What is the difference between CD/DVD Duplication and CD/DVD Replication?

There are 2 ways to copy the data from a CD or DVD to a CD or DVD. Information can be burned onto a blank CD-R or DVD-R, the duplication process - or - data can be added during the CD/DVD manufacturing process; this method is referred to as replication.

 

The difference between the two processes is important in determining which process is best for your project. A duplicated CD/DVD is created using a different process than a replicated CD/DVD, and the actual deliverable is also different.

 

In the duplication process the final product is a CD-R or DVD-R. Replication stampers, used in replication for CDs, produce CD-ROMs. (Read Only Memory). The final product in the DVD replication process is a DVD-5, DVD-9 or DVD Blue-Ray.

 

Breaking down the processes:

CD Duplication is similar to burning a CD/DVD on your home PC. The duplicator extracts data from a master disc that is provided by the client and writes it to a new blank disc. The difference between burning multiple CD/DVD-Rs using Advantage Design Group and burning one on your computer desktop is that our CD Burners are built to burn 300 CD’s at a time using multiple CD drives. During this process of duplication we also custom print a CD Face in full color. 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.

 

A Replicated CD/DVD is created during the manufacturing process. Meaning, a CD/DVD-R does not exist before the process starts. Prior to the replication process beginning, the master disc, provided by Advantage Design Group or directly from the client, is evaluated for data corruption and quality of content. Once the evaluation process confirms the content, a glass master containing relevant data from the master disc is created. Replication begins when a flawless glass master is assured and checked for accuracy. The glass master is used to develop a stamper that will be used to manufacture the CD/DVD. The stamper is then loaded into an Injection Molding Machine that creates the 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 and then it is lacquered for additional protection and printed prior to packaging.

 

What are the noticeable differences?

The primary difference is that one is burned date onto a disc and the other is actually manufactured with the data in place. The playback of either the replicated or duplicated disc is the same. The other difference would be in appearance depending on how the face art is printed. The printing process can be thermal-transfer, silk-screen or offset.

 

To request a custom quote for your project, contact sales at 1-800-657-1338 or by email at info@advantagedesigngroup.com