CD Duplication – Is It Still A Tried And Tested Means Of Copying?

Is CD duplication still the method of choice when it comes to copying or does CD replication provide a better version these days?

These are just some of the questions encountered by staff at London-based VDC Group on a frequent basis. Strangely enough the answer is – it depends! It is not a question of staff being evasive, rather that it is not as simple as giving a yes or no answer.

In reality, in all depends on what your particular project is and how far-reaching you would like it to go.

Either method works just as well as the other. It is all down to what type of quality you are looking for and how many copies you would like produced. CD Replication, unlike CD duplication, is a complicated process which involves a lot of technical know-how and the ability to use the mechanics involved.

This is not a system of duplication which can be done from the comfort of your own bedroom using a standard PC. Rather, you are looking at creating a glass master version of the CD you wish to copy, complete with images and test to be transferred. This is your ‘perfect’ copy and the one which will go on to replicate all others so it obviously has to be of an extremely high standard.

The number of CDs which could then be produced from this could be in the range of hundreds, thousands or even millions – the world is your oyster, as the age-old saying goes.

When it comes to CD copying (or CD duplication) the process is far easier and this one can be done at home with very little expense. The method involves simply ‘burning’ data onto a disc with very little effort from the producer. The type of data that tends to be transferred this way is text, music or photographs. Because of the poorer quality it tends to be something that is used for personal rather than commercial use. It can also be processed extremely quickly which is excellent for those who have very tight deadlines to meet.

By far the major decision about whether to replicate or duplicate CDs tends to be down to numbers. For instance, for those who wish to produce less than 500 discs from the original then duplication is by far the best option (just bear in mind the quality will not be as good). If, on the other hand, the total far exceeds that the replication would be the advised route.

Once copied, it is customary to then think about artwork for the CD case or even the disc itself. For instance would you prefer an image or text on the disc? How would you like the packaging to look?

Many companies such as VDC Group, who can provide CD replication in London, can supply the whole ‘package.’ By that we mean, duplicate or replicate the disc, stamp artwork on to it and provide a folder or plastic casing in which the disc can be presented.