Glossary
Amaray case – (see: “keep case”)
Digi-Pak – Digipak is a patented style of compact disc or DVD packaging, and is a registered trademark of MeadWestvaco, Inc., which acquired the original trademark holder, IMPAC Group, Inc., in 2000. Digi-Paks typically consist of a gatefold (book-style) paperboard or card stock outer binding, with one or more plastic trays capable of holding a CD or DVD attached to the inside. Since many similar products have been released Digi-Pak has become somewhat of a genericized trademark for paperboard or cardboard based cases that use a hub as opposed to a pocket.
hub – a hub is the small circular plastic piece inside a disc case that holds the disc in place, there are many different styles of hubs but they all typically allow the user to remove the disc by placing pressure directly on to the hub. Typically, Slits are placed strategically on and around the hub to allow the elastic properties of the plastic to release the pressure on the disc to it may be removed and replaced without damage.
insert tray – An insert tray is a small disc sized flap that is often mounted to the inside spine of a keep case to allow the case to hold one or two extra discs.
jewel case – A jewel case is the original compact disc case that has been used since the compact disc was first released in 1982. It is a three-piece plastic case, measuring 142 mm × 125 mm × 10 mm, which usually contains a compact disc along with the liner notes and a back card. Two opposing transparent halves are hinged together to form the casing, the back half holding a media tray that grips the disc by its hole. All three parts are made of injection-molded polystyrene.
keep case – A keep case or poly-box is a type of DVD (and sometimes CD) packaging. One well known manufacturer is Amaray, which is why this type of case is sometimes called an Amaray case. Besides DVD-Video films, it is used in most video games for the Xbox, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube and Wii, as well as some PC titles (it is now common as of 2007) and MP3-CD audiobooks.
sleeve – The simplest, least expensive package is a paper envelope. More expensive versions add a transparent window to the envelope allowing the disc label to be seen. The envelope can also be made out of spunbonded polyethylene (trade-named Tyvek); this is both more durable and less abrasive than paper. However, such packaging is rare for commercial releases due to its relative lack of protection compared with other designs, and is primarily limited to promotional and demo discs. Even more expensive versions are made of paperboard or thin cardboard with printed artwork, these version however do not typically have a flap or window.
poly-box – (see: “keep case”)
slimline jewel case – Most slimline jewel cases are roughly half the thickness of a standard CD jewel case, allowing twice as many CDs to be stored in the same space. They generally do not have room for a full package insert booklet, only a slip of paper for a track listing or cover art; also unlike the standard jewel cases, slimline cases are made of two pieces rather than three and do not have a place for a back label. Slimline jewel cases typically have dimensions of 142 mm × 125 mm × 5 mm.
snap case – A snap case is a type of optical disc packaging. It consists of a cardboard flap (where the cover art is printed) which is held closed by a narrow plastic strip which has a “snap” closure. The strip is part of a single piece of plastic which forms the disc tray, and protective edges at the top and bottom. The “hinge” is simply created by the thinness of the plastic along the back right corner. The closure forms the right edge of the package and wraps as a single rigid piece around to the front in an L shape (as viewed from either end). Bumps on the inside of the top and bottom edges of the tray fit into notches on the end of the closure in order to create the snap.
Soft Spot – A Soft Spot is a simple “nub” made of a plastic/rubber compound that is sized appropriately to act as a hub to hold the disc at the center. made in white or black with one sticky size these can be placed inside a cardboard fold to make it similar to a DigiPak or wallet but using less material to be more environmentally friendly. Occasionally these will be placed inside a tin that would otherwise have no natural provisions for holding a disc.
SteelBook – A SteelBook is a high quality case similar in size and layout to a keep case but featuring an outer metal shell. The interior of a SteelBook is typically made of plastic and features one or more hubs, or inserts, for disc based media or clips for paper based media. The artwork is printed directly onto the metal shell and is sometimes embossed or textured.
THINpak – Patented by the Nexpak company THINpak cases are similar to a keep case in layout but half the thickness, it also has no space inside the case for booklets or other paper media. THINpaks come in both a single disc format as well as an “Ultra Slim Double” format which is slightly wider at the spine and places a disc on either side of the case.
tin – A tin is an all metal case usually made of steel despite its name. Typically, tins are composed of 3 parts: a sidewall that makes up the spine, the side opposite the spine, top and bottom, and then two hinged covers front and back. Tins usually have rounded corners and edges with the case design printed directly onto the metal. There are no provisions inside the tin for holding discs so most commonly you will find a keep case, or other style case placed inside the tin to hold the disc. Tins offer a lot of space so they are mostly used to hold multiple keep cases or a keep case along with other material such as a figurine or hard cover book.
wallet – A wallet style case is similar to a sleeve with the difference that it is most often made of paperboard or cardboard and features one or more flaps with which artwork and information can be displayed in addition to the pocket that contains the disc. Some wallets have multiple pockets allowing for multiple discs or paper media such as booklets or manuals.