DVD Duplication vs. DVD Replication: What’s the Difference?

DVD Duplication Company | Home / DVD Duplication vs. DVD Replication: What’s the Difference?

The DVD is considered to be the most powerful tool of visual media since the advent of the CD over twenty years ago. It can hold up to 12 times more information than the CD, and can be multi-layered. Like the CD, and its multimedia predecessors, replication and duplication are standard for the mass re-production (as well as smaller quantity production) of DVDs because information contained on them is often meant for use by numerous persons.

One definition of replicate is to copy. One definition of duplicate is to copy. Therefore in many cases, these words can be used interchangeably. But when it comes to DVD duplication, and replication, there are differences significant enough to distinguish the two.

DVD duplication, often referred to as “burning,” involves using a laser to burn holes into a dye that is produced inside the disc. The process copies data onto a pre-made disc. DVD replication involves stamping or molding the image of the master DVD onto copies, much like cloning. The two are alike in that they are both used to put data, video, or audio on discs, but the processes differ when it comes to things like volume and unit costs.

With producing volumes of 500 or more, it is considered more economical to use the replication process. There are lower per-unit costs that can help offset the vast project start-up costs associated with mass production. However, burning is more efficient when it comes to volumes lower than 500 units, because the startup costs associated with this process are relatively low, with higher per unit costs. Smaller volumes often require a quicker turnaround time, which is another factor that can make duplication more efficient.

Some advantages DVD duplication has over replication include a quicker turnaround time, and more affordable costs. Advantages of DVD replication include near perfect reliability at high production rates, which improves speed, quality, and accuracy.

Whether you are looking for duplication or replication, we can do it!