AstralTech

List of Customers

 * Astral Video (Canadian)
 * CBS/Fox Video (Canadian, 1983-1984)
 * MCA Home Video Canada [Some releases]
 * RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video (Canadian)
 * Screencraft Video (Canadian)
 * Buena Vista Home Entertainment (Canadian, 1985-2000)
 * Walt Disney Home Video

How to Tell

 * 1985-1995 tapes duplicated by Pathé Video and AstralTech have a coloured sticker, usually white, on the tape guard. These stickers always have numbers on them.
 * In addition, Astral Media acquired Pathé Video in early 1990.
 * On any tape duplicated by AstralTech between 1990 and 1993, there are 8 digit numbers printed in dark ink on the bottom middle spine.
 * From 1994 to early 1995, AstralTech printed out print dates on their tapes that were similar to the ones on US-marketed tapes duplicated by Technicolor.
 * Beginning in 1995, tapes duplicated by AstralTech have ink information on the bottom middle side akin to those duplicated by Technicolor, except the information reads the name of the release and cartridge numbers in either 0/0, 00/00, 000/000 or 0000/0000.
 * For example, if the cartridge number reads "13/40", that means the tape is cartridge number 13 out of the 40 cartridges, although in some ways, this does not guarantee that only 40 copies of the VHS release were manufactured, however. Or, if it reads "089/510", that means the tape is cartridge number 89 out of 510 cartridges.
 * In fact, Astral Media sold its video duplication and distribution arm to Technicolor in 2000, however, the sale did not include the Astral Home Entertainment video wholesaling and marketing operation.



Locations

 * Montreal, Quebec
 * Toronto, Ontario