Understanding CD Duplication and Services of CD Duplic

MS SAMEER (CMA*CA*CMDM*ast FUND MANAGER*LEGAL ADVISOR)   (14938 Points)

04 October 2010  

CD duplication is the process of copying data from one CD to another through the process of burning especially in large commercial quantities.

Though many people use the term CD duplication and replication interchangeably, there are gross differences between the two. Though both processes transfer information onto CDs, duplication is the process of burning what we call pits onto a CD surface and normally undertaken by CD Duplication Companies. The device which does the burning is called a CD burner can be inexpensively found on home PCs.

CD replication on the other hand obtains an imprint from a master CD and stamps the data in binary form on the CD. In CD Duplication, the duplicate is of the same or inferior quality as the original. No attempt is made to change the quality or constitution of the data transferred. CD Duplication is also cheap to do and therefore the favorite of computer enthusiasts who don't have the large budget to do replication. It is also cheaper to do for low volume work say burning 10 to 20 CDs.

But replication is an attempt to produce a high end version of an original CD and therefore involves more sophisticated technology and machinery, and that's why we find this method mostly with CD Duplication Companies. Because of the high capital layout, it is an expensive option and therefore suits people who need to do quality or professional copies in large volumes say 100,000 to 1 million copies. Sometimes, the sheer need for quality production such as CDs being sent to radio stations, open market, etc need to have high quality production whether a single or 2 million copies are to be produced. It may also be noted that replication usually involves labeling and sleeve design.

Replication has many benefits, including accuracy, quality, quantity, and packaging - the clear choice for a professional finished product in significant to large numbers. The larger the initial order, the lower the unit price. Though CD Duplication can come almost free, replication can cost $2 per CD, the price inversely proportional to the quantity of CDs in question.
Why would people want to duplicate CDs? 

First, it saves them a lot of time. The recording technology is able to use multiple recorders say 2000 or more at the same time and therefore beats down time spent in the process. In this mode of recording, all the CDs to be duplicated are installed at once on a system and the recording done once. 

Money.. Duplication costs less because there is no mastering involved. Thus, people can be able to obtain large quantities for far less the expense over replication. 

Security.. The CD Duplication process ensures security especially if you have sensitive data that you would not want to compromise to third party systems. Every aspect of the duplication can be done at one place thereby eliminating the need to transport anything to another location and risking divulgence of information. 

With so many CD Duplication Companies on the market, which CD Duplication Company do you choose? We have listed a few factors that you may need to look at if you are selecting a company to do duplication for you: 

Do they have the advanced technology to give you error free and high turn around production? 

Does the CD Duplication Company have the printing facilities in-house; if possible on the same assembly line or they will have to outsource the printing to another company which can result in poor work and delays? 

Do they have a sample to show you so you can make some preliminary judgment of their output? 

CD Duplication is an excellent to produce large quantities of CDs at relatively low cost. Whether you are a software producer or musician, CD Duplication is an area you may need to know about extensively so you can insist on quality work at all times from CD Duplication Companies.