Call it Murphy’s Law, fate, or just plain reality — everyone needs their product yesterday.  Here are a few things you need to know in order to avoid rush fees.

When it comes to CD Duplication or DVD Duplication, there are two processes: the printing of the disc, and the duplication of the disc.  It doesn’t matter in which order these are done.  So, as long as you know the quantity needed, we can be printing the disc (while waiting for the master), or duplicating the disc (while waiting for the artwork).  It is not necessary that both components be submitted simultaneously.  When there is a deadline looming, we can certainly get started with whatever you have ready to go.

With CD Replication and DVD Replication, there is a bit more involved, but we can still get the ball rolling. Most importantly, if the master is ready to go, we can get stampers made ahead of time. If the artwork is ready first, we can get proofs approved.

And if you’re adding in the element of Custom Printed Packaging, we can always get that on press ahead of time as well.

Bottomline, we can be working on your job, even if everything isn’t ready to go at all at once. This can save precious time and ultimately money!

There are two different methods for copying discs — duplication and replication.   To meet the needs of our clients, we offer both services, though each has its benefits and limitations.

CD and DVD Duplication is generally the method used for smaller quantity runs (500 or less), and involves “burning” a blank disc, similar to how a copy is made on a personal computer.  Duplication companies, however, have “towers” that can burn many discs at once.

Pros/Cons:  Quicker turn-time than replication.  Slightly more expensive per piece.  Less reliable than replicated discs because some drives cannot read recordable media.  (It is estimated that about 6% of DVD players and 2% of CD players are unable to read a duplicated disc.)  Also, recordable media can be damaged by sunlight.

CD and DVD Replication is used for larger quantity orders (500+ discs), and is a process by which a disc is actually manufactured with the data “stamped” in.  A “glass master” is made from the client-provided master, and then a mold or “stamper” is created from the glass master.  The stamper is loaded into an Injection Molding machine which then injects molten polycarbonate which is “stamped” with the data.  The disc is coated with a micro-thin reflective layer of aluminum, and is then lacquered for protection.

Pros/Cons:  Less expensive per piece.  Minimum quantities must be ordered (usually 500 to 1000).  Slightly longer turn-time than with duplication.  Durable, and compatible with all drives.