Quote - Stage 1 - Choose Format
Duplication or Replication?
If you are having DVDs produced you have the option of having the discs duplicated or replicated. So what are the differences and which is right for you?
Clients often ask us to explain the difference between duplication and replication. Both result in multiple copies of a disc, but the two processes are very different. It's important to know that there is no real quality difference between duplicated or replicated discs. Both are quality controlled and verified as being identical to the original master. The choice between duplication and replication is more related to quantity and/or turnaround time rather than quality.
The following is a brief overview of the differences between the Duplication and Replication processes;
Duplication
Duplication is the process through which the data content from the original master is "burned" to pre-manufactured write-once recordable discs. Because the setup costs for recording a few discs are minimal by comparison to the set up costs for replication, it's much more cost effective to do smaller numbers of discs in this way. It is not only less expensive for smaller runs but it's also a faster method of production than replication and is generally utilized for orders of up to 1000 discs, or when time is of the essence.
Please Note: Standard Turnaround for CD & DVD Duplication is 3-4 working days. Standard Turnaround for Blu-ray Duplication is 7 working days.
Our pricing is based on duplication from a supplied CD, DVD or Blu-ray master disc. We can offer an authoring service from an External Hard Drive, Tape or other media, please email us us or call (0161) 796 5279 for more information and pricing.
Replication
Replication is a manufacturing process that creates DVD's through injection molding. From the original master, a "glass master" is created. From that, a "stamper" is made that fits into the mold, and transfers the information from the original master to the disc that has just been molded. These discs are like the CD & DVD discs you can buy in the shops and have a silver look to them. This silver look is because of the aluminum coating that is used to reflect the laser when you play your disc.
The replication process only really becomes cost efficient in quantities of 1000 or more, due to the cost of producing the glass master and stamper for each job, known as the "setup cost". With larger orders, where it is vital to get the "per disc" price as low as possible, replication is more cost effective on this "per disc" basis. Replication has a longer lead-time than duplication, requiring 10 to 15 days for production after the master has been received, and the proof for the disc printing has been approved.
Which should you choose?
As outlined above you can see that the 2 key factors that affect this decision are the quantity of discs you need and how quickly you need the job turning around.
For anything less than 1000 discs choose duplication, above 1000 discs you need to decide whether cost per disc (replication) or turnaround time (duplication) is most important.
If you are still unsure which method you should choose please don't hesitate to contact us on 0161 796 5279.
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