CDs & DVDs
DVD Replication vs. DVD Duplication
As you begin your due diligence process, looking for a replication or duplication service, you have likely been asked many questions concerning your project and the type of media you need. "Aren't all burnable discs the same you may wonder to yourself", - but as you have come to find out, - there IS a difference between the media used to manufacture duplicated orders and the media used to manufacture replicated orders. We have put this sheet together in an effort to explain some of the differences, answer some of the questions you may have, and set aside some misconceptions about both types of mediums, or replication and duplication in general.
DVD Replication
Replication is the standard used to make mass quantities of CD's or DVD's. A “glass master” of your information is made which in turn producers “stampers” which are used for injection molding the information onto foil. The mastered information is then protected by layers of poly carbonate plastic. It is then lacquered, usually screened, and ultimately packaged. Because most of this process is automated, the cost per unit becomes factored in and very affordable on orders generally greater than 1000 pieces. Until recently, almost all duplication companies replicated their discs and would only offer service of larger replication runs to their customers.
DVD Duplication
Duplication is the standard in which smaller quantities of CD’s or DVD's are usually manufactured. CD-R and DVD-R media is loaded into burners. Your information is digitally extracted from your master source (usually a master CD-R or DVD-R) and transferred to the blank discs. Your information is typically verified and the copy then accepted or rejected. With the advent, popularity, and reduced cost of writable media, it is now possible to offer the same level of services to customers that need smaller quantity orders as well as customers which need larger quantities.
What's the difference?
There is no data difference between a processed duplication and a glass mastered replication disc. In fact, both processes extract the information from your master source in EXACTLY THE SAME WAY. Other than the way your disc is manufactured, - the biggest noticeable difference between a replicated CD / DVD disc and a duplicated CD / DVD disc may be the way the surface is marked. This is usually due to the cost restraints associated with the method chosen to process the order.
True or False? Discs which are duplicated are not as reliable as Discs that are replicated?
It may surprise you to find out that in most cases the answer to this question is FALSE. Writable media was invented for the storage of data. Audio CD-Rs and subsequently video DVD-R's were an offspring of the data disk. As with any new technology, there are bugs and glitches to iron out when trying to mass-produce writable media. In an effort to get product into the market place, many disc manufactures produced subpar product which had trouble loading audio and video and thus would keep your disc from “spinning up” in your player. Today’s writable media are manufactured under much stricter guidelines. It is true that there are still many inferior brands of discs saturating the market place, - but by choosing a reputable duplication company which uses only professional equipment and high quality media, you should be assured of receiving a quality product.
In Conclusion:
CD / DVD Duplication and replication both have their cost and quality advantages. PacificDisc is proud to offer both services. Ultimately, it is the consumer/customer that will choose the best method to manufacture the project. PacificDisc staff are here to help you put a project together that both meets your quality demands and budget restrictions. We hope that reading this article about CD / DVD Replication vs. Duplication has helped you make an informed decision about YOUR project and the way you will manufacture it.
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