CD REPLICATION AND DUPLICATION TECHNICAL DETAILS

Our technology allows us to deliver high quality work at great prices and incredible turn-around time. Learn more about the different technology we use from CD burning to printing.

CD-R Duplication

On a CD-R, pre-grooved (physical tracks) Photosensitive Organic Dye is used to record digital information. The burner's laser beam with high energy can change the reflectance of the photosensitive dye so that pits and lands (higher and lower reflectance) can be made and picked up by CD-ROM drive's laser diode. CD-R is the process that allows consumers to burn discs at home from their computer.

CD Replication

On a factory-press CD, data is stored in transition between pits and lands (low and high reflectance) so that Laser diode of the CD-ROM drive can pick up and recognize the signal. This process is completed with a glass master, and pressed with an injection-molding machine.

What does this technical information mean to our customer's?

We see the following as the main determining factors in deciding which method you want to use for your CD project:

1. Quantity needed.
2. Playability.
3. Time-frame/turnaround availability.
4. Price, and it's relation to the above factors.

For both audio and data CD projects, quantities of 500 or less are completed with "duplication" of a CD-R, as the setup fees associated with replication do not allow for small order runs. Orders of 500 or more are typically completed using "replication", except in the situation that the longer replicated turnaround (12 business days) is not appropriate for a given project.

The grade-A media we use for our CD-R products, coupled with the equipment we use to duplicate CD-Rs minimizes playability of audio CD-R issues dramatically. For audiophiles who need less than 500 CDs, CD-R duplication is a welcomed substitute to CD replication due to our great prices and turnaround times.

For data customers, playability is never a factor. Turnaround time may be though. While CD replication of 500 or more CDs equates to better pricing, some turnaround demands would require the use of CD-R duplication.

Printing methods:

Affordable Sound & CD Duplication uses 110 lb. gloss stock paper for all printed elements. For order quantities of 500 or less, high resolution CMYK laser printing is used, while quantities of 500 or more are typically completed on a digital CMYK offset press.

The print on your CD disc can be completed with multiple options, depending on your projects needs:

1. Direct-on-Disc full color thermal printing. Revolutionary CD-R print option with 160 lines per inch. The best color option for small quantity orders on the market! No limit on color using the CMYK process.

2. Direct-on-Disc monochrome printing. Lowest price option with the luxury of the direct-on-disc look. Available in black, red, or blue.

3. Laser printed full color paper labels. An excellent alternative to direct-on-disc color at a lower price.

For replication orders, your CDs will be printed with the silkscreen method.