Thesis on Demand prefers to print and bind from a PDF file, charging extra if you send them a hard copy for binding only. If your PDF contains pages you wish to print in color, you will pay the color rate for all pages ("all or nothing"). Probably offers the best deal if you have a black & white PDF file.
PHD Book Binding will accept either a PDF file or a hard copy (will not charge extra if you send them a hard copy). They also allow you to indicate specific pages to be printed in color, without incurring color charges for all pages. Probably the best deal if you need to print some pages, but not all, in color.
Cover: Hardbound in Buckram (Fabric) PS 588 ROYAL BLUE, with gold lettering.
Spine: author's last name, title (truncated as necessary), year.
Front Cover: blank is fine. Some binderies include title, author, year and degree (optional).
Paper: archival.NOTE: "Standard paper" is archival at the two binderies suggested above.
Cover: Hardbound in Buckram (Fabric) PS 990 BLACK, with gold lettering.