DUPLICATION vs REPLICATION
Have you ever tried to get pricing on multiple copies of DVD’s or CD’s and had to decide whether to choose duplication or replication? What’s worse, after the explanation of the differences between the two, you still weren’t sure which choice was best.
Generally, it is not which one is the best format, but rather your needs at the time that should determine your choice.
For example, having a DVD or CD project replicated with a glass master means you get the same technical quality as those movies coming out of Hollywood. In other words, less compatibility issues. However, the turnaround time can range from 15 to 20 days or longer with ordering quantities starting at 1,000 or more. So, if your project only requires a few hundred or less, and you need a fast turnaround time, then duplication is your best bet. Duplication can have a faster turnaround time and can produce lower quantities, although it can cost more per disc.
When choosing to duplicate a number of DVD’s, Taiyo Yuden DVD-R is considered the highest-rated DVD blank as of this writing. A great question to ask your supplier is “What brand of DVD blank do you use?”.
Technology has advanced to the point where you do not have to worry about which process to use, just use the one that fits the needs of your project.