A Beginners Guide to DVD and CD Duplication By Ewan Horlock
DVD and CD duplication is the quickest and easiest way to create multiple copies for a wide range of media. Within the corporate sector it can be used for instructional videos, internal marketing, product catalogues, media presentations, training manuals, reports and company marketing. It can also be used for more creative purposes within the commercial world such as software releases, band releases, eBooks, films and gaming. Regardless of its purpose, disc production is definitely a more economical and convenient means for data/video/audio storage and delivery. Almost every business, non-profit organization and private individual can use cheap DVD duplication to their advantage. In order to understand DVD duplication and its advantages you need to be aware of the terminology and be able to distinguish between DVD duplication and DVD replication. DVD Duplication is the process of duplicating data onto an existing pre-made disc (also known as "burning"). These discs, known as a DVD-R (short for Digital Versatile Disc Recordable), are loaded into burners where the information is extracted through digital means from the master source. Data is then etched onto recordable DVD-R media using a small laser found in drive burners or duplicator machines. The information is verified and the machine either accepts or rejects the copied version. After verification the disc moves onto the printing stage (if printing is required). This is where ink jet or thermal printers (using graphic files known as "artwork") print onto the upper surface of each new CD-R or DVD-R. This process is convenient to use (creating a quick lead time) and less expensive than replication due to the minimal setup costs. If a small number of discs are required, usually less than 1000 units, duplication is the preferred process. Replication (also known as "pressing") is used when mass quantities of a disc need to be made. It is a more professional manufacturing process where raw materials run through large discmoulding machines that produce the basic DVD. Firstly, glass masters are created from the client supplied originals, the data is physically stamped or pressed into the other blank discs (then coated and protected with polycarbonate plastic). Most of these processes are fully automated with replication (only re-writing your information once onto the glass master) and the cost per unit is cheaper when orders are above one thousand units. A drawback of replication is that it has a longer lead time and can have a turnaround of two weeks or more. Understanding the difference between replication and duplication allows you to choose the correct process based on your needs. The fundamental difference to keep in mind is costeffectiveness with regards to quantity and your required turnaround. In terms of the finished
product, there is no difference in quality or consistency between a replicated and a duplicated disc. Generally, DVD technology is moving at a very fast pace and there is an entire new generation of optical discs (SL 4.7GB, DL 8.5GB and DS 9.4GB). DVD duplication provides endless potential for digital media storage and exhibition, delivering stunning video resolution and audio performance for both home entertainment and the professional market.
CD Duplication