DVD cases
The ubiquitous DVD case looks the same on the surface. An explanation is in order.
First DVD cases come in many different thicknesses however the size is always the same in length and height. The standard thickness of a DVD case is 14mm. DVD cases also come in 4mm, 5mm, 7mm (slim DVD cases) and then the chubby multi disc types that vary in width from 27mm to 33mm. This is why it's important to know the thickness if you are going to use DVD case inserts: most DVD case inserts are designed around 14mm cases. Also the slim DVD cases usually have no provision for booklets as is the same with the chubby DVD cases.
DVD cases come in many different colors including yellow, black, white, blue, green, red and clear. All have an outer clear sleeve for holding the case insert. Depending on the quality of the DVD case this sleeve varies in thickness.
DVD cases come "with Logo" which means they have the official DVD logo on them. This requires licensing from the DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation http://www.dvdfllc.co.jp
Typically this increases the cost of the DVD case and so it's very common in the duplication business to find DVD cases without logo. It is important to note that the use of the DVD logo without licensing is illegal. It is questionable if any DVD cases with the logo that are purchased in bulk are legal. The logo is more a seal of certification for the media and is used in packaging as a label for that certification. An empty DVD case would be problematic for that. DVD discs that have been replicated (a different process then duplication) would use such cases.
One of the most misunderstood things about DVD cases is quality. DVD cases come in three grades: economy, AA grade and Premium. Economy DVD cases use 100% recycled plastic and tend to be lighter then higher grade cases. The plastic is brittle and has a rather unpleasant burned plastic smell. Economy DVD cases cost about half of what a premium DVD case would cost. These DVD cases are usually only available in black. They are also referred to as "hand grade" meaning they can only be loaded by a human.
AA grade DVD cases are heavier weight then the economy cases and use only 50% recycled plastic and 50% new material. The outer sleeve is thicker and more durable then the economy version. Far less brittle then the economy DVD case it's a compromise in cost and function. They are only available in black. They can be ether hand or machine grade. Typically 50-50 recycled is still hand grade.
The highest quality level single black DVD case is 100% new materials. Much heavier then the economy or AA grade these have thicker clear outer sleeves and are very flexible. They will not crack when twisted and are suited for mailing and machine loading. They are 'machine grade' meaning they can be loaded using automation without falling apart. They have a neutral plastic smell and feel smooth to the touch. They are at least double the cost of economy DVD cases and some versions are triple the cost.
One last thing to note about DVD cases is the center hub for holding the disc (or lack of center hub with some DVD cases). There is a wide variety of methods. The general solution is to have some star shaped hub with little fingers that hold the disc until the center is pressed down releasing the disc. This can vary from two on. Another solution is the M-lock. This is a hub that snaps two opposing fingers through the center hub. When pushed down it releases the disc in a positive fashion. There have been some long discussions about this connection with the DVD and how it causes some kind of damage to the center hub. With the exception of a defective disc this is not an issue. The hub is bonded together and this is the contact point for the drive. To solve this "problem" a hub-less system was created which holds the disc on the outside area of the disc. Built in clips close on the disc and hold it in place.
