We all are very much familiar with CDs and DVDs. CDs or compact disks are one the cost effective but short run forms of data carriers. DVDs whereas are good for long run and can store huge amount of data. We burn CDs and DVDs at home using the CD/DVD writer but this can’t be referred to as Replication. This is called Duplication. Most of the people think that both the terms mean same. Yes, they do mean same in the English dictionary but in the world of optical-media they actually differ in their meanings.
In duplication original data is transferred from a variety of source onto a recordable disc to form the microscopic optical marks that contain the digital information. The data in each of the disc copied may be dynamic or static and unique. CD DVD replication whereas is a little complex process of producing discs via methods that do not involve burning blank CD or DVD at all. It is the
process of copying original data from a master source to a disc by means of “stamping” or “pressing” the digital information, in the form of optical marks called lands and pits, into the raw polycarbonate disc material. The polycarbonate is then metallized to make it reflective producing an optical media. The data through this process is static.
Duplication is best if you need just quick few discs (less than 1000) like for you Business Card CD-R or some manuals of a business but if you need CDs/ DVDs in huge quantity (more than 1000) then CD/DVD replication sure is a better choice. As I mentioned earlier the process of replication is very complicated, so only at great volume it produces the lowest per-disk cost and offers the highest possible readability levels. Usually all commercially distributed entertainment (audio/video CDs/DVDs) and software CDs and DVDs are produced using replication. Else for many businesses, the best choice still is duplication.
