| There are two ways to make a copy of a CD or | | | | facilities prefer to work from a client supplied DLT or |
| DVD. Information can be burned on to a blank CD | | | | Digital Linear Tape. |
| DVD-R; this method is called duplication. Information | | | | Advantages of CD/DVD Duplication |
| can also added during the CD/DVD manufacturing | | | | |
| process; this method is referred to as replication. | | | | 1. The standard turn-time is 2-3 business days, even |
| Understanding the differences is important in | | | | for runs up to 5,000 units. |
| determining which process is best for your project. A | | | | 2. Digital full color printing is available with no prepress |
| duplicated CD/DVD is not only created using a | | | | charges. |
| different process than a replicated CD/DVD, but the | | | | Disadvantages of CD/DVD Duplication |
| actual final product is also different. After the | | | | 1. The cost per unit for duplication is higher than |
| duplication process is complete, the final product is a | | | | replication. |
| CD-R or a DVD-R. Replication stampers for CDs | | | | 2. DVDs can have up to 2 layers of information on |
| produce CD-ROMs. (ROM means Read Only | | | | each side of the media. DVD-R duplicates can have 1 |
| Memory). The final product in the DVD replication | | | | layer of information on the entire DVD. |
| process is a DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, or DVD-18. | | | | 3. Most duplication facilities are small and are |
| The Processes | | | | commonly limited to hand assembly of the media into |
| CD duplication is similar to burning a CD/DVD on your | | | | packaging as a result of their low volume runs |
| personal computer. A CD/DVD duplicator extracts | | | | Advantages of CD/DVD Replication |
| data from the master disc and writes it to a blank disc. | | | | 1. The unit costs are lower than duplicated discs. |
| The difference between burning multiple CD/DVD-Rs | | | | 2. Both offset printing and screen printing is available |
| at a duplication facility and burning one on your | | | | for replicated discs. |
| computer desktop is that the duplication facility burns | | | | 3. Replicated DVDs can contain 1 layer (DVD-5) of |
| hundreds at a time on towers that are linked together. | | | | information, 2 layers on one side (DVD-9), 1 layer on |
| Each tower contains several CD/DVD trays so that | | | | each side (DVD-10) or 2 layers on each side (DVD-18). |
| many copies can be created simultaneously. After all | | | | Many replication facilities are not yet set up for |
| the data has been written unto the blank CD/DVD-R, | | | | DVD-18 replication. |
| the information is verified with the master, and the | | | | 4. Most replication facilities, as a result of their high |
| process is complete. | | | | volume run capability, can auto assemble discs into |
| CD/DVD replicates, on the other hand, are created | | | | jewel cases, paper/tyvek sleeves, amaray cases, or |
| during the manufacturing process. In other words, | | | | cardboard sleeves. |
| media like a CD/DVD-R does not exist before the | | | | Disadvantages of CD/DVD Replication |
| process starts. Before the replication process gets | | | | |
| underway, the client master is painstakingly evaluated | | | | 1. The standard turn-time is 7-10 business days, longer |
| for data corruption. Then, a glass master containing | | | | for runs exceeding 100,000 units. Standard duplication |
| relevant data from client supplied master is created. | | | | turn times are 2-3 business days. |
| Replication begins when a flawless glass master is | | | | 2. Most facilities have a minimum order requirement of |
| assured. The glass master is used to develop a | | | | 1,000 units. |
| stamper. The stamper, in turn, is loaded into an Injection | | | | Are There Noticeable Differences? |
| Molding machine that creates CD/DVD replicates. The | | | | Both CD duplication and CD replication extract data |
| quality of CD replication hinges upon the quality of the | | | | from the original in the same way. In terms of |
| glass master's data. Through each successive step, | | | | manufacturing, however, this is where the similarities |
| quality and accuracy is consistently monitored to insure | | | | end. The finished product of either process performs in |
| each disc is an exact replica or clone of the original. A | | | | the same manner, although there will be difference to |
| layer of micro-thin aluminum is applied to the | | | | the eye depending upon the whether the discs are |
| polycarbonate disc. It is then lacquered for additional | | | | digitally, screened, or offset printed. |
| protection and printed before packaging. | | | | What About Special Circumstances? |
| The client supplied master for CD-R and DVD-R | | | | The goals of every project are unique. Contact our |
| duplication is the same, a CD/DVD-R. CD-ROM | | | | customer service department to help determine which |
| replication also requires a CD-R master. While a | | | | process best suits the requirements of your project. |
| DVD-R is acceptable for DVD replication, most | | | | |