Duplication Versus Replication For Cd And Dvd: What's The Difference?
- Date: 2007-05-18 - Word Count: 717
Share This!
There are two ways to make a copy of a CD or DVD. Information can be burned on to a blank CD/DVD-R; this method is called duplication. Information can also added during the CD/DVD manufacturing process; this method is referred to as replication.
Understanding the differences is important in determining which process is best for your project. A duplicated CD/DVD is not only created using a different process than a replicated CD/DVD, but the actual final product is also different. After the duplication process is complete, the final product is a CD-R or a DVD-R. Replication stampers for CDs produce CD-ROMs. (ROM means Read Only Memory). The final product in the DVD replication process is a DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, or DVD-18.
The Processes
CD duplication is similar to burning a CD/DVD on your personal computer. A CD/DVD duplicator extracts data from the master disc and writes it to a blank disc. The difference between burning multiple CD/DVD-Rs at a duplication facility and burning one on your computer desktop is that the duplication facility burns hundreds at a time on towers that are linked together. Each tower contains several CD/DVD trays so that many copies can be created simultaneously. After all the data has been written unto the blank CD/DVD-R, the information is verified with the master, and the process is complete.
CD/DVD replicates, on the other hand, are created during the manufacturing process. In other words, media like a CD/DVD-R does not exist before the process starts. Before the replication process gets underway, the client master is painstakingly evaluated for data corruption. Then, a glass master containing relevant data from client supplied master is created. Replication begins when a flawless glass master is assured. The glass master is used to develop a stamper. The stamper, in turn, is loaded into an Injection Molding machine that creates CD/DVD replicates. The quality of CD replication hinges upon the quality of the glass master's data. Through each successive step, quality and accuracy is consistently monitored to insure each disc is an exact replica or clone of the original. A layer of micro-thin aluminum is applied to the polycarbonate disc. It is then lacquered for additional protection and printed before packaging.
The client supplied master for CD-R and DVD-R duplication is the same, a CD/DVD-R. CD-ROM replication also requires a CD-R master. While a DVD-R is acceptable for DVD replication, most facilities prefer to work from a client supplied DLT or Digital Linear Tape.
Advantages of CD/DVD Duplication
1. The standard turn-time is 2-3 business days, even for runs up to 5,000 units.
2. Digital full color printing is available with no prepress charges.
Disadvantages of CD/DVD Duplication
1. The cost per unit for duplication is higher than replication.
2. DVDs can have up to 2 layers of information on each side of the media. DVD-R duplicates can have 1 layer of information on the entire DVD.
3. Most duplication facilities are small and are commonly limited to hand assembly of the media into packaging as a result of their low volume runs
Advantages of CD/DVD Replication
1. The unit costs are lower than duplicated discs.
2. Both offset printing and screen printing is available for replicated discs.
3. Replicated DVDs can contain 1 layer (DVD-5) of information, 2 layers on one side (DVD-9), 1 layer on each side (DVD-10) or 2 layers on each side (DVD-18). Many replication facilities are not yet set up for DVD-18 replication.
4. Most replication facilities, as a result of their high volume run capability, can auto assemble discs into jewel cases, paper/tyvek sleeves, amaray cases, or cardboard sleeves.
Disadvantages of CD/DVD Replication
1. The standard turn-time is 7-10 business days, longer for runs exceeding 100,000 units. Standard duplication turn times are 2-3 business days.
2. Most facilities have a minimum order requirement of 1,000 units.
Are There Noticeable Differences?
Both CD duplication and CD replication extract data from the original in the same way. In terms of manufacturing, however, this is where the similarities end. The finished product of either process performs in the same manner, although there will be difference to the eye depending upon the whether the discs are digitally, screened, or offset printed.
What About Special Circumstances?
The goals of every project are unique. Contact our customer service department to help determine which process best suits the requirements of your project.
Understanding the differences is important in determining which process is best for your project. A duplicated CD/DVD is not only created using a different process than a replicated CD/DVD, but the actual final product is also different. After the duplication process is complete, the final product is a CD-R or a DVD-R. Replication stampers for CDs produce CD-ROMs. (ROM means Read Only Memory). The final product in the DVD replication process is a DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10, or DVD-18.
The Processes
CD duplication is similar to burning a CD/DVD on your personal computer. A CD/DVD duplicator extracts data from the master disc and writes it to a blank disc. The difference between burning multiple CD/DVD-Rs at a duplication facility and burning one on your computer desktop is that the duplication facility burns hundreds at a time on towers that are linked together. Each tower contains several CD/DVD trays so that many copies can be created simultaneously. After all the data has been written unto the blank CD/DVD-R, the information is verified with the master, and the process is complete.
CD/DVD replicates, on the other hand, are created during the manufacturing process. In other words, media like a CD/DVD-R does not exist before the process starts. Before the replication process gets underway, the client master is painstakingly evaluated for data corruption. Then, a glass master containing relevant data from client supplied master is created. Replication begins when a flawless glass master is assured. The glass master is used to develop a stamper. The stamper, in turn, is loaded into an Injection Molding machine that creates CD/DVD replicates. The quality of CD replication hinges upon the quality of the glass master's data. Through each successive step, quality and accuracy is consistently monitored to insure each disc is an exact replica or clone of the original. A layer of micro-thin aluminum is applied to the polycarbonate disc. It is then lacquered for additional protection and printed before packaging.
The client supplied master for CD-R and DVD-R duplication is the same, a CD/DVD-R. CD-ROM replication also requires a CD-R master. While a DVD-R is acceptable for DVD replication, most facilities prefer to work from a client supplied DLT or Digital Linear Tape.
Advantages of CD/DVD Duplication
1. The standard turn-time is 2-3 business days, even for runs up to 5,000 units.
2. Digital full color printing is available with no prepress charges.
Disadvantages of CD/DVD Duplication
1. The cost per unit for duplication is higher than replication.
2. DVDs can have up to 2 layers of information on each side of the media. DVD-R duplicates can have 1 layer of information on the entire DVD.
3. Most duplication facilities are small and are commonly limited to hand assembly of the media into packaging as a result of their low volume runs
Advantages of CD/DVD Replication
1. The unit costs are lower than duplicated discs.
2. Both offset printing and screen printing is available for replicated discs.
3. Replicated DVDs can contain 1 layer (DVD-5) of information, 2 layers on one side (DVD-9), 1 layer on each side (DVD-10) or 2 layers on each side (DVD-18). Many replication facilities are not yet set up for DVD-18 replication.
4. Most replication facilities, as a result of their high volume run capability, can auto assemble discs into jewel cases, paper/tyvek sleeves, amaray cases, or cardboard sleeves.
Disadvantages of CD/DVD Replication
1. The standard turn-time is 7-10 business days, longer for runs exceeding 100,000 units. Standard duplication turn times are 2-3 business days.
2. Most facilities have a minimum order requirement of 1,000 units.
Are There Noticeable Differences?
Both CD duplication and CD replication extract data from the original in the same way. In terms of manufacturing, however, this is where the similarities end. The finished product of either process performs in the same manner, although there will be difference to the eye depending upon the whether the discs are digitally, screened, or offset printed.
What About Special Circumstances?
The goals of every project are unique. Contact our customer service department to help determine which process best suits the requirements of your project.
Related Tags: cd duplication, cd replication, dvd duplication, dvd replication
About the Author : R. Harvey Bravman is the owner of Advanced Digital Replication, Inc.; providers of web design, SEO, SEM and a full range of state-of-the-art CD and DVD replication/duplication services since 1998. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- What Is An Sd Card? What Are Main Types Of Sd Cards
Manufactured as a competition offering to Sony's Memory Stick, the SD Card was developed by the SD C - Industrial Computers
In this day and age you can't afford to run an industry efficiently without a computer as it plays a - Computer Fix Services - Tips To Choose Good Quality Personal Computer Maintenance Online
Online computer repair services have become a fast and reliable problem solution for day to day tech - Reverse Engineering Romer For Aerospace
One of the most amazing things about reverse engineering is its significant contribution in any fiel - How To Buy The Best Projector Bulb
It is very important for you to know the right time to change the projector bulb before it will burn - Laptops Vs Desktops- Their Significance
Computers obviously are commonly used for more or less everything from entertainment to office work. - Cooling Your Laptop
It is common knowledge that laptops are commonly used by everyone but one must also know how to take - Dymo Labelwriter Fast Performance & Reliability
I don't think I'm the only one who has gotten tired of trips to the post office, standing in endless - Buying Dell Laptops A Long Time Investment
Today if you go to an office or a school, Dell laptops can be seen very commonly. Though we do not b - Hard Drives - Digital Space
The first hard drives (Hard Disk Drives, HDD) were developed by IBM in 1956. Since then the need for
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Video Killed the Beautiful View
"The sound brought our group to a stop; we turned around to see the ice mass collapse with a roar. A - Crossfire: The Dual GPU System Gamers Want
CrossFire is the new dual graphics card system from ATI. It offers remarkable image quality improvem - Canon PIXMA IP1600 Photo Printer Review & Its True Cost of Ownership
With Canon PIXMA iP1600 Inkjet Printer you can make high quality photo printings at home. No need to - Basic Information about Nero Burn DVD
Nero is a popular burning ROM designed to burn DVD's. The way this product got its name is very inte - The Development of the Vital IBM PC in Spite of the Corporate Culture of IBM
The public history of the PC began in August 1981, when IBM first announced "The IBM Personal Comput - PC Repairs
PC Repairs are often needed when we need our computer the most. One way to take away many problems o - Affordable Computer Printer Ink
The computer - once considered a luxury item - has easily become a staple in today's modern homes; a - Build your Own PC
Build your own PC! Simple and Fun. Just follow these instructions and you're on your way to a rel - Extending the Life of an Inkjet Printer with Proper Cleaning and Maintenance
Inkjet printers are becoming another "throw away" electronic device due to reducing costs and high i - Check Printers
A check printer is a printer that hooks up to a computer that has the capability of printing checks.