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