What
is DVD Replication?
DVD replication
is the process of manufacturing copies of a DVD. This is
done by producing a glass master and pressing it onto aluminium/polymer
blank discs. This gives a very professional finish and creates
exact replicas (hence the name) of the original discs. DVD
replication companies and brokers are the only ones who
can do the job for you. There is also the option of silkscreen
or offset printing onto the DVD surface as well as a variety
printing and packaging options, including everything from
a simple clear plastic sleeve called 'polywallet' to a fully
retail packaged shrinkwraped DVD as you find in the shops.
When
is DVD Replication used?
DVD replication
is used when producing 500 or more copies of a DVD. The
setup costs of replicating DVDs are very high however once
the glass masters have been created it then becomes very
cheap to produce each unit once the first 1000 have been
pressed. DVD duplication setup costs are low because there
are no initial costs to get started. All you need is a blank
disc or discs and your on your way. However as the quantity
gets higher the costs remain the same so it starts to become
less viable.
What
is the purpose of DVD Replication?
DVD replication
is used because either a larger quantity of discs is required
than duplication can offer, or because a professional finish
is required. If the purpose of mass producing DVDs is to
sell in retail outlets then replication is the only option.
Replicated DVDs will generally play on all DVD players and
computers unlike duplicated discs. The DVD can be printed
on the top using either screen or litho printing.
When
using DVD Replication, what is DVD5, DVD9 and DVD10?
DVD replication
is most often used for DVD5. This is a single sided, single
layer DVD disc that can contain 4.38GB of data or up to
120 minutes of high quality video footage. They are often
advertised as being 4.7GB, but this is not actually correct.
The 4.7GB capacity is used to refers to the Japanese Gigabyte
which is defined as 1,000 MB, rather than the 1,024GB that
we use in UK England and Europe.
DVD9 is a
dual layer, single sided, DVD disc. This is the format of
most DVDs that you buy in the shops. This is the most common
format used for DVD replication and only occasionally for
DVD duplication. A DVD9 can hold 7.95GB of data which is
up to 4 hours of video footage.
DVD10 is a
single layer, double sided DVD disc. Have you ever bought
a DVD that you can turn over and it plays on both sides,
well this is a DVD10. As both sides contain data (up to
120 minutes or 4.38 GB per side) there can be no printing
on the body of the disc. This is not very popular choice
for either CD/DVD replication or CD/DVD duplication.
DVD
Replication Process
The DVD replication
process is much different from duplication as it requires
injection moulding machines and other manufacturing equipment.
This is why CD/DVD replication has a longer turnaround time
(usually 10 - 14 days) and is always carried out with automated
assembly lines in a large factory.
DVD
Replication Media
DVD replication
does not copy onto blank DVD-R discs as DVD duplication
does. DVD replication is a manufacturing process making
the discs from scratch. Then the data is physically pressed
into the none-label side. This differs from DVD duplication,
where the laser burns the information on the recordable
side.
