Duplication or Replication?

CDs and DVDs can be produced in one of two ways; either replicated, which involves pressing the discs from a suitable master disc (a glass master) or duplicated, which involves recording (burning) suitable blank discs.

Either production method can produce excellent results but the principal factors in deciding which method to utilise is essentially the overall cost effectiveness, and time frame available.

Replication involves generating a glass master and suitable "stamper" discs from which to press the required discs from. This is a precision operation conducted in laboratory style "clean room conditions". This process clearly adds both time and cost to the overall production.

Duplication of discs negates the requirement for glass mastering, since each individual disc is recorded (burnt) by a laser onto recordable discs. This consequently leads to short production times and makes short production runs more financially appealing.

Generally, it is most cost effective to replicate products, if time frame allows, in excess of 1000 units.