This article describe the two main processes of reproducing CDs, CD replication and CD duplication, to inform users what the best options are to make personal or business copies.
There a couple of common terms that are used to describe the process of reproducing or making copies of CDs, CD replication and CD duplication. Each has its pros and cons. But first, a quick discussion on the difference between the two cd manufacturing processes.
CD duplication is a process where data from one CD is burned or recorded onto another CD. In other words, data such as MP3 files, video files, or Word documents can be easily added or changed if a CDR is used. This can be done from any personal computer or laptop computer hardware using CD burning software.
However, the process of CD duplication is slower, as only one CD can be duplicated at a one time unless a number of CD burners are used. In addition, data may be damaged during the burning process if the computer cannot maintain a constant flow of data. If you run into this problem you may need to contact technical support for help. The cost of duplicating a CD at home is also higher. Therefore, CD duplication is usually reserved for home use, where only a few CDs are duplicated at any one time, usually for personal use. Some companies also provide bulk burning process, where a number of CD burners are used, but runs are normally less than 500 copies.
If your intention is to reproduce CDs in bulk, CD duplication becomes cumbersome, unreliable, and costly. For example, you may need to reproduce 500 copies of a music original CD to be given away as gifts or to be sold at some event, and if you think you will later require more copies, you may wish to consider engaging CD replication services.
CD replication is a data reproduction process that is used by professionals. This process is much more sophisticated, and involves the use of industrial strength machines. The CDs are created as the process takes place. These machines do not come cheap, so they are not commonly seen by the layman. Professional CD replication service providers can offer cheap and reliable CD reproduction services using these machines. The end result is that the reproduced CDs are an exact match of the master CD.
When the CDs are completed, they look like ordinary blank CDs. Impressive artwork can be added to these CDs using different methods. Professional service providers like to use CD silk screening because this process produces highly detailed artwork that no other process can create. This process is similar to the one used for printing T-shirts.
The silk screening process uses thick ink that is almost a hundred percent opaque. This is high quality ink with texture that is very similar to oil based paints. As a result, you can expect to see highly vibrant colors when your CD labels are printed using silk screening. For best results, try to avoid printing pictures with images that are too tiny. Logos and simple looking artwork make the perfect artwork for CD labels.
In summary, the CD reproduction process you choose will depend on your needs. If you only need to burn a few CDs, you can easily do this at home using CD duplication. For label printing, you can buy your own CD labels and print them out on any ink jet or laser jet printer. Keep in mind that you may need to get a computer memory upgrade to make good quality copies.
However, if you need to reproduce CDs in high volume, you are better off hiring the professionals and use cheap CD replication and silk screening techniques to create high quality copies for you at a much lower cost.
About the Author:
Chris Nielsen is an Internet consultant based in Minneapolis, Minnesota who writes about technology issues and recommends services like CD Duplication and CD Silkscreening media products available from MediaXpress.
Chris Nielsen is an Internet consultant based in Minneapolis, Minnesota who writes about technology issues and recommends services like CD Duplication and CD Silkscreening media products available from MediaXpress.
