What is the difference and how do I know what is right for my project?

The biggest difference between media duplication and replication is in the process where in duplication your Master CD or DVD is taken and burned onto recordable media such as CD-Rest or DVD-R & DVD+R. It is basically an exact copy made digitally using a duplication tower that is set up to make multiple copies at one time. If you look at the back of the duplicated discs you will see where the area on the disc is “burned”.

In the CD/DVD Replication process your Master is taken and an exact replica GLASS MASTER is made which is sometimes referred to as a STAMPER. The Glass Master is then used in an assembly line process where plastic is molded in the shape of a CD/DVD and then stamped by the Glass Master. Once the discs are all molded and stamped they are sent to another assembly line where they are then screen printed with your disc artwork.

This process allows for mass quantity to be made very quickly and efficiently ultimately yielding a higher quality product than duplication and a lower price for larger quantities.

All of the CDs and DVDs that you would find in stores are replicated not duplicated and can be played on any CD or DVD player without any compatibility issues whatsoever.

Sometimes, only with DVD duplication, there are issues playing the disc on computers and older stand-alone DVD players but with the right equipment combined with the right media the finished duplicated product could have close to 100% compatibility.

Another difference between the two processes are that CD’s & DVD’s that are replicated tend to be much more scratch resistant than duplicated media as well as the on disc screen printing for replication versus a full color digital inkjet or thermal print for duplication.

If the quantity of your project is going to be less than 500 pieces you will most likely have to have your project duplicated and not replicated as the industry standard for replication usually starts at 1000 pieces or more from a single master.

The only downside to replication seems to be the timeframe for completing your project which typically tends to be 7 to 10 business days where as with duplication you have more flexibility, and depending on the quantity, projects can be completed in as little as 24 hours.

Finally, the size and timeframe of your next project will really dictate whether you will be Replicating or Duplicating your CDs or DVDs but either way a reputable duplication house can make even the smallest project look and sound great.

If you are going to have your project duplicated make sure the company you choose to use prints directly on the disc and does not use peel and stick labels, which can damage most CD and DVD players.

If you still have questions about the difference between Replication & Duplication or you are not sure which process is right for you please call one of our knowledgeable sales representatives at 800-836-7962 and they will be more than happy to walk you through the entire process.