| Today, there's a new trend among | | | | On demand technology offers multiple |
| independent musicians. They have started | | | | packaging choices, retail finish |
| using new technologies including On | | | | quality, quick turnaround and no minimum |
| Demand Short Run CD/DVD Production. This | | | | orders. The entire process of ordering, |
| enables them to order smaller batches | | | | production, packaging and shipping is |
| (one at a time) of CDs and DVDs online, | | | | automated with an on demand engine, |
| 24/7, and then ship to customers. | | | | enabling the management of thousands of |
| The Internet has always held promise of | | | | unique orders. |
| being a new outlet for independent | | | | Jazz musician, Alaadeen said, "In order |
| musicians, and today there are new | | | | to get a good rate to manufacture CDs, I |
| technologies that can help musicians get | | | | had to manufacture large quantities. In |
| ahead. In addition to social media | | | | the past, this led to excessive |
| platforms like YouTube and Google Video | | | | inventories. Then, there was the |
| among many others that allow posting | | | | distribution problem. CD On Demand is |
| music clips online, some independent | | | | appealing for artists." |
| musicians have started using something | | | | With traditional CD/DVD replication |
| called On Demand Short Run CD/DVD | | | | services, significant quantity orders |
| Production, enabling them to order | | | | are required at one time and customers |
| smaller batches of CDs and DVDs in real | | | | need a method to distribute them to the |
| time online 24/7 and ship to promoters | | | | end user. There are many situations when |
| and customers, one at a time. | | | | this does not work. The new on demand |
| This platform allows artists to retain | | | | production technology helps people avoid |
| ownership of their music and all rights | | | | the hassle of inventory, packaging and |
| to any content. The on demand platform | | | | fulfillment; delivers custom content |
| makes it possible for artists to sell | | | | how, when and where a customer wants it; |
| their music without manufacturing a | | | | and automates and tracks order |
| thousand discs, so a lack of financial | | | | processing. |
| resources is not a determining factor as | | | | Kristin Gabriel is the marketing |
| to whether an artist's music is heard by | | | | communications director for Acutrack, |
| the public. | | | | Inc. Established in 1992, Acutrack, Inc. |
| For example, a musician can send a | | | | enables customers to create, publish and |
| finished product directly to a radio | | | | deliver custom content for DVD and CD |
| station without having to produce | | | | distribution worldwide. Acutrack's |
| thousands of copies. Artists can provide | | | | proprietary On Demand production gives |
| graphics and the master and CD, or the | | | | customers the ability to produce and |
| DVD orders can be filled on an as needed | | | | ship custom packaged CDs or DVDs one at |
| basis. Orders can be filled for the | | | | a time. Ideal for customers who are |
| artists, their distributors or for | | | | selling downloadable content and are not |
| cosnumers. This makes it possible for | | | | sure how many units to produce, On |
| artists to put their music out to the | | | | Demand takes care of inventory, |
| public with little expense and no | | | | packaging and fulfillment. |
| inventory. | | | | |