When you want a CD or DVD copied, most people don’t worry too much about what process is used to do it. However, when you are working with higher quality materials or making important, sales-quality products, the question does arise. There are two main methods of reproducing discs, and thus the question becomes one of replication vs. duplication.
Replication or Retail Ready Discs involves creating a stamper. This process is done from scratch, and the CDs and DVD’s are injection molded from plastic pellets and then covered in reflective material and stamped with the information from your master. Replication is typically most cost effective for larger runs of discs from 1000 and up and has a larger variety of packaging options to choose from. This process requires set up and has turn times of 10 business days or less.
Duplication or Short Run refers to the common burning process similar to what most people can do on their personal home computers for 1 or 2 discs. A blank CDR or DVDR is used and the information is burned onto it. Unlike the standard one burner drive you have at home we have the ability to burn and print hundreds at a time with an impressive assortment of short run full packaging options. Duplication is best used when you need less than 1000 discs or you need discs in a hurry.
The question of replication vs. duplication boils down to the project’s purpose and how fast you’re in need of it. Small orders are impractical to replicate, since the manufacturing process requires timely set-up and a 1000 unit minimum order. Items needing less units and faster turnaround will be better off being duplicated. For Retail Ready product and a lower price per disc on large orders, replication is the better choice. At Disc Outlet we offer both options, to suit your diverse needs.
We are now offering our standard size replicated retail ready discs at 500 units. Please visit our project builder or contact one of our Sales Representatives today for assistance with questions, pricing or placing your order.
