Duplication vs. Replication.

There are two primary data discs available for use in a computer or audio music system; CD-R and CD-ROM. Both play and perform identically but are dramatically different inside.

CD-R: the "R" stands for Recordable where the consumer (or duplication house) burns data directly to the blank disc one at a time. CD-R uses a light sensitive chemical substrate layer which is 'etched' by a burning laser. CD-R burners are readily available in most computer supply stores and can easily be hooked up to your computer so that you may enjoy the benefits of archiving data or music onto a compact disc. The process is time consuming (at low burning speeds) so making vast quantities of CD-R discs yourself is unrealistic. Most CD-R houses offer lower quality ink jet printing rather than CD-ROM's high quality silk screen printing.

CD-ROM: the "ROM" stands for Read Only Memory where a CD plant (like CDman) molds a disc from scratch using plastic injection molding and aluminum sputtering to form a disc containing your supplied data (music or computer files). It is an exact stamped clone, time after time. The process is highly complicated and technical, but well suited if high volumes and universal compatibility is required. Most (not all) CD-Rs are u.v. light sensitive and thus more prone to failure during extended shelf life. CD-ROM is generally more durable than CD-R in long term, frequent use. CDman offers high quality silk screen printing process on the disc face. Please contact us for more info.

Duplication uses CD-R recorder technology to "burn" data into a pre-manufactured compact disc. The data is etched into the blank disc by using a CD recorder. If you need less than 500 CDs go CD-R. Keep in mind that there are set up charges involved for these low-volume orders; check to make sure this is an economical choice for you by comparing replication costs with duplication!

Replication - the process of "stamping" your data into an injection molded CD. The process involves multiple steps which result in a higher quality product overall.