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Duplication vs. Replication
DVD Duplication
Duplication is the process whereby the data on a DVD is copied and burned
onto a blank DVD-R disc. It's a quick and relatively inexpensive option
for duplicating your DVD production. You can burn these DVD's from your
own computer, or you can get them burned in bulk by a company that has
the machinery to burn bulk orders. However, this option has its drawbacks.
- Compatibility issues - only 90% of set top DVD players will be able to read a "burned" DVD-R disc.
- The discs are sensitive to sunlight, and excessive exposure will shorten the life of the disc.
DVD Replication
A master copy of your production is submitted to the replication plant, and a Glass Master of the production is made. From the Glass Master, a metal stamper is formed. The data is "stamped" onto the discs. The mastered information is then protected by layers of polycarbonate plastic. The disc is covered with a UV resistant coating. These discs have a 100% compatibility with all set top DVD players.
- Most Replication plants will accept a minimum order of 500 discs before they will make a Glass Master. Some do accept orders as low as 300 units.
- Although this process is a bit more expensive, it has better end user results. The Glass Mastering process is a once off cost - the same Glass Master is used for subsequent pressings of your DVD title, and is good for up to 30 000 unit pressings.
- The bigger your order, the less the unit price per DVD becomes.
The big decision: Should I Replicate or Duplicate my DVD production?
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Duplication is suitable and cost effective for small
scale productions, where you produce less than 300 copies of your
DVD. Examples of this are wedding DVD's, promotional DVD's for
tourism, holiday resorts, B&B's, promotions for small businesses,
etc. The end user must be made aware that there may be compatibility
issues on some set top DVD players.
Replication is suitable for people who are serious
about their DVD production, and wish to release more than 300
units. The Glass Master will be used to create further pressings
of the production in future. These discs are compatible with all
set top players. Examples of this are Educational DVD's, Music
DVD's, "How To" DVD's, Documentaries etc. These productions
are usually sold directly to the public through the producer's
own channels, through a distribution company, or through online
sales from a website.
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