authorized resellers.

To find out more about Backup Platinum 3.0 or find a dealer in your area, contact MF Digital: + 631 249 9393 x 205 or sales@mfdigital.com

About MF Digital

MF Digital, based in East Farmingdale, NY and a division of Formats Unlimited, has been developing duplication solutions for over a decade. The company's extensive line of high quality manual and auto-loading CD-R and DVD-R/+R duplicators are used throughout the A/V, graphic arts and data/enterprise networking industries. MF Digital CD/DVD duplication systems employ Microsoft’s ® Windows XP platform to provide ease of use and scalability.

For more information, visit www.mfdigital.com or contact Greg Morris at gregm@mfdigital.com for further marketing information.

DVD CD Backup Solution Now Ships with Platinum Version 3.0

2006-12-19T11:29:00.000-05:00

MF Digital's DVD CD Duplicator Backup Solutions Now Ship with Backup Platinum Version 3.0
The advanced DVD CD Duplicator backup solutions from MF Digital continue to improve and remain the industry leader for in-line, automated disc backup systems. Now shipping with all MF Digital backup solutions is Backup Platinum Version 3.0. The advanced features and improved utilities of this most recent version include:

Backup to self-restorable executable files;
Option to specify alternative destination for backup;
Additional criteria to filter files by creation and modification date;
Ability to specify include/exclude masks for synchronization items;
Ability to divide backup archive to several volumes with specified size;
Option to exclude empty folders from backup;
Option to add file or folder to an existing backup item from Windows Explorer;
Ability to include/exclude subtrees of registry keys as usual folders;
Automatic search and backup for: Explorer favorites, history and cookies; Windows Settings;
Backup of access permissions and alternate streams for files and folders on NTFS drives;
Option to avoid file splitting between spanned discs due to insufficient space;
Option to close CD tray after writing;
Volume labels for CD/DVD;
Validity check for saved backup data.
Safe write option to remove the previous backup only after saving a new one;
Option to hide program icon in the system tray;
Ability to execute items from the right click menu on system tray icon;
Option to shutdown, logoff or hibernate after backup completion.

Director PRO (model 2604) Updated With 2600 Loader System

2006-12-01T13:27:00.000-05:00

The Director PRO (2604) has long been the flagship disc publishing product from MF Digital and most recently was updated with our new 2600 Series loader system. With proven robotic design the Director PRO is an ideal solution for mission critical disc publishing applications. Included with the Director Series is MF Digital's exclusive API (Application Programming Interface) for seamless integration into custom applications. The Series also provides full Asynchronous burning and printing of media while supporting unique disc burning to each drive in real-time. Intelligent spindle select is another feature touted by MF Digital - this allows the publishing system to hold both CD-R and DVD-R media while the robotics know which media type to pick and when. Visit DVD CD Publisher 2000 page for more information.