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