CD & DVD Duplication (also referred to as “duping” or “burning”) is the digital method of creating CDs & DVDs rather than the preferred manufacturing process of CD & DVD Replication. CDRs & DVDRs begin just like replicated CDs & DVDs – raw materials enter a CD or DVD molded press allowing the base of the CD or DVD to be created. The underlying difference between the two is how the information is technically applied. Instead of stamping information onto a metallic layer (Replication), an organic layer of dye is applied. The CDR or DVDR is then finished off with a reflective surface and protective layer, leaving you with a blank Silver or Blue recordable CD or DVD.

CD & DVD Replication (also referred to as 'pressing' or 'molding') is the original and traditional method of manufacturing CDs & DVDs. Raw materials enter a large CD or DVD molding machine from which a basic Replicated CD or DVD is created. The Data, Video or Audio information is physically pressed onto the Replicated CD or DVD using a 'Stamper' made from a 'Glass Master', which is created from the source master. The Replicated CD or DVD is then finished off with protective layers and is ready for the silk-screening or offset printing process. Replication manufacturing is a higher standard and more efficient method of realizing a final CD or DVD product.

Some of the primary benefits of CD & DVD Replication vs. CD & DVD Duplication are Quality, Playability and Efficiency.

Firstly, the transference of data onto a Duplicated CD or DVD is done by laser. This process typically causes a loss of 'generations' or quality. For example, in the 70's and 80's, with the advent of the 'double cassette deck', we often saw cassettes that were mixed or made as compilations of various songs. As I'm sure you recall, after the individual songs were transferred over to the blank cassette they never really kept their original quality. In short, the same occurs when Duplicating to CDRs and DVDRs – the music simply doesn't sound as crisp or sharp. In the CD or DVD Replication process, the information from the Master Disc is extracted identically to the CD or DVD Stamper, allowing no loss of quality in the CD and DVD Replication process.

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, many 'burned' or Duplicated CDRs and DVDRs won't run or play in all mediums. For example, many Duplicated CDRs might have a problem playing in car CD players due to the incompatibility of its laser to the Disc. Similarly, many types or brands of DVDRs may not be able to play in all DVD players. Of course, this is not always the case, but factually speaking, it does happen.

Lastly, CD and DVD Replication is without question more time and cost efficient. The Replication process is highly automated, allowing tens of thousands of CDs or DVDs to be Replicated daily on what's called a 'Line'. This also includes the time for Offset or Silk-screening artwork on the Disc. There are no labels used in CD and DVD Replication. The artwork and the Disc become one. In terms of cost, Replicated CDs and DVDs typically run 30% to 40% less than CDRs and DVDRs.

So, as you'll note, CD and DVD Replication is not only of a higher standard and quality than a Duplicated CDR or DVDR, the process is also more time and cost efficient.