The existence of recordable media technology today is a great relief for many people. Not only is it manageable, but it's also economical, especially for large-scale digital media and music media production. There are two ways in which a blank DVD or blank CD is transformed into a well-functional media or audio storage device: replication and duplication.
Most people would think these two methods are practically the same, but in some ways, they are different. It's important to choose the method which best fits your needs, so here are a few tips on how to differentiate DVD duplication from replication.
Computer techies will refer to DVD duplication as “burning”. Using a DVD duplicator or a drive burner with a small laser, the data is etched on the blank DVD recordable media (DVD-R). For DVD duplication jobs that require only a small amount, usually 1,000 pieces or copies or less, this is the more preferable option. DVD duplication is very convenient to use and has a quick lead time. It's also widely available and easy-to-access. If you have a laptop or PC at home, you can easily duplicate your CDs.
Of course, there is a drawback when opting for DVD duplication. There are instances when older DVD player models are not able to read DVD-R media. Although technology is much proficient now, this is still a possibility. Before burning your DVDs, make sure that the DVD player you're using is capable of reading it. Also, make sure that the CD duplicator or burner you have is in good condition.
DVD replication, on the other hand, refers to “pressing” the DVD. This professional manufacturing method makes use of large disc-molding machinery and raw materials to produce basic DVDs. From the supplied original masters, glass masters are made, and the data is stamped or pressed physically into the blank DVDs. Afterwards, a protective lacquer is layered and spun onto the disc and hardened with ultraviolet light.
The processes involved in DVD replication are automated, and is best used for mass production, if thousands of copies are needed. It also has a longer lead time, with turnarounds that are two weeks or more.
The quality of the content copied and data integrity is generally the same, although most people believe DVD replicates last longer than those that are burned. Nevertheless, these two methods are the most efficient, if you'll ever decide to use recordable media for storage.
