DDP: Disc Description Protocol, also referred to as DDPi (DDP Image) or DDP File Set. An error-protected delivery format highly suited for reliable optical disc replication.

DDP Images are growing in popularity and has become the industry standard for both independent and major labels for transferring and manufacturing their completed projects for both CD and DVD formats.

Advantages of DDP include:

Integrity Of The Recordings.
DDP files are not subject to manipulation and end up exactly as the artist intended. An audio CDR, for example, can influence the sound of a recording when used as a master.

Delivery Speed.
Can be transferred using any medium including over the Internet which speeds up the production process.

Industry Standards.
Many organisations now only accept DDP, as they are faster and more reliable to work with.

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Unlike audio CDs, DDPs can be checked to ensure that the data is 100% accurate. For this we insert a code known as an 'MD5 Checksum'. The MD5 is created at source and is based on an analysis of the DDP Image data. When the code or is opened by the end user the data is analysed once again and a comparison is made to the existing code. Any difference whatsoever will result in a rejected DDP master. Audio CDRs do not provide this level of assurance from errors. Many CD players will also execute error-correction on playback of your audio CDR and may mask any issues with your disc. These errors may therefore not be identifiable until you hear them on your final disc run! At Blue Pro we therefore encourage the exclusive use of DDP images for CD replication. If you are unable to get a DDP from your mastering facility we recommend that you supply us with your AIF or WAV files to create a DDP first.

Blue Pro offer one free DDP as part of your Physical Master Disc Set with each attended mastering booking.

Additional file sets or when ordered separately are charged at £30 + VAT.