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