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What is the difference between duplication and replication?

There are a number of differences between the duplication and replication processes and the client should decide which best suits their needs. The final product from both processes result in a bit for bit copy that is identical to the original master. The decision to choose one process over the other is a function of time, quantity, playability and price.

Price - Duplication jobs by their very nature require lower up front fees because set up time is negligible. Replication on the other hand requires a glass master or stamper to be produced, incurring time and money. These charges typically are amortized in the per unit price of the discs once a certain minimum quantity is ordered. So replication becomes more feasible as the number of units ordered increases.

Time - Industry standard turn times for duplication orders is 1 to 5 days, depending on the quantity ordered. Replication requires 7 to 14 business days from approval. Standard turn times for Imperial Media are 24 to 48 hours for duplication and 72 hours for retail ready duplication jobs. Imperial's replication jobs require 5 to 10 business days to ship. Rush charges may be incurred for shorter guaranteed turn times.

Quantity - Replication, due to its industrial nature, requires a minimum of one 1,000 units to be economically feasible. Duplication is better suited for shorter runs accommodating as few as 10 units. Duplication runs in the thousands become feasible as time constraints become more urgent or pressing.

Playability - Playability differences between duplication and replication have everything to do with the quality of the blank media when talking about duplication and age of the equipment used to play the disc. Duplicated discs will play on almost all stereos and computers manufactured in the last few years. Replication ensures playability on 99% of all players presently on the market.

How does the duplication process work?

Duplication is a purely digital process, meaning that it is entirely done through a computer interface. A pre-manufactured write once CD-R or DVD-R is placed into a CD/DVD recorder. The Master is placed into Imperial's computer and transferred to a hard drive. Then, the data residing on the hard drive is 'burned', meaning it is transferred bit for bit to a write once disc. Imperial Media burns the disc then closes the session and data can no longer be added. This process takes approximately 3 to 7 minutes. The disc is now ready to be printed.

How does the replication process work?

Replication is an industrial process. CDs and DVDs are produced in 2 steps:
Step one is mastering. A glass master is created from a digital file. The glass master is used to create a metal stamper, which contains the digital information.
Step two is the injection molding of the discs from the metal stamper. Molten plastic is injected into the target mold containing the stamper. Seconds later a clear disc containing the digital information is ejected. The clear disc then has a reflective and a lacquer layer applied. This process takes approximately 3 to 5 seconds per disc and the disc is then ready for printing.

What are the different CD shape and storage capacity options?

There are various shapes that one may choose when deciding on what form the final product will be for CD duplication or replication. These include standard CD, Mini-CD, Hockey Rink CD and Business Card CD options.

Standard CD - A round disc with a 120mm diameter and a capacity of 650 to 700 megabytes. That means approximately 74 to 80 minutes of audio or the data equivalent. It can be read on any standard computer's CD-ROM drive and is compatible with most up to date CD players.

Mini- CD - Primarily used for projects that contain a small amount of data. The Mini-CD is a miniature version of the Standard CD. It is 80mm in diameter. It can hold anywhere from 150 to 210 megabytes of data. Or approximately 18 to 24 minutes. Mini-CDs will work in any standard desktop computer's CD-ROM drive.

Hockey Rink CD - Similar to mini-CDs in size and capacity, but with a slightly different shape. Hockey rink CDs are an excellent way to present portfolios, demo tracks, trade show giveaways, software demos, multi-media presentations, and more. This small size CD has a capacity of 50 to 80 megabytes. Hockey Rink CDs fit any standard desktop computer's CD drive.

Business Card CD - Frequently used to replace standard business cards, but they pack a lot more information. A business card CD has a capacity of 30 to 40 megabytes of data. It is great for multi-media presentations and a great way to get your business noticed. This CD will only fit into the inner tray of a desktop computer's CD-ROM drive.

But remember, if your file size is greater than the storage capacity of the disc you choose, you can always add more CDs to a set.

What about multi-disc CD sets?

The number of discs in a set will depend upon the disc chosen for your project. If the file size of a project is larger than the capacity of a single disc, then 2 or more discs may be necessary. If for instance you have an audio CD that is over 800 megabytes, that you wish to put on a standard CD, you will need 2 CDs in your set. If you use Mini-CDs, Hockey Rink CDs or Business Card CDs, the capacity varies and so will the number of CDs needed.

What is the turnaround time for CD Blu Ray DVD duplication?

• 24 hours - bulk duplication with printing on the disc face
• 24-48 hours - duplication with printing on the disc face, packaging with out printing
• 48 hours - duplication with printing on the disc face, packaging with printing
• 3-7 days - duplication with printing on the disc face, cardboard packaging with printing

(discbox slider packaging requires 10-15 days)

packaging requiring cello or shrink wrap could add an additional 24 hours

Approvals received before 1PM PST time starts that day.
Approvals received after 1PM PST time starts the next day.
Holidays and weekends do not count as days.(except for relaxing)

• Need something even faster? Call us today at 800.736.8273 We’ll jump through hoops for you!

How long is the turnaround time for replication?

Industry standard turn times are normally 10 to 15 business days. Imperial Media can have your replication job done in 7 to 10 business days. With a rush order, the time can even be reduced to 3 to 5 business days.

What is an 'over run' or an 'under run'?

Over runs and under runs are only applicable to replication orders. Due to the industrial nature of the replication process and our high quality control standards, replicating the precise number of the order is not always possible. Hence, we maintain a 10% over run and under run cushion. But no matter whether it is an over run or an under run, you pay only for the number of discs actually delivered.

What is ISRC and why do I need it?

ISRC codes are free. There are no service charges. The individual artists can download the ISRC Application Form from Imperial Media and submit the completed form to the RIAA for registration themselves.

What is CD text?

CD-Text is an extension of the Red Book Compact Disc specifications standard for audio CDs. It allows for storage of additional information (e.g. album name, song name, and artist) on a standards-compliant audio CD.

How do you add CD text to your master?

In order to add CD-text to your master, the proper software is necessary. ITunes 7 and WinAmp are two commonly used programs that work in both the Mac and Windows environment. Within these programs the CD Text option must be enabled while burning your master.