Duplication -v- Replication
Without a doubt, the most frequently asked question is whether discs should be duplicated or replicated and the implications with each process.
Firstly, what's the difference between duplication and replication?
Simply, duplication (or burning) is where your data is written to blank recordable discs using high speed CD/DVD writers, similar to those found in your PC, and replication (or pressing) is where your data is physically pressed into the polycarbonate as the disc is being
manufactured.
When choosing which method is right for your project there are 3 main factors to consider:
- Quantity of discs
As a general rule...
» Up to 500, discs will be duplicated
» Over 10,000, discs will be replicated
» Between 500 and 10,000 discs can be either duplicated or replicated
» Over 1000 will tend to be replicated, depending on timescales
- Your timescales
CD and DVD replication can take up to 10 days, whereas duplicated discs can be turned around in just a few days (or hours in extreme cases!). So the tighter your timescales, the more likely the discs will need to be duplicated - depending on the quantities of course!
- Unit Cost
There comes a point where it costs more to duplicate a CD or DVD than replicate it. You then have to decide whether a lower price or time is more important.
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The diagram below represents these points visually...
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The following tables show 'at-a-glance' differences between the 2 manufacturing methods:
CDs > Duplication -v- Replication
| |
CD Duplication |
CD Replication |
| Typical Quantities |
less than 1000 |
more than 1000 |
| Turnaround |
approx. 3 days |
approx. 10 days |
| Glass Mastering |
No |
Yes |
| Data Capacity |
700MB / 80minutes |
700MB / 80minutes |
| Formats |
Data, Hybrid (PC & Mac), Audio, Enhanced CD, Video CD, Games, Multimedia, etc. |
Data, Hybrid (PC & Mac), Audio, Enhanced CD, Video CD, Games, Multimedia, etc. |
| Player Compatibility |
Duplicated discs are compatible with ALL CD players * |
Pressed discs are compatible with ALL CD players * |
| Decorating the CD face: Print Choices |
Thermal Transfer
Inkjet Print
Screen Print
Offset Litho |
Screen Print
Offset Litho |
| Able to Pre-print? |
Yes - offering maximum flexibility as CDs can be pre-printed and made ready prior to master data being available |
No - artwork for CD face and master data needs to be supplied together |
| Copy Protection available? |
No |
Yes - solutions available for Data and Audio |
*8cm CDs and CD Business Cards are not compatible with slot loading drives
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DVDs > Duplication -v- Replication
| |
DVD Duplication |
DVD Replication |
| Typical Quantities |
less than 1000 |
more than 1000 |
| Turn-around |
approx. 5 days |
approx. 10 days |
| Glass Mastering? |
No |
Yes |
| Data Capacity |
| Single layer |
- 4.7GB |
| Dual layer |
- 8.5GB |
What do these mean? |
| DVD5 |
- 4.7GB |
| DVD9 |
- 8.5GB |
| DVD10 |
- 9.4GB |
| DVD18 |
- 17GB |
What do these mean? |
| Formats |
Data, Audio, Video |
Data, Audio, Video |
| Player Compatibility |
There are compatibility issues with certain combinations of DVD+/-R discs and video DVD players * |
Pressed discs are compatible with ALL video DVD and computer DVD players * |
| Decorating the CD face: Print Choices |
Thermal Transfer
Inkjet Print
Screen Print
Offset Litho |
Screen Print
Offset Litho |
| Able to Pre-print? |
Yes - offering maximum flexibility as DVDs can be printed and made ready prior to master data being available |
No - artwork for DVD face and content needs to be supplied together |
| Copy Protection available? |
No |
Yes - solutions available for Data and Video |
*8cm DVDs are not compatible with slot loading drives
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| Q: |
What kinds of disc should be pressed rather than duplicated? |
| A: |
There really is no set guide. If your discs are to be sold off the shelf in a retail environment we would suggest the discs are pressed - the volumes tend to be higher and time is not usually an issue. Duplicated discs are more likely to be music demos, sales and
marketing tools, internal company information, corporate videos, etc - generally lower volume work for handouts and give-aways.
Please note: This is a very broad answer! Your requirements may differ, so please speak to us and we'll be happy to advise you. |
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| Q: |
Aren't duplicated discs more fragile than pressed discs? |
| A: |
When CDs were first born their big selling point was that they're virtually indestructible, and of course we've since discovered this isn't the case! They can be damaged by finger prints, scratches and cracking due to poor handling and storage - and this is true for
both duplicated and pressed discs. When it comes to the idea of long term storage, duplicated discs are supposed to have a life expectancy in excess of 100 years, and pressed discs are supposed to last forever! Recordable discs have a special dye layer
on which the data is stored using laser light - and if this layer is interfered with (e.g. storing the disc in prolonged direct sunlight) this will reduce the life of the disc. It's also noted that some pressed discs have been seen to degrade over time with something
called 'disc rot' so, provided the discs are handled and stored correctly, there's not much between them. |
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| Q: |
Is it possible to pass off duplicated discs as pressed discs? |
| A: |
With CDs we are able to use 'silver/silver' (sometimes called 'diamond') discs. These have a mirror silver top and bottom making it extremely difficult to see the recording layer, which is the usual way of identifying a recordable CD. They also have a barcode
around the hub centre helping to give the appearance of a pressed disc. Currently all DVD recordable discs have a purple coloured recording layer, immediately setting them apart from pressed discs. |
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QuickLinks:
> Low Volume Disc Duplication [CD | DVD]
> High Volume Disc Duplication [CD | DVD]
> Copy Protection [Data | Audio | n-CD]
> Printing Solutions [Thermal Transfer | Inkjet | Screen | Offset]
> Frequently Asked Questions [CD | DVD]
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