I get a good deal of questions about replication vs. duplication. I found this article which explains a little bit about the quality and compatibility of DVDs and CDs that have been duplicated(burned) vs. ones that have been stamped or replicated. I agree with everything said here, so instead of writing about this myself, i will just give the link below.
I hope this can be useful.
San Francisco, CA December 15, 2007 – DVD Copycat(http://www.dvdcopycat.com) establishes this week a comprehensive program for Eco Friendly printing and packaging of CD and DVD products. This program will reduce print waste for all of their insert printing by 90% over their conventional printer. This addition to our green efforts continues to enhance our current program of recycling used discs, print supplies, and typical paper and plastic waste from the DVD and CD duplication process.
Because we are a concerned Bay Area DVD Duplication company, and because the owner is an avid hiker and cyclist himself, we initiated this green program to give our music, film, business, and marking clients the ability to minimize their impact on their environment.
Our ultimate goal is to reduce or recycle 95% of all of our DVD and CD duplication waste.
In early November, DVD Copycat donated 10,000 DVDs to Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude is a non for profit organization that sends care packages to our Troops overseas in Iraq. This particular DVD was a video program of messages to our troops by well wishers and supporters to help bolster morale.
When I started this company 5 years ago, I never thought I would be in a position to give back in such a substantial way. Thanks to all of our customers for their business. It is our customers that have made this worthwhile contribution possible.
I would also like to encourage you to take a look at Operation Gratitudes’ website to see if there is something you can add to support our fighting men and women.
If you have time, please take a look at their website
http://www.opgratitude.com/
or check out our sponsorship at
http://www.opgratitude.com/sponsors.php
It has been DVD Copycats’ policy to set aside funds every year to give back to our community. In 2007 DVD Copycat has made sponsorships to local industry groups, contributed to the arts and now have contributed to our biggest milestone donation of DVDs.
Brian Fisher
Founder
DVD Copycat, Inc.
I receive this phone call about once a week.
“Hi Brian, I had 150 DVDs duplicated from “Company X”, but after I distributed them, I received 7-8 complaints that the DVD didn’t work properly. Is there a way to do low volume DVD Duplication that is reliable?”
The short answer is: Yes, by using high-quality media.
Here’s the long answer:
The most important factor in manufacturing a reliable CD-R or DVD-R is the blank disc. Only manufacturers that have strict manufacturing process control can consistently produce a disc blank that is within industry specifications for:
So, for example, a disc manufactured with the right optical characteristics but poor dye life may record and play well for the first few months, but as the dye degrades in 6 months or a year, those discs will become useless.
There are dozens of manufacturers of blank discs operating world-wide. I lump these into three categories. (I don’t want to berate any brand so I will refrain from naming names here)
Category 1: Premium Top of the Line
Category 2: Fit for Use
Category 3: Fit for Coasters and Decorative Use
95% of Disc manufactures in the world fall into category 2 and 3 and are largely manufactured in China and Taiwan.
Category 3 (Lowest Price Media): From my experience in the Disc Duplication Industry, these discs should never be used: and there are few very popular brand names in this category. This category is your run of the mill bulk product you buy at your local warehouse store.
Category 2 (Prices here are mid range): This category is a bit of a toss up. Depending on the batch you get and how you burn them, these discs can be fairly reliable. I still would not recommend these for general distribution as I have heard about, and experienced, “batch” problems with several well known brands.
Category 1 (Best Media-Highest Cost): There are only a few companies that fall into this category. Among the top from my experience and research have been Sony, Verbatim (if they are manufactured in Japan) and Taiyo Yuden. My personal choice for consistency, reliability and overall quality is Taiyo Yuden. If you have been in the duplication industry for more than a few months you will learn about this company. They manufacture media for some very popular brand names and also sell direct to duplicators.
Staying within this category will ensure that you will get the best results for reliability, compatibility, and longevity.
Where the picture can get very confusing is at the consumer level. Many popular brands are manufactured by different companies that could be comprised of Category 1, 2, or 3. Depending on the batch, you never know what you could be buying at your local electronics store. For example one time the brand you buy may work great, and the next time it may not.
The best way to ensure that you get solid results is to use a reputable duplicator and ask them what type of media they use and if they guarantee their work.
If you are hunting around for the lowest price, be aware that in the CD and DVD Duplication world you get what you pay for.
Written By: Brian Fisher, Founder DVD Copycat (http://www.dvdcopycat.com)
Here is a related article that I found that helps explain in a little less technical nature.
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