Digipak Ancillary Task No. 3: Digipaks Vs. CD Cases

Research the difference between digipaks and CD cases. Discuss why you think there is more value put on a digipak. You will need to design a 6 panelled case.  Come up with a list of things you are going to need to include in your promotional package.


When analysing the differences of Digipaks and CD "Jewel" cases, we came up with the following definitions of these two different types of CD save keeping:



The Digipak - It consists of a card stock outer binding or a gate-fold paperboard, and with 1 or more plastic trays, able to hold CD's and DVD's. Digipaks became immensely popular with record labels and artists in the early 2000s. They were the first 'real' alternative to the CD "Jewel" cases.


Pros

• Hub or "Soft Spot" instead of hard plastic.
• More value as it is an appealing case and storage space which perfectly fits to the genre and the artist of the specific music.
• Might be more information involved than with A CD case.
• More stability compared to CD cases.
• More room for creativity and diversification from the artists.

Cons

• Most likely to be more expensive than CD "Jewel" cases.
• Take up more space.
• Hard to repair as it is almost unable to replace the Digipak.
• More damage through water.

The CD "Jewel" Case - The Three-piece plastic case was first introduced in 1982. Its origins, according to Philips, comes from reflecting high quality compared to early attempts. Designed by Peter Doodson, it was found 'virtually perfect', therefore being called "Jewel" case. Doodson though said that as he used "specified polished ribs as they pick up the light and shine" the case was praised because of the appearance.


Pros

• Less to no damage made through water as it consists entirely of plastic.
• Possibly cheaper.
• Easier to store as it is smaller than the Digipak.
• Easier to repair/replace through the use of other CD cases.
• CD cases snap shut, therefore the CD is less likely to slip of the hub and fall, creating more damage.

Cons

• The case is hinged on two arms, therefore making it easy to break.
• Less information than on the Digipack.
• Less freedom and creativity from the artists as the size is much smaller.

Therefore we can see that there is more value and time spent on creating Digipaks as these aren't as easily replaceable and the artwork is part of it, instead of being loose paper. When creating our own Digipak, we have to include the six following things:

1. Powerful and appealing artwork that attracts possible consumers
2. Information concerning the music.
3. Several frames to complement the amount of information and CD's that have to be included.
4. The artists and their names have to be included on the front, as this is used throughout the genre.
5. Lyrics of the songs
6. Small Quotes, Biographies or anything related to the Digipak from the artists.