The CD or DVD data is normally read from the appropriate source media and copied to a server for checking prior to laser beam recording. CD and DVD require different hardware and software to format the data for recording.

• CD source media include CD-R, Exabyte and U-matic tape (CD Audio only).
• DVD source media will include DLT (digital linear tape) and DVD-R. For DVD-9  discs and where copy protection and/or region coding are required only DLT will suffice. DVD-9 and DVD-10 discs require two DLTs to create two stampers.

The glass master with photo-resist coating is placed on the turntable of the laser beam recorder (LBR), where a gas laser is used to expose the photo-resist, where the pits are to be moulded in the final discs.