THE SOURCE IDENTIFICATION CODE - SID CODE

FOR CD AND HIGH DENSITY FORMAT OPTICAL DISCS

• The SID Code has become the industry

standard for indicating the source of
optical disc mastering and replication.

• The SID Code represents quality and care

and has now been adopted in over
80% of the world’s optical disc plants.

• SID Code can be applied equally to

CD and DVD, including all
recordable forms of CD and DVD.

• SID Code is compulsory under

the SACD format specification.

• Leading replicators are now

using SID Code as a central part
of their marketing strategy and
quality control.

• The leading replication industry

trade-body, IRMA, requires use of
source identifiers under the IRMA
Anti-Piracy Compliance Program.

• More and more content owners now

stipulate that their products can only be
produced in plants that have adopted
and fully implemented the SID Code.

• In an increasing number of countries

there are now laws making the use of
SID Codes mandatory.

• SID Code is administered free of charge

for the benefit of the replication industry
and rights owners by Philips and IFPI.
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Background:

The Source Identification Code (“SID Code”) products. By ensuring that the SID programme has
provides an optical disc production facility with been meticulously implemented in all our plants
the means to identify: worldwide, we are able to show our customers
that we take care of their intellectual property
• all discs mastered and/or replicated in its
rights. The SID Code has been a vital ingredient in
plant; and
our growth strategy, as more and more customers
• the individual Laser Beam Recorder (“LBR”) insist on having their discs produced exclusively in
signal processor or mould that produced a SID compliant plants.
particular stamper or disc.
The SID Code also fulfils a useful quality control
Each production facility that wishes to implement function by allowing us to immediately identify
the use of the SID Code is issued with its own the mould or LBR that produced a particular disc.”
unique code(s). The SID Code was developed for
use with the CD format, but is now being used for The adoption of the SID Code is a direct result
both CD and High Density disc formats, including of proliferating optical disc piracy. This is an
DVD and Super Audio CD. international problem. An organisation based in
one country may place orders for the replication
The SID Code was developed jointly by rights of pirate discs in a second country and distribute
owners and the optical disc industry, primarily as them in several others. International organised
an anti-piracy tool. However, since its introduction crime and even terrorist groups have been shown
in 1994, the SID Code has proved a major benefit to be involved in optical disc piracy.
to optical disc producers. Its use both as a quality
control tool and as a marketing tool has ensured Optical discs are now used by the book publishing,
that the SID Code, which was introduced on a computer software, film and record industries for
purely voluntary basis, has now been distribution of their products. Many companies from
implemented in over 80% of the world’s optical each of these industries now require the use of the
disc plants, representing over 90% of worldwide SID Code on all of their products, as an important
optical disc manufacturing capacity. tool in the fight against optical disc piracy.

Why has the SID Code proved so popular with In response to requests from replication and
optical disc plants? The CEO of a leading mastering facilities, the International Recording
independent optical disc producer says: “In an Media Association (IRMA) has created the Anti-
increasingly competitive, low-margin business, Piracy Compliance Program. In order to be
plants must do everything they can to attract high certified as compliant under the Program, a plant
volume, high quality customers. The SID Code has must incorporate a source identification code in
been essential for this. My company takes pride in the production of all masters, stampers and
offering our customers complete security for their optical discs.
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 THE SOURCE IDENTIFICATION CODE - SID CODE
FOR CD AND HIGH DENSITY FORMAT OPTICAL DISCS

The recommendation:

It is recommended that all mastering and/or It is important to note that a single SID Code
replicating facilities employ SID Code in their allocation can be used for both CD format and
plants as its use enhances the security of optical high-density format (DVD or SACD) discs.
disc manufacturing at both the mastering and the
replication stages. SID Codes are applied to all recordable and
re-writeable formats of CD and DVD too.
Since not all plants have both mastering and
replication facilities, there are two codes: an LBR Whilst the SID Code programme is voluntary in
Code, that identifies the plant that manufactured most parts of the world, it is now mandatory that
the master; and a Mould Code that identifies the all CDs (and other optical discs) mastered or
plant where the disc was replicated. replicated in Bulgaria, China, Hong Kong, Macau,
Malaysia, Taiwan and the Ukraine carry SID Codes.
When SID Codes are employed, every disc Mandatory use of SID Code(s) is in prospect in
produced in a given plant carries the distinct code several other countries, which are presently
identifying that plant. Philips Electronics, as a considering the introduction of regulations
licensor of CD and certain DVD technologies, governing the optical disc manufacturing industry.
allocates LBR and Mould SID Codes and any plant
wanting to adopt the SID Code can obtain a code
allocation(s) upon application to Philips.

Mastering Code Mould Code

three
Who should implement the programme

• Those responsible for Optical Disc custom 2. Philips will issue the appropriate codes for
pressing purchases. your operation. Mastering Codes will be
issued in a block of codes sufficient to meet
• Those responsible for Optical Disc mastering
the requirements of your operation. Mould
and/or manufacturing.
Codes will consist of the letters “IFPI”
followed by a four or five digit code. The last
two digits of this code are allocated by you to
How to implement the programme
give each mould on the site, including spare
moulds, a unique code. The first two digits (in
Obtaining and implementing the SID Code is
the case of a four digit SID Code) or the first
simple and quick:
three digits (in the case of a five digit SID
Code) are assigned to the operator of the
1. Apply to Philips for your unique SID Codes. An
manufacturing or mastering plant by Philips
application form can be obtained from
Intellectual Property & Standards.
Philips Intellectual Property & Standards,
Business Support:
Example: A Mould SID Code of “IFPI A01xx” may
Fax: +31 40 273 2113
be issued to you. The digits “A01” are unique to
E-mail: [email protected]
you. You will then use the last two digits to
allocate a unique code for each mould. The code
Or downloaded from:
for the first mould might be IFPI A0100, the code
IUUQTXXXJQQIJMJQTDPNMJDFOTJOH
for the second “IFPI A0101”, and so on. Using
alphanumeric digits consisting of the numbers 0
Philips has undertaken to promptly provide all

through 9 and the letters of the Western alphabet
bona fide applicants for SID Codes with the

A through Z, excluding “I”, “O”, “S” and “Q”, the
appropriate codes free of any administration or

plant has the ability to assign unique codes to
other charge.
1,024 different moulds.
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 THE SOURCE IDENTIFICATION CODE - SID CODE
FOR CD AND HIGH DENSITY FORMAT OPTICAL DISCS

How to implement Further details on implementation

the programme (continued) of the SID Code can be
obtained from:
3. You should then notify your supplier of
mastering equipment and moulding tools SID Code Administrator
each time that you order any equipment so IFPI Secretariat
that they can apply the codes to the relevant Telephone:
+ 44 (0)20 7878 7900
equipment prior to delivery. E-mail:
[email protected]
Website:
www.ifpi.org
4. You should ensure that the SID Codes are also
applied to all existing moulds and Encoder or
Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

Signal Processing systems. It is recommended
Business Support
that you contact the supplier of the
Facsimile:
+ 31 40 273 2113
equipment for advice on how to do this.
E-mail: [email protected]

5. All SID Codes must be installed in compliance Website:
https://www.ip.philips.com/licensing
with the SID Code Technical Specifications set
out in this document. These specifications set
out certain criteria which must be met with
regard to location on the disc, tamper
resistance, wear and tear, visibility, etc.

6. Finally, every plant that has been allocated a

SID Code should ensure that every stamper
and every disc produced in the plant bears the
appropriate SID Code(s).
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THE SOURCE IDENTIFICATION CODE - SID CODE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The following technical specifications apply to the that it must be recorded by the LBR on to the
use of SID Codes for CD format and high-density surface of the glass master or stamper so that it is
format optical discs. reproduced on every metal manufacturing part
and hence every disc produced from that master
Any company that obtains a SID Code must or stamper. The SID Code must be installed in such
comply with the following requirements. a way that it is not capable of being altered or
disabled by the user of the LBR, i.e. it must be
hardwired into firmware of the LBR or embedded
General to the system controller.

The SID Code is imprinted in the inner area of CD The Mould Code must be installed and applied
and high density optical discs. The SID Code strictly in accordance with the section below
consists of the letters “IFPI”, followed by either entitled “Mould SID Code: Technical
four or five additional characters, which may be Specifications” which includes the requirement
alphabetical or numerical, identifying the that it must be etched on the mirror block surface
registered number of the LBR used to make the of every mould. It is not acceptable to etch the
glass master or stamper, or the registered number mould on any removable ring.
of the mould used to press the disc. There are two
kinds of SID Code, the Mastering Code and the When a substrate is pressed, the Mastering Code
Mould Code. must be recorded on the same side of the
substrate on which the embossed data pits are
The Mastering Code must be installed and applied recorded, and the Mould Code must be recorded
strictly in accordance with the section below on the other side of the substrate.
entitled “Mastering SID Code: Technical
Specifications” which includes the requirement

Data pits Mastering SID Code

Polycarbonate substrate

Mould SID Code

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 THE SOURCE IDENTIFICATION CODE - SID CODE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Mould SID Code: The Mould SID Code must:

technical specifications
1. Be etched on the mirror block of each mould,
Each Mould SID Code that is assigned will consist or a component of the mould that is not
of the letters “IFPI” followed by a four or five easily detachable from the mirror block, so
digit code. The last two digits of this code are that the Mould SID Code is moulded on the
allocated by the person to whom the SID Code has read-out, or play surface of each disc during
been assigned to give each mould on the site, the manufacturing process. The Mould SID
including spare moulds, a unique code. The first Code may not be etched on any removable
two digits (in the case of a four digit SID Code) or ring that is not part of the mirror surface,
the first three digits (in the case of a five digit SID such as the cutter bush or ejector sleeve. The
Code) are assigned to the operator of the Mould SID Code may not be applied to the
manufacturing or mastering plant by Philips other (stamper) side of the disc.
Intellectual Property & Standards.
2. Be positioned at a radius of between 7.5 mm
and 22 mm from the centre of the disc, except
Example: A Mould SID Code of “IFPI A01xx” may be
in the case of high density format discs (see
issued to the operator of a manufacturing plant.
section following).
The digits “A01” are unique to the facility operator.
The facility operator must then use the last two 3. Have a character height of between 0.5mm
digits to allocate a unique code for each mould. and 1.0mm.
The code for the first mould might be IFPI A0100,
4. Be etched to a depth of between 10 to 25
the code for the second “IFPI A0101”, and so on.
microns and be legible, without magnification,
Using alphanumeric digits consisting of the
throughout the life of the mould.
numbers 0 through 9 and the letters of the Western
alphabet A through Z, excluding “I”, “O”, “S” and 5. Read from left to right when viewed from the
“Q”, the plant has the ability to assign unique read-out, or play side of the disc.
codes to 1,024 different moulds.
6. The digits “IFPI” must be in upper case
characters and may have either a linear or a
radial layout.

“xx” represents the two variable digits to be assigned by the facility operator.

IFPI L A B 1 2
Mastering SID Code
Serial Number
Range of alphanumeric digits assigned to you by Philips

Mould SID Code IFPI A B 1 X X

2 or 3 digit Plant code Serial Number
seven

Range of alphanumeric digits (assigned by you)

assigned to you by Philips
Additional requirements and Mastering SID Code:
variations for High Density Disc technical specifications
Formats such as DVD and SACD.
Each Mastering SID Code that is assigned will
The allocated Mould SID Codes should be used consist of the digits “IFPI” followed by a four or
in the production of both CD format discs, and five digit code commencing with the letter “L”. A
high density disc formats. However, there are manufacturer will be assigned a batch of
some variations in the standard for applying sequential codes and must assign a unique code to
Mould SID Codes to high density disc formats, as each separate LBR on the site.
set out below.
The Mastering SID Code must be added to the
1. The Mould SID Code must be positioned matrix band of the master during exposure on the
within the zone that has a maximum radius of LBR. All subsequent metal manufacturing parts
22.5 mm. (including mothers and stampers) and all discs
manufactured from that master will then bear
2. If Burst Cutting Area - Code is used, then the
the code. The LBR supplier will be able to install
position of the Mould SID Code will be adjusted
this once advised of the specific code allocated
to compensate.
to each LBR.
3. The Mould SID Code must not be imprinted in
the clamping area.

4. The Mould SID Code must not be placed in an

area that obscures the Mastering SID Code or
any other user defined characters.

5. The Mould SID Code must be imprinted on all

substrates whether containing valid programme
content or not, including blank discs, and even
if not metallised. Overprinting of the Mould
Code for decorative purposes is permissible.
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 THE SOURCE IDENTIFICATION CODE - SID CODE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The Mastering Code must: Additional requirements for

High Density Disc Formats
1. Be positioned between 18.0 mm from the centre such as DVD and SACD.
of the disc and the start of the “lead-in” (which
is at a radius of 22.9 mm from the centre). The allocated Mastering SID Codes should be used
in the production of both CD format discs, and
2. Be a minimum of 0.5 mm high.
high density disc formats. However, there are
3. Be legible without magnification. some variations in the standard for applying
Mastering SID Codes to high density disc formats,
4. Be located in the metallised region of the disc.
as set out below.
5. Read from left to right when viewed from the
read-out , or play side of the disc. 1. The Mastering SID Code must be placed
within the zone that has a maximum radius of
6. Be installed in either the firmware of the LBR
22.5 mm.
(i.e. the software that forms an intrinsic part
of the machinery and is not readily accessible 2. If Burst Cutting Area - Code is used, then the
by the operator of the facility) or embedded position of the Mastering Code should be
in the system controller (i.e. the signal adjusted to compensate.
processing system that controls the operation
3. No minimum radius is specified, but due
of the LBR) in such a way that the operator of
regard should be paid to the following points:
the system is not able to alter or remove/
disable the code. • The Mastering SID Code must be located in
a metallised region of the disc.
7. It is recommended that the space allocated
exclusively for the code (determined by the • The Mastering SID Code must not be obscured
user and LBR supplier) shall consist of an arc by the stack ring.
of 30º for the Mastering SID Code. It is
• It is recommended that the space allocated
mandatory that it is clearly separate from
exclusively for the code (determined by the
other features.
user and LBR supplier) shall consist of an arc
of 30º for the current code. It is mandatory
that it is clearly separate from other features.

• A further arc of 30º shall be reserved for

future use.
nine
Disc variations IFPI

For the single layer, single side disc. For further information please contact:

If the dummy side of the disc is made from a scrap

SID Code Administrator
program disc, it shall bear the SID Code, even if
IFPI Secretariat
not metallised.

"JS
4USFFU
London W1B 5"%
For the dual layer, single side disc
Telephone: + 44 (0)20 7878 7900

The Mastering SID Code must be recorded for E-mail:
[email protected]
both layers (Layer 1 and Layer 0 in DVD format Website:
www.ifpi.org
discs). At least one of the Mastering SID Codes (for
either Layer 1 or Layer 0) must be clearly visible.
Philips Electronics BV
For the single layer, double side disc.
Application for SID Code numbers to:
The Mastering SID Codes must be recorded on both
sides of the disc. It is desirable that both Mastering Philips Intellectual Property & Standards
SID Codes are clearly visible, but it is acceptable if Prof Holstlaan 6
the code is obscured due to restrictions of the Building WAH-2,
printed area. P.O. Box 220
5600 AE Eindhoven
For Hybrid SACD discs (one high-density layer The Netherlands
and one CD layer) Facsimile: + 31 40 273 2113

The Mastering SID Code must be recorded on both

layers. It is desirable that both Mastering SID Codes
E-mail: [email protected]
are clearly visible, but it is acceptable if the code is
Website: https://www.ip.philips.com/licensing
obscured due to restrictions of the printed area.

Application Form for SID Code:

The completed application form should be faxed

to Philips Electronics BV in The Netherlands,
details above, who are responsible for the
allocation of SID Codes.
ten
OTHER IFPI PUBLICATIONS

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

IFPI Secretariat

"JS
4USFFU
London W1B 5"%
Tel: + 44 (0)20 7878 7900
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.ifpi.org