CD Replication & CD Duplication

CD Replication – is the process where the highest quality CDs are made by cutting the digital content into a Glass Master, and then creating metal stampers which are placed injection moulds to press the content onto polycarbonate which has been injected into the mould at high temperature. The replicated disc then has an aluminium layer coated onto it to enable a CD player’s laser to read the disc. The final process is completed with a sealing lacquer coating to ensure the durability and longevity of the CD.

The CD is then ready to be printed on the disc face (via either offset or silkscreen printing) and then to be packed as required.
This replication process is how all CDs are manufactured if they are to be sold at retail. Generally speaking the process can take between 5-10 working days depending on the packaging.

CD Replication is best suited for runs from 500 and above.

CD Duplication – (also known as burning), is the process where blank discs are pre-purchased which have a coloured dye on them. Digital information is transferred to the blank disc by ‘burning’ the information into the dye on the disc. This is similar to burning which can be done on most home computers although using professional equipment ensures a much more reliable and higher quality result. Once the discs have been duplicated then they can be printed generally by either inkjet or thermal printing. The Duplicated discs can then be packed as required.

CD Duplication is best suited to runs below 500 and promotional Discs and for urgent turnarounds. They can be manufactured in as little as 24 hours upwards depending on the packaging, printing required.

DVD Replication & DVD Duplication

DVD Replication – Like CD replication, DVD Replication is the highest standard for producing DVDs. This process is used for any DVDs being sold at retail and ensures maximum playability of a DVD across all players and maximum lifespan and durability of the DVD. This process involves the transfer of the client's supplied master through Eclipse Glass Mastering software onto a Glass Master. A metal stamper is then created which is used to 'press' that data ( via injection moulds ), into polycarbonate heated at high temperature. The polycarbonate is then coated (metallised), with aluminium to enable a players laser to reflect and read the data. The final replication process is sealing the disc with a lacquer protective coating to ensure the data is protected from scratching and ensure that the disc doesn't oxidise. An additional process for DVD is that the disc is made uo of 2 layers which are bonded together after the data has been pressed into the polycarbonate. This enables more data to be included than a std CD which holds between 700-800 MB ie 4.2 GB for a DVD5 or 9.4 GB for a DVD9.

The printing process for a DVD is the same as a CD and is done via either offset or silkscreen printing.

DVD Replication is best suited fro runs of 500 and above.

DVD Duplication – This process involves 'burning' blank prepurchased DVDRs. The blank DVDR's have a die coated on the playable side and a laser burns the data into the discs, creating a series of 'pits'. This is similar to the process most home computers can now do. The exception is iDigital Australia uses professional A Grade Media and professional duplication equipment which ensure the highest possible playability across all players as well as the longest life of the DVD and durability. All our duplication is done with fully trained and qualified engineers. Each DVDR is then subjected to stringent quality control proceedures.

Once the DVDRs have been duplicated they can be printed either by inkjet or thermal printing.

DVD Duplication is best suited for runs below 500 and promotional DVDs or for urgent turnarounds. They can be manufactured in as little as 24 hours and upwards depending on the packaging and printing required.

At iDigital Australia we are passionate about design & our portfolio shows it. Our designers are skilled in creating simple yet clever designs that visually communicate concepts & information relevant to our trusted clients. We will guide you through the best & most suitable design & print process to suit your requirements.