What is the difference between duplication and replication?
CD-R and DVD-R Duplication:
This method is perfect for small copy jobs, or when a quick turnaround time is needed. We use blank recordable media where the data or audio is perfectly duplicated on the playing side of the disc by a series of dark dots and dashes burned into a photosensitive layer by a laser beam at a high temperature. When the recordable media is played, it translates the dots and dashes back into the original data or music from your master.
CD-R discs can be read back by any CD or CDROM player. DVD-R discs can be read by DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R and the most recent DVD players.
CD and DVD Replication:
When you have a large copy job, it's best to use this method because the cost per disc is less expensive at higher volumes. The minimum quantity is 500 discs.
Your master disc is used to create a glass master, which is then in turn used to create stamper molds. Plastic is injected into the molds, and an exact copy of your master disc is 'pressed' just like a cookie cutter. The data or audio is perfectly replicated by a series of pits and lans on the shiny playing side of the disc.
Pressed CDs can be read back by any CD, or CDROM player. Pressed DVDs can be read back on any DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, and DVD player.
What is the difference between silk-screened labels and ink jet printed labels?
Ink Jet printed CD-R and DVD-R labels:
If you have your CD or DVD duplicated at our facilities onto CD-R or DVD-R, we can put a label onto your disc using three different processes. Which method you choose depends on how detailed the label is, and how soon you need the discs.
If your label consists solely of black text and/or vector artwork, we can thermal print directly to the surface of the disc.
If your label involves the use of color, two options are available:
Your label can be printed directly onto the disc with an ink jet process. Large areas of solid color do not reproduce well with this method. If your disc labeling needs are more demanding, we can thermal print onto adhesive CD-R and DVD-R labels and place them on the discs.
Silkscreen printed CD and DVD labels:
If you have your CD or DVD replicated by us at our pressing plant, a 3 color silkscreen label is included. Your label is painted onto your disc one color at a time. The end result is a glossy high resolution label. We can silkscreen print artwork onto blank CD-R and DVD-R media as well. Which you can use to burn your own discs of your project, and have a nice looking label.
Can you create our disc label for us?
Yes, we have a fully qualified staff in the field of graphic arts. If you send us your artwork files and follow our Art Specifications, we can create a professional looking label for your disc. Please note that this will cost you.
Can we make more copies of our disc at a later time?
Yes; unless you specify that you want your master disc returned. We keep the master with your artwork or film permanently on file. Therefore if you need us to run off more copies, all you have to do is call us!
Can you copy copyrighted software for us?
We duplicate and replicate CDs and DVDs ONLY when you own the material on them, or have copyright permission. You will be asked to sign a form, and provide proof to us that you have the rights to duplicate the CDs and DVDs, and to indemnify us against any legal action by the copyright owner.
Can I order less than 1000 CDs?
You can order as few or as many CDs as you'd like, ten or ten-million! We offer both short run and long run duplication
What does the term "Short Run" mean?
Short run is an industry term used loosely to describe duplication in small quantities - typically 1-500 copies. Though cost per unit is higher than Long Run, turn-around time is much faster.
What does the term "Long Run " mean?
Long run is usually duplication of minimum quantities of 500 or 1,000 units and needs to be replicated at a factory. The advantage of long run is that the cost per unit is fairly low. The disadvantage is that long run usually takes 2-4 weeks to turnaround and you can't get small quantities.
What is the maximum amount of data you can put on a standard Compact Disc?
Normal capacity is 654.7 Mbytes, which is 335,250 2k sectors. This is equivalent to 74 minutes 30 seconds. The amount of data on a disc is controlled by several factors: space, track pitch, speed or rotation. It is possible to record and replicate somewhat more data on a disc than the "normal" capacity and still remain within yellow book specifications, but some drives have trouble reading
data from these discs.
How do CDs and DVDs differ?
Though a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) looks like a CD, it is actually two "half-discs" bonded together. It can contain data on one or both sides (dual-layer). Because of smaller pits and lands, as well as dual layers, DVDs can hold 7 to 25 times more information than a CD.
A DVD can hold cinema-like video, better-than-CD audio, and computer data. DVD aims to encompass home entertainment, computers, and business information with a single digital format, eventually replacing audio CD, videotape, laserdisc, CD-ROM, and video game cartridges.
What is the difference between DVD and DVD-ROM?
It's important to understand the difference between the physical formats (such as DVD-ROM or DVD-R) and the application formats (such as DVD-Video or DVD-Audio).
DVD-ROM is the base format that holds data. DVD-Video (often simply called DVD) defines how video programs such as movies are stored on disc and played in a DVD-Video player or a DVD computer.
The difference is similar to that between CD-ROM and Audio CD. DVD-ROM includes recordable variations DVD-R/RW, DVD-RAM, and DVD+R/RW. The application formats include DVD-Video, DVD-Video Recording, DVD-Audio, DVD-Audio Recording, DVD Stream Recording, and SACD. There are also special application formats for game consoles such as Sony PlayStation 2.
What is the differences between CD-Recordable media and commercial CD's?
A CD-R is written using a laser. CD-R media have a layer of optically active dye that reacts with the recording laser to form a pit Data.
Commercial CDs are stamped from a master (like a phonograph record). A CD-R disc is about 10 times as expensive as a commercial CD disc.
What is glass mastering?
Glass mastering is a process that involves the transferring of digital information from your master onto a "glass plate". Stampers are then "grown" from this and these are used to press your CDs.
Does a DVD store data in a similar manner to a CD?
DVD stores data in a manner similar to CDs: Microscopic data-storing pits are embedded in a disc during production and, when played, a laser beam reflects light from the surface, detecting pitted areas and converting the information to an electrical signal.
CDs and CD-ROMs use an infrared laser to read pits on a disc, DVD uses a laser that emits light in the shorter red wavelength. This "thinner" beam can read smaller pits, which means more data can be packed on a disc.
Additionally, while today's optical discs use a single layer of encoded information, DVD can use up to four layers. Storage potential also increases due to the fact that each disc can be double sided as a result of a bonding process that seals two 0.6mm discs back to back.
If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to contact us
