Q1: Which medium is best for me?

Recent years have seen a significant increase in the range of audio equipment available. This has led to a certain degree of uncertainty amongst many users as to which of these technologies will establish itself as the audio technology of tomorrow. Of course nobody can with 100% confidence predict which of these will indeed prevail and therefore Carat24 has decided to offer as many formats as possible. (Indeed, although they now only play a minor role in the audio world, we also offer Mini Disc and Digital Audio Tape because we understand that both formats are still preferred by a significant number of music lovers.)

The CD and DVD are and remain today's standard. The DVD format can be separated into 2 areas: the DVD-Video and the DVD-Audio Formats.

In addition, the SACD (Super Audio CD) is making massive in-roads in the audio market. In general SACDs can only be industrially manufactured. We will begin offering this format for vintage recordings from the middle of next year.

Of course, you decide which format is most appropriate for your needs.

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Q2: What kind of audio player do I need?

Under the heading "Knowledge Base" you will find information as to which audio player is necessary. The relevant information can also be downloading by clicking on the heading "Download" and selecting the relevant file.

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Q3: Can the CDs or DVDs be played on all CD/DVD players?

All of our recordings can in general be played on modern audio devices as all our products conform to the industry standard. However please consult your device's User-Information Handbook or ask your audio dealer.

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Q4: Are industrially made CDs and DVDs more durable than CD-Rs and DVD-Rs?

Rumours abound that writable CDs and DVDs are less durable than those produced industrially. This is complete nonsense.

Industrial concerns, for example, back-up their most sensitive data using these formats to ensure that in years to come this data remains available. This confidence in the format applies also to audio recordings. The quality of the CD/DVD format has in recent years been so honed that they are without doubt equivalent to the industrially finished data storage mediums.

The ground for such rumours can often be found in that some CD/DVD-R users expose their CD/DVDs to such extreme conditions (temperature tests, mechanical interference with the player, etc) that it is no wonder the CD gives up the ghost! It is extremely unlikely that anyone would expose a valuable CD collection to such conditions.

The trick is, of course, to treat the CD/DVD-R with care and it will continue to offer excellent listening pleasure for years to come.

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Q5: What is the legal position on copying recordings?

For legal information regarding the reproduction of an existing recording, please see our Terms and Conditions.

In principle the owner of the original recording may make one new copy of the original. This means that Carat24 is allowed to make only one CD or DVD copy of the original.

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Q6: Am I allowed to make further copies of the restored recording?

You may not make further recordings of the material produced by Carat24. To ensure this, we use a copy-protection system for both CDs and DVDs. This prevents all forms of digital copying. Only analogue copies can circumvent this system. In addition, the recordings may not be broadcast publicly or in any form rented out.

When ordering from us you must agree to these conditions by signing our order form. The relevant legal details can also be found on all our recordings.

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Q7: How do I place an order?

On our download page you will find the relevant form with which you can order and choose the services you would like from Carat24. There is also a Cost Calculator (in Excel format) with which you can calculate the cost of your CD or DVD.

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Q8: In what form should I send my original recording?

The original recording can be sent in the following forms.

• As a single or LP
• as a CD (for example a vinyl recording or audio cassette which you have recorded)
• as DAT (Digital Audio Tape)
• as MD (Mini Disc) - this format is, however, not to be recommended as it often involves reducing the audio signal (the same is true for the MP3 format)
• as audio cassette

Unfortunately we cannot accept reel-to-reel tapes.

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Q9: How and when do I get my original back?

After transferring the original recording we can, if you wish, send it directly back to you (as a rule we use the large express delivery companies such as UPS, DHL etc.) or you can choose to receive it along with your newly restored recording. You can indicate your preferred option quite simply on the order form.

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Q10: What can I do if I don't own the original recording?

If you do not own the the original of the recordings to be found in our databank, please don't hesitate to contact us. In some cases we can help you acquire the original.

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