A music DVD digipak is a package containing a DVD or CD bound in a gatefold paperboard or card stock outer binding with one or more plastic trays inside to hold the disc. Digipaks were one of the first alternatives to standard jewel cases and are commonly used by major record companies. Key elements of a good digipak include artwork, text, band information, track listings, and bonus DVD or CD content. While digipaks allow for graphic designs and bonus content, the cardboard is less durable than plastic jewel cases and the trays sometimes break more easily.

1. Music DVD digipak research notes By Sarah Hemingway

2. What is a music DVD digipak? A package containing a DVD or CD, sometimes both Digipacks typically consist of a gatefold (book-style) paperboard or card stock outer binding, with one or more plastic trays capable of holding a CDor DVD attached to the inside DVD digipacks were one of the first alternatives to standard jewel cases and quickly became used by the major record companies, now they are usually made of thick card which allow for a great graphic display Digipacks are a great way of promoting a band’s single There are numerous variations of sizes and designs, the most popular design is the regular 140mm x 120mm, 4-page version ‘ Digipak’ is the registered trademark for AGI media ‘ Digipack’ is the generic term and doesn’t have all the exact key elements of a ‘digipak’

3. Key elements of a good music DVD digipak: Artwork/photography - images of band/artist - band/artists logo - record company logo - music industry logo (PRS) - DVD/CD logo - BBCF classification - barcode - explicit warning logo Text - Band/artist name - DVD title - Track listing on reverse - reviews - credits - band/artist web address Design - Genre related - record label needs - booklet - gatefold Bonus DVD – which may contain bonus features such as; behind the scene footage, tour diary, video interviews, documentaries, out-takes, music video, photos Bonus CD – which may contain exclusive content

4. Pros and Cons of Digipaks Pros Digipaks can be great visual products for bands i.e. providing fans with exclusive footage and live tour footage The trays in digipaks often break much more often than in jewel cases because the paper doesn’t provide as much protection for the disc Which means when the trays do break in digipaks, the disc falls out of the bottom, because unlike jewel cases, there is nothing to hold it in Digipaks can be more environmentally friendly than the jewel plastic cases because they can be made from recycled material Cons The cardboard packaging is less resistant to abrasion than jewel cases, it tends to show signs of wear relatively quickly The digipak sleeves with 3 sleeves for more design options, however these are more expensive than traditional jewel cases – so if bands are just starting out, looking for ways to cut manufacturing costs is important Although digipaks can be environmentally friendly, they aren’t always made from recycled materials

5. I went onto HMV online to have a look at the selection of music DVD digipaks for sale. There are 9250 items available under this search which shows you how popular DVD digipaks are becoming in the music industry.