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"To duplicate or not to duplicate; that is the question." There is not much difference between duplicated discs and replicated discs. Both processes extract the information from your master source in exactly the same way.

CD / DVD Replication
Replication is the reproduction of optical discs (music or data) by stamping (often referred to as manufacturing). A glass master is made by taking the data from your master (usually a CD/DVD-R or DLT Tape) and copying it exactly to a glass substrate via a laser beam recorder (ooooh, lasers). Thus producing the stamper which is then used to mold the information onto your CD or DVD foil which is then protected by layers of polycarbonate plastic. Once pressed you can not add to, delete or change any of the information. The discs are then lacquered, usually screened, and ultimately packaged. Most of this process is automated so the cost per unit becomes very affordable on orders greater than a thousand pieces. Fully integrated computers perform in-line inspections for full conformance with your original master. This ensures that the 1000th, 10,000th or 1,000,000th disc will be an exact replica of your original. Along with automated replication, assembly is done using automated high speed Jewel Case assembly/overwrap systems or Autosleevers. We can provide any quantity of replicated CDs you wish. Normal turn around time for replicated projects is two weeks. As always, if you need it sooner let us know and we will do our best to take care of it for you.

CD / DVD Duplication
The duplication process is used for quick turn arounds and small runs or for instances when the disc needs to be re-writable. Duplication utilizes blank recordable compact discs (CD-R). CD-Rs or DVD-Rs with printed labels look virtually identical to replicated discs. A burner or duplicator is used to copy your music and/or data onto the blank CD-R.

Summary
Duplicated and replicated discs both have their cost and quality pros and cons. DMA is your choice for high quality replication and if you need duplication we can recommend a reputable company. As for quality, the reality has more to do with the play back equipment than the manufacturing process. Older CD and DVD players occasionally have problems playing duplicated discs but rarely have problems with replicated discs (rarely doesn't mean never). With very little data difference between a processed duplication and a glass mastered replication disc your decision to duplicate or replicate audio should be based on unit cost, for a better unit cost you can have more product and therefore greater return with replication.





		HOME PRODUCTS About DMA Services available Product info Packaging options Samples QUOTES TESTIMONIALS FORMS and FILE UPLOAD HOW TO GUIDES/TIPS Replication vs Duplication CMYK vs RGB Other things you need to know DMA FAQ Glossary of terms LINKS LOCATION CONTACT
			Toll Free 1.877.736.5596
	Do you want to go green? DMA’s New Years resolution is to help our clients adopt a greener attitude. We now offer you the possibility of printing your packaging on eco-friendly material. Make your next CD or DVD with a “green” Digipak, where both the tray and the board are 100% recycled. Feel free to contact us		Replication vs. Duplication "To duplicate or not to duplicate; that is the question." There is not much difference between duplicated discs and replicated discs. Both processes extract the information from your master source in exactly the same way. CD / DVD Replication Replication is the reproduction of optical discs (music or data) by stamping (often referred to as manufacturing). A glass master is made by taking the data from your master (usually a CD/DVD-R or DLT Tape) and copying it exactly to a glass substrate via a laser beam recorder (ooooh, lasers). Thus producing the stamper which is then used to mold the information onto your CD or DVD foil which is then protected by layers of polycarbonate plastic. Once pressed you can not add to, delete or change any of the information. The discs are then lacquered, usually screened, and ultimately packaged. Most of this process is automated so the cost per unit becomes very affordable on orders greater than a thousand pieces. Fully integrated computers perform in-line inspections for full conformance with your original master. This ensures that the 1000th, 10,000th or 1,000,000th disc will be an exact replica of your original. Along with automated replication, assembly is done using automated high speed Jewel Case assembly/overwrap systems or Autosleevers. We can provide any quantity of replicated CDs you wish. Normal turn around time for replicated projects is two weeks. As always, if you need it sooner let us know and we will do our best to take care of it for you. CD / DVD Duplication The duplication process is used for quick turn arounds and small runs or for instances when the disc needs to be re-writable. Duplication utilizes blank recordable compact discs (CD-R). CD-Rs or DVD-Rs with printed labels look virtually identical to replicated discs. A burner or duplicator is used to copy your music and/or data onto the blank CD-R. Summary Duplicated and replicated discs both have their cost and quality pros and cons. DMA is your choice for high quality replication and if you need duplication we can recommend a reputable company. As for quality, the reality has more to do with the play back equipment than the manufacturing process. Older CD and DVD players occasionally have problems playing duplicated discs but rarely have problems with replicated discs (rarely doesn't mean never). With very little data difference between a processed duplication and a glass mastered replication disc your decision to duplicate or replicate audio should be based on unit cost, for a better unit cost you can have more product and therefore greater return with replication. Feel free to contact us anytime! 1.877.736.5596 or customerservice@dmadiscs.com


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Replication vs. Duplication