Replication VS Duplication

Longevity - If you need to access the data for over a decade, Replication is recommended. The life expectancy of a Duplicated disc can be somewhat shorter than that of a Replicated disc due in part to the potential for light degradation. Light exposure can cause damage to the layers of data burned onto the tracks of a Duplicated CD-ROM. This is not a risk associated with Replicated CD's. In fact, melting and repeated scratching are nearly the only things that can harm the data stamped onto a Replicated CD-ROM. Keep in mind however that the archival level of quality of Replicated CD-ROMs is not a necessary requirement in all cases.

Readability - Pre-manufactured discs are used in the Duplication process. The CD-ROM comes configured with "tracks" onto which data will be burned. Although blank discs appear to be "generic," track arrangement can vary slightly from one manufacturer to another. Infrequently, this difference results in an inability to read the data using one particular CD reading device or another. Replicated discs do not exhibit this phenomenon.

Data Access Speed - When you perform a search or click on a link you expect the data to be retrieved from the proper place on the CD-ROM…and fast! There is no measurable difference (based on the copying process alone) in the speed to which your requested data is available. Duplication and Replication should result in equal performance in this area.

Cost - If you have determined that your disc is not archival material, your main concern will be to get the copies made using the most cost-effective method. In that case, the quantity you order is likely to be the factor that determines which process you choose to make the copies. An order of 1,000 or fewer copies tends to be cheaper to produce by Duplication. No stamping master is required which means the lack of these preliminary costs makes producing only a few dozen copies more cost effective. Copies made from the master disc get much cheaper as you spread out the preliminary cost over a larger quantity of discs, which make the extra cost of replication less significant.

Foreground Image can help define your requirements, and recommend the most reliable and cost effective options available.

The founders of Foreground Image have a long history with producing products in the digital media. From producing interactive CD ROMs, KIOSK installations or music productions before the creation of the Internet, to complex web portals, online games, DVD Interfaces and video productions today, one thing has stayed constant; design, printing and packaging. So if your needs are CD ROMs, CD Audio, DVD-R or DVD 9, Foreground Image has the experience. Take a tour of the technology and give us call so we can help you plan your next digital product delivery.