Format
6.1.1. Format describes the sound carrier used
for the release. The same recording released on different formats needs to be
put into the database as separate items (including different data rates for
file based releases). Only enter the specific format that you have in your possession.
The full formats and descriptions lists are available at the formats
list page.
As well as the basic format (CD, Vinyl etc), you can enter the
quantity, apply one or more descriptions, and add text in the free text
field.
Please see the example in the Quick
Start Guide for how to enter formats correctly.
6.1.2. Quantity (Qty) - this
is used to note the number of items that is included with the release, in the
particular following format. Common examples would be:
- 1 x CD - for one CD
- 2 x CD - for a two CD release
- 1 x LP
1 x 7" - for a release containing one LP and one 7"
File based releases should also use the 'Qty' field to list the number of audio
files of a specific type in the release. Other file types included on the release
should not be counted.
For example:
- 4 x File, MP3 - for a release containing four MP3s
- 1 x File, ogg-vorbis - for a release containing one ogg-vorbis file
- 15 x File, ACC
1 x File, WAV - for a release containing 15 ACC files and one WAV file
In the past, this field has not been used for file based releases, there will
be many examples of file based releases in the database that need updated.
6.1.3. Format - This gives us a list
of all the main formats that audio is released on, the full list can be seen
at http://www.discogs.com/help/formatslist
6.1.4. The Format Description field
can be added multiple times to the same line by using the [+] button once the
first format description has been added. The available descriptions to add to
a format depend on the format selected.
6.1.5. The Free Text field should be
used to describe; 1) Any non-standard color of the audio carrier,
2) any notable packaging (for example gatefold sleeves, Digipak etc,
see 5.1.6), or 3) text that isn't part of the title but distinguishes
the specific release from others (for example 'Disc 1', '30th Anniversary Edition'
etc). The free text field should not be used to describe things that are already
in the Format or Description fields.
6.1.6. Unless any release that has the same
title and format on the artist or label pages is also released using different
packaging (for example a slimline jewel case and a Digipak), package description
should not be added to the free text field, but remain in the Release Notes.
6.1.7. As the free text field will be shortened
the only the first three characters on the artist and label page lists, it is
beneficial that the most important distinguishing feature be noted first. For
example, if the vinyl is available in "mottled clear red, blue, and brown",
it should be listed in the free text box with the color first: 'Brown Mottled,
Clear' etc, so the three character abbreviations "Red, Bro, Blu" appear on the
artist and label lists.
Eligible Formats
6.2. Any item that carries audio is potentially
eligible for inclusion to the Discogs database. Please take the following into
account to establish the validity of the item you wish to submit:
Physical Media
6.3. Discogs only catalogs items that are or
have been available to the general public, either as commercially sold items,
or as free give-aways. Items that are duplicated on recordable media (for example
CDr or Cassette) will be held under closer scrutiny than items that are replicated
on non-recordable media (for example vinyl records and 'pressed' CD's). Please
include as much information as possible with the submission to establish the
validity of borderline cases.
Video
6.4. Only video items that have audio as the
main focus are allowed, where "audio" is either one or more complete studio
recordings, one or more complete live performances. If the item still makes
sense with the picture turned off, it will probably be acceptable. Please ask
in the Adding & Updating Forum if you are unsure whether to submit a video or
not, especially for borderline cases.
MP3, ogg-vorbis, And Other File Based Formats
6.5.1. Computer file based formats follow the
same basic rules as for physical media. File-based releases are scrutinized
similarly to CDrs and Cassettes, due to the ease of creation, duplication and
distribution. To provide verification of stand-alone file based releases, please
provide (in the submission notes) a URL to the purchase or download location,
or some description of how you obtained the files. In other words, how can someone
else get this release?
6.5.2. Bitrates should be entered as "kbps"
(note all lower case). This info can go in the free text field.
6.5.3. Files on a data part of a CD should
be added to the tracklisting provided they are not the same tracks as found
on the release. If they are the same as the ones on the release this information
should be added to the notes, for example, in cases where the CD has a DRM scheme
and has versions that are only played on a computer.
6.5.4. Bootleg MP3s and other file based releases,
as made available through purchase sites of questionable legality or One-click
hosts, are not eligible for inclusion to the database at this time. Commonly,
these files are copies of physical media, and not intended for distribution
in this method.
LP versus 12"
6.6. Since, from a distance, a 12" record looks
exactly like an LP, it can be somewhat hard to know if they should be entered
as 12" or LP. 12" - This is simply the size of the record. We in fact have all
sizes of records listed, from 12" down to 4". 12" generally have under 15 minutes
of audio per side, and for a good loud cut, under 10 minutes. There weren't
any 12" singles before 1976.
LP - This is short for 'Long Player', which was an invention to
increase the playing time of records by making the grooves smaller and
closer together. Most LP's are 12" in diameter, although they can be
other sizes as well. Common usage has lead to this term being
synonymous with 'album', and whilst most LP's are albums, the terms
should be used distinctly on Discogs for accuracy. LP's can have up to
30 minutes of audio per side. By listing a record as an LP, we imply it
has a 12" diameter and close together grooves. Other sizes can be added
to the format description if they are needed, for example Vinyl, LP,
10".
Here are a couple of images to illustrate how these different
formats look. These pictures were taken from the same distance from the
records, and show the same area. The records were chosen to illustrate
the difference, for other examples the difference may not be as
extreme. The closeness and depth of the grooves is infinitely variable
from these extremes, so if in doubt, try to refer to the release
artwork, label website or literature etc. Sometimes the catalog number
will be formatted a certain way for LP's or EP's / singles, check other
releases in the database for clues.
CD versus CDr
6.7. It is often hard to distinguish between
a pressed CD and a burnt CDr, since many CDrs are professionally made. The basic
properties of the two formats are:
CD - data has been pressed in a mold into the plastic. Professional printing
on the info side. The color of the data side is silver/gray or golden.
CDr - Recordable CDr has been burnt in a computer drive. Info side is stickered
or printed by an inkjet or even has professional printing. The color of the
data side is most commonly light golden, silver, shades of green or blue.
CD Matrix
6.8. The best way to distinguish between CD
and CDr is the inner ring on the data side, called "CD matrix":
CD - always contains a pressing number (which sometimes includes the catalog#
of the release), a barcode and the name/logo of the CD manufacturer. Since 1994,
most CDs have two so-called "SID codes", one in the CD matrix with the pattern
"IFPI Lxxx", and another one etched in the transparent inner ring with the pattern
"IFPI xxxx", which is mostly hard to read.
CDr - no pressing number, no CD manufacturer, no barcode in the CD matrix.
Contains a CDr type number (often containing the length "74" or "80"), which
is mostly hard to read, and often a serial number printed on the transparent
inner ring.
Audio-CDr - Commercial, consumer-audio CDRs (a.k.a. audio-CDRs) may include
a barcode and etched numbers, but no IFPI codes. A serial number, however, is
(seemingly without exception) always printed in a "dot-matrix"-like
format on the inner ring.
Format
Descriptions
6.9. Some format tags are obvious at first
glance (such as Mini, Shape or Picture Disc), while others require listening
to the audio (such as Mixed, Partially Mixed and Mispress). Still other tags
rely on how the release is labeled.
Album,
Mini-Album, EP, Maxi-Single and Single
6.10. Album, Mini-Album, EP, Maxi-Single and
Single tags should only be used where it is clear that is what the release is,
for example it is explicitly mentioned on the release, or by the label or artist.
If there is doubt, these fields should not be used. Do not guess at or attempt
to apply your own standard to these tags. If there is doubt, these fields should
not be used. Do not guess at or attempt to apply ANY standard to these tags.
Limited Edition
6.11. This tag should only be used when the
release is specifically listed as such on the release, or by a reliable source.
Just because something wasn't released in a great quantity doesn't make an item
a "limited edition." Nor is something a "limited edition" simply because it
is now out of print. If something is listed as a "Special Edition," this should
be noted in the free text field.
White
Labels, Promos and Test Pressings
6.12.1. Just because a release has a plain
label does not mean that an item should be listed as Promo or Test Pressing.
These tags should only be used in conjunction with 'White Label' if they are
stated on the label or packaging. Also, these three descriptions can be used
in conjunction with 'Unofficial Release' or 'Partially Unofficial' if the release
was made without the consent of the artist or label.
6.12.2. Promo - Any item labeled as being
released for promotional purposes, including advance copies sent out to promote
a retail release and releases (often compilations) that are made available for
free, as found attached to magazines. Only list an item as a Promo if the release
is clearly listed as such. Retail releases with stamped, stickered, or similarly
altered covers and/or CDs are to be considered the same as retail, as should
retail releases with cut spines, marked or cut barcodes, or other such defacement.
Additionally, retail releases that include 'one-sheet' promotional press-release
or feedback type pages are not to be considered different than the retail version.
6.12.3. Test Pressing - Typically a limited
run of a record made to test the sound quality. Only list an item as Test Pressing
if the release is clearly marked as such.
6.12.4. White Label - Only if the center labels
on a vinyl release is without proper print on both sides. Additional marks with
a rubber stamp, small printed sticker, or handwritten on an otherwise blank
(but not necessarily white) label would still generally be considered a White
Label release. White label releases of the same record may be entered as separate
releases if one version has been stamped
while another has been labeled with a sticker.
Stereo
6.13. The 'Stereo' tag shouldn't be used unless
the item was released in stereo and mono formats, or is otherwise necessary
to point out. For most CDs, Cassettes, and Vinyl releases after aprox 1970,
it is unnecessary to state they are stereo.
LP
6.14. It is unnecessary to add an LP as 'Vinyl,
LP, 12", 33rpm', all that is needed is 'Vinyl, LP'. The LP tag used by itself,
denotes a 12" (30 cm) 33 rpm long-playing record. Other non-standard sizes can
be added if needed i.e. LP, 10". LP is often misused outside of Discogs to denote
an album. At Discogs, we use these terms independently and precisely. Using
the LP tag does not mark the release as an album. Album is a marketing term
used to denote a collection of tracks, and should only be used where it is clear
the item was released as such.
Unofficial Releases - Uncleared recordings,
Bootlegs, Pirates, and Counterfeits
6.15.1. Discogs catalogs all audio releases,
no matter their legal standing. We use the 'Unofficial Release' and 'Partially
Unofficial' descriptions
to tag and separate the releases that don't adhere to usual copyright law/s.
6.15.2. The usual Discogs cataloging rules
apply to these items; They must be entered in a way that defines the item as
a unique release. Please also refer to the label
guidelines for naming conventions.
6.15.3. The following are approximate definitions
only: Bootleg: Unauthorized recordings of live performances/broadcasts. Counterfeit:
Recordings which are copied or distributed without authority, and which are
packaged to resemble the original as closely as possible. Pirate: Recordings
which are copied or distributed without authority, and which are usually packaged
differently to the original.
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