Pros and Cons of CD/DVD Replication and Duplication
When it comes to copying discs and DVDs, etc., people usually have two options to pick from and the names are duplication and replication. The reasons and the purpose of both these processes are same, i.e. to generate high quality copies of the content stored in the master disc. However, when we analyse the overall functioning and process, we will come to know that both these processes are poles apart. Because of the same reasons, there are significant differences in the quality of the discs related through duplication and CD/DVD replication.
But the differences are so microscopic that only a technically learned person would be able to trace them. In this post’s first segment, we will know the major differences between the end results of both these processes and then, go through the pros and cons of the both.
What’s the Big Difference?
· According to reputed and established DVD and CD manufacturers, the major difference in both these processes is of the process itself and the way duplicated and replicated discs are created.
· In duplication, the entire data is put onto a blank CD or DVD with the help of industrial burners.
· However, in the process of CD and DVD replication, the data is merged into the discs while they are being created or manufactured and this is the one major difference between them.
Let us quickly go through some pros and cons of both these processes.
Pros and Cons of Duplication
Pros
· There is a very short turnaround time
· There is often no minimum order requirement
· Discs can easily be printed in full colour
· There is a wide array of packaging options and CD covers
· Ideal for duplicated masters, limited edition releases, beta testing promotional releases, and more!
Cons
· It results in a higher overall cost per individual CD or DVD
· They can contain only a single layer of data
Pros and Cons of Replication
Pros
· The total cost per individual CD or DVD is lower
· They can hold multiple layers of data
· The discs are easily screen printed
Cons
· The turnaround time can be longer
· There is typically a minimum order requirement
How Are They Made?
Duplicated Discs
· As mentioned above, in the process of duplication, DVD and CD manufacturers burn the entire data in the discs using industrial grade burners
· The process is exactly the same as we burn our discs at home using domestic burner with the only difference that they can burn somewhere around 50–100 discs at a time.
CD/DVD Replication
· According to the experts, for the replication process, initially a glass master is created, but only after is has been established that the master data has no errors, corrupt areas, flaws, etc.
· Once this process is complete and a perfect glass master has been created, it is used to make a stomper that is loaded onto an injection moulding machine.
· This machine actually replicates the data and prepares the disc and once they undergo QC test, they are packed in nice CD covers and sent to the clients.
