DVD Duplication or DVD Replication - What’s the difference?

Many people use the terms DVD duplication and DVD replication interchangeably. However, they are actually two different processes.  The purpose of both is similar in that they are used to put data, video or audio onto a disc.

In general terms, DVD Duplication (a.k.a. Burning) is a process where lasers "burn" pits into a dye that is on the surface of recordable media.  Burning is the process used in virtually every home or work computer used today.  DVD Replication on the other hand, is an injection molded manufacturing process that makes use of a "glass master" and stamps the image ('pits', read as zeros and ones for data or 'waves' for video and audio) into the extruded poly.

So what does this mean to the person tasked with publishing content onto a disc?  What do they need to consider?  Because the end product is essentially the same between duplicated and replicated discs, the most significant component of your project is how fast you need it.

BravoPro CD/DVD Publisher

DVD Duplication is for short runs, quick turnaround, typically 1-2 days. The duplication process eliminates the time and labor intensive glass mastering, print set up, and project management tasks associated with replication, allowing costumers to focus in on what matters most to them. For jobs that need a fast turn around we can produce DVDs in 24 hours after receiving your master.

DVD / CD Replicator

DVD Replication is for high volume shrink-wrapped “retail-ready” manufacturing jobs ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands; we've got the DVD Replication manufacturing capability to get it done. Turnaround time for DVD Replication is typically 6-8 days from the time we get the master.