TMBW:Discography Glossary
A guide to some of the terminology found in TMBW's discography.
Abbreviations[edit]
Formats[edit]
| CD | ||
| CD | Compact Disc Digital Audio | The standard CD we all know and love. Classically housed in a jewel case, unless otherwise specified. |
| CD3 | 3" Compact Disc | A miniature CD, used for singles. Did not gain popularity in the west, but survived in Japan well into the 1990s. |
| E-CD | Enhanced CD | Bonus content is viewable on a computer. |
| CD-R | Compact Disc Recordable | CD that can be written in a computer. Typically used for promos and other small-run releases. |
| Vinyl | ||
| LP | Long-playing 12" vinyl record | Used for albums |
| 12" | 12" vinyl record | A single or EP on an LP-sized record. May or may not use a structured LP-style jacket with spine. |
| 7" | 7" vinyl record | Used for singles and EPs |
| 10" | 10" vinyl record | Also used for singles and EPs, much less commonly |
| F- | Flexi-disk | A thin, flexible phonograph record, round or square |
| Audio Tape | ||
| CT | Compact Cassette | Usually housed in a clear plastic case with an insert. |
| CS | Compact Cassette single | Sometimes marketed as "cassingle"; typically housed in a card slipcover |
| 8T | 8-Track | Tape cartridge format with a heyday in the 1970s |
| Video | ||
| VHS | Video Home System | Analog video cassette. Usually packaged in the US in an open-ended slipcase. Plastic clamshell cases are more common elsewhere in the world. |
| DVD | Digital Versatile Disc | Digital video optical disc |
| DVD-R | Digital Versatile Disc Recordable | Writable version of the DVD |
| LD | Laserdisc | Analog video optical disc. Typically 12", but TMBG's only laserdisc release was on the unusual 8" size. |
| UM | U-matic | Analog video cassette format used mostly in television production |
| Other | ||
| DD | Digital Download | Audio files delivered digitally in a variety of formats |
Country Codes[edit]
Country codes follow the ISO 3166-1 standard, except for the following:
| EU | Europe |
| UK | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
| WG | West Germany (prior to August 1990) |
| WW | Worldwide |
CD Packaging[edit]
Jewel case[edit]
The classic CD packaging consisting of a clear hinged plastic case with a front and rear (tray) insert. Variants include double-width cases designed to hold two discs, and slimline cases, commonly used for CD singles in Europe. Unless otherwise specified, CD releases on TMBW come in a standard jewel case, with the exception of Hello CDs (see below).
Digipak[edit]
A folding CD package, with two or more cardboard panels. One panel has a glued plastic tray to hold the disc. Frequently used in the US for CD singles in the 90s, it has become increasing common for TMBG's studio albums since the 2010s.
FLPpak[edit]
Similar to the digipak, but with an outer plastic frame featuring a latch to hold it closed.
Wallet[edit]
Similar to the digipak but without the plastic tray; the disc is stored in an inner pocket.
Card sleeve[edit]
A simple square sleeve made of cardboard, open on one side. Artwork may be printed directly on the sleeve, or be on a sticker. The latter is the case for all Hello CDs.
Plastic sleeve[edit]
A clear flexible plastic sleeve; may have a folded printed insert acting as front and rear art. Often used for small-run promos starting in the 2000s, particular in Europe.
Slidepack[edit]
An uncommon type of packaging consisting of a plastic tray that slides out from an open-ended cardboard slipcase.
Longbox[edit]
A tall box containing a jewel case. These were used in the early CD era as a way to sell CDs in bins designed for LPs.
Longpack[edit]
Used for 3" CDs in the US, consisting of a tall card with a detachable card sleeve.