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	Duplication • Replication?

What's the Difference?

There's a big difference!  Since the 60's, anyone speaking of mass reproducing magnetic tape has used the terms 'duplication', 'reproduction' and 'copy' interchangeably.  Basically, they all mean the same thing when speaking of audio or video cassettes.  Even today, the word 'duplication' is a slang catch-all term referring to reproduction of any form of media, including paper.  The term 'duplication' is used loosely by many, referring to any form of magnetic or optical reproduction.

When compact discs were introduced, the term 'replication' was coined and is used today when referring to mass reproduction of compact discs (CDs).  The same is true regarding digital versatile discs (DVDs).  But technically, there is a world of difference in the two procedures used in reproducing optical media. 

Today, the industry uses the term 'replication' when referring to the manufacturing process of optical media (CDs or DVDs).  Typically, the original material is mastered onto a glass master which is used to create a metal stamper.  This, in turn, goes into a large hydraulic press.  Heated, liquid polycarbonate is introduced under tremendous pressure to form a small, round disc that is an exact replica of the original; hence the word 'replication'.   The discs are manufactured and ejected every few seconds, then go on through silkscreen printing and packaging, according to the customers specification.  Some refer to these large presses and the companies that own them as 'disc replicators'.

Want to see replication in action?  We have a free CD-ROM with numerous video clips showing replication, duplication, printing and many other disc manufacturing techniques.  Call our toll free number (888) 275-7004, and ask for your free CD-ROM today!  Or e-mail us your address and a free CD-ROM is on the way.  Click here: sales@avmediaplace.com.

Regarding optical media, the term 'duplication' more accurately describes a process whereby a blank, recordable disc (CD or DVD) accepts and stores designated  information through the use of a laser beam emitted from a special optical recording device.  Making a single such disc on a CD or DVD recorder with your computer does not qualify as 'duplication', even if you are making several discs of the same material.  You are, in fact, making several original recordings from data stored on your computer.

If you were to move one of these original discs to a machine designed to read the disc and create another, you have created an exact duplicate of the original, hence the word 'duplication'.  Such a machine is called a disc duplicator.

Are there performance differences?  No!  Both contain designated information in digital format.  Both are read equally well on modern CD or DVD equipment.  Given good recordable media and a good disc duplicator operating up to spec, material played on a  recordable disc cannot be distinguished from the manufactured disc.  Both can produce designated audio or video information (data) equally well.

Aren't "burned" discs are more easily damaged than "manufactured" discs?  No!  A laser is used to read the information in your player.  A scratch or disfiguration on the recorded side of the disc will distort the laser beam and cause a failure to occur, regardless of how the disc was made.  DVDs are more susceptible to minor damage, including fingerprints and dust, but this has nothing to do with how the disc was made initially.

So which do I want?  You shouldn't care!  The key indicators are time, quantity needed and pure economics.
• Time - How fast do you need your copies?  30 minutes?  2 hours?  Tomorrow?  You need to have your discs duplicated!
• Speed - How many do you need?  50 pieces?  200 pieces?  It is impractical for a replicator to produce 50 pieces because of the glass master and metal stamper needed and the time required to set up the press.  You should have your discs duplicated!  But if you need 5,000 copies, you need a replicator!
• Money - What is your budget?  Disc can be created (CDs or DVDs) far more economically by replication than duplication, given appropriate quantities.  It wouldn't be wise to duplicate mass quantities of discs on a duplication machine, no matter how many machines were available.  It always costs more to duplicate discs, regardless of quantity, due to the cost of blank media, labor, production time and equipment amortization.

So what are you?  What is AV MediaPlace?
• We are a duplicator.  We can copy your discs fast; any quantity, complete with color printing and packaging!
• We are a replicator.  We can manufacture limitless quantities of discs; we have plants around the world with complete printing and custom packaging capabilities.
• We are a duplication equipment supplier.  We represent the finest disc duplicating and publishing systems in the world.  We can install equipment in your own office if you desire.
• We are a blank media supplier and offer a full line of disc packaging accessories.

Do you duplicate or replicate anything?  No!  For specific information on what we will and will not accept in our plant, read our Code of Ethics.  You might enjoy reading about our Company History.  Even if your material falls within our code of ethics, you will be required to sign our Duplication Rights form with every job.  This ensures you have the legal right to reproduce the material you send us.

AV MediaPlace is your media solutions supplier; your single source for any media requirement!  Call us today at (888) 275-7004 or e-mail: sales@avmediaplace.com.