DVDs and CDs are the major carriers of information. We use a DVD or a CD in our everyday lives. But have we ever wondered how that information comes to exist on the DVD or the CD in the first place. The information could be burned onto the CD or DVD. This is called DVD duplication or CD duplication. Information could also be added during the manufacturing process. This method is called DVD replication or the related CD replication.
CD duplication and DVD duplication
The above mentioned processes affect the kind of DVD or CD that is obtained. CD duplication creates a CD-R also known as CD recordable. In a CD-R, instead of physical etching the substrate, it is stamped with a spiral pre-groove similar to a regular CD except that it is intentionally wobbled. Duplication of DVD creates DVD-R.
CD/DVD replication
On the other hand, replication of CD creates a CD-ROM. Information once entered onto the CD cannot be changed and no new information can be added to the CD. The final product of DVD replication can be DVD-5, DVD-9, DVD-10 or DVD-18.
Duplication Process.
A CD/DVD duplicator is similar to burning disc on a personal computer. It extracts information from a master disc and writes it to a blank disc. The duplication centre burns hundreds of CDs/DVDs at a time on towers that are linked together. Each tower has many trays so that a number of CD/DVD can be burned together and thus a number of copies created simultaneously. After the entire data has been written onto the disc, the disc is verified to check that it contains all the information present on the master disc.
How the Replication is done.
In a replication process, the client master is checked so that it does not contain any corrupt data. Once the disc is found to be free of errors, a glass master containing relevant information, supplied from the client master is created. The process of DVD replication or CD replication can begin only when a flawless glass master is obtained. The glass master helps in developing a stamper. The stamper is then loaded into a molding machine that creates the replicates. The quality of the final CD/DVD depends on the glass master. The CD/DVD that will be obtained is checked at each step to ensure it is an exact clone of the original. Once the replication process is complete, a layer of aluminum is applied to make it reflective. It is then lacquer coated for protection and printed before it goes into the packaging section.
The pros and cons of duplication.
CD/DVD duplication has a number of advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of duplication are that the standard run time is shorter even for high runs. Also digital printing is available for no extra charges. The disadvantages include higher cost as compared to replication and require smaller facilities.
The positives and negatives of replication.
CD/DVD replication too has its own share of advantages and disadvantages. Replication costs are lower than duplication costs. Both offset and screen printing is available and replication facilities are such that they can auto assemble discs. On the negative side, its needs higher turn time and since the facilities are of high-volume, they have a minimum order requirement.
This article contains information relating to the process of manufacture of CDs and DVDs. DVD replication, CD replication or DVD/CD duplication are the two methods of storing information onto a disc. For more info visit: http://www.xpressduplicationcentre.co.uk