Duplication vs Replication
CD or DVD Replication is a process of manufacturing your discs and duplication is copying data onto recordable media, either CD-R or DVD-R.
Replication is a process of creating a glass master and a stamper and injection molding the discs. The data is pressed into the polycarbonate material, then a layer of foil is applied, a protective layer and printed using either a silkscreen or offset printing method.
Duplication uses discs that have a layer of optical dye and the data is burned into the dye using a laser. This is where the expression, “to burn a disc” came from.
Duplicating CDs and DVDs is a relatively quick and inexpensive process making it the choice for short-run needs. The discs are burned and then, in the case of Saicomm, the artwork is printed directly on the face of the disc.
There are instances where replication is a better choice. If you want to make 1000 discs or more, replication will be the least expensive way to go. There are virtually no compatibility issues with CD-R but, in the case of DVD-R duplication, there are still some compatibility issues between some set-top players and DVD-R. Replicating your CD or DVD (stamping) virtually eliminates all compatibility issues. With stamped discs, you have a much more professional look, too. CD or DVD Replication includes silk-screen or offset printing.
There are many benefits to replication including 100% accuracy and tremendous price breaks in larger quantities.