CD Duplication vs Replication: What is the Difference?

Don’t “Duplication” and “Replication” mean the same thing?

Not when it comes to discs such as CDs and DVDs. The outcome is the same: you have more copies of the disc with the exact same information and the exact same sound and image quality. It’s how you get there that matters.

If you’re looking to get a run of CDs or DVDs made, you have likely run into the difficulty of industry vocabulary: duplication or replication? These services are very different, despite having the same outcome. There isn’t a difference between replicated and duplicated discs in how they will look or sound. However, when you’re paying for CD duplication, it’s best to know the difference between duplication and replication to see whether you’ve got the right process.

CD in a plastic cover

What is CD Duplication?

Disc duplication can apply to CDs or DVDs. Duplication is the process of writing or encoding information onto the disc. If you’ve ever ‘burned’ a CD, you’ve done CD Duplication yourself, although professional duplication services like ours do this on a much larger scale.

Cd duplicated and put in a clear sleeve

The Process of Duplication

  1. Extracting data from an original disc (CD, DVD, BluRay). Information can be audio, video, image or text files. This is then saved as a data file on the drive.
  2. Etching data onto new discs. The information is etched onto a blank CD, DVD or BluRay using a small laser.
  3. Printing. The discs are printed with artwork and signage.

Media Duplication CD Duplication

Visit our Compact Disc Duplication page for more information about our CD service.

Visit our DVD Duplication page for more information about our DVD service.

Visit our  CD Duplication quote page, or DVD / Blu-ray Duplication quote page, fill in the details required, and we’ll get back to you with your quote in quick time. If you need help and expert guidance call us on 01455 363 336

What is CD Replication?

Disc Replication is the most efficient manufacturing method for large batches of CDs and DVDs in the UK. This is the process used by the media industry for mass production of discs. New discs are moulded from scratch (no pun intended) to contain the exact data present on the ‘master disc’.

CD Replicated and print added.

The Process of Replication

  1. Creating a glass ‘master’ using the original CD. This master contains all the data (text, playlists, photos or video clips) that will be printed onto new discs.
    In ‘glass mastering’, the master disc is made from optical grade glass, coated with a light-sensitive chemical.
    The data is burned into the chemical layer, and the whole disc is submerged in an acid solution.
  2. The glass master is then dropped in a legal solution where it is electroplated with nickel. The nickel forms a fine layer over the glass.
  3. Taking an impression. When the nickel layer is formed and solidified, it is peeled off, the excess is trimmed and the centre is punched to produce a stamper or mould.
  4. We place the mould in a moulding machine and stamp new blank discs with the imprint of the glass master.
    These new discs will have all of the data that is stored on the glass master.
  5. We print artwork such as logos or images onto the discs and package them in the required casing.

Should I Choose Duplication or Replication?

CD Replication is used for mass production and can provide runs of over 1,000 discs in a relatively short time. CD Duplication, on the other hand, is used for short runs of up to 100. This is the main factor in choosing between duplication and replication, but if your order is more than 100 and less than 1000, you may benefit from knowing the advantages of each.

Advantages of CD Duplication

  • Quick turnaround times
  • High-quality results at low cost (when orders are small)
  • Ideal for private use, school plays or demo tapes
  • Advantages of CD Replication

Advantages of CD Replication

  • Efficient for large orders
  • Cost-effective mass production
  • Ideal for professional CD distribution
  • More options for print finish

The Difference between CD Duplication and Replication

Now you can see the clear differences between duplication and replication when it comes to disc production. We hope this guide can help you understand the ways we produce copies of CDs, DVDs and BluRay discs.

Whether you’re a media company looking for a CD manufacturer or an individual looking to make 50 copies of your indie film, Media Duplication Ltd. is equipped to deliver. We are always happy to receive enquiries.