DVD Duplication / DVD Replication Information

what is the difference? DVD duplication, DVD replication, short run duplication, what is all of this.

Well in the industry the terms are used to define the method of manufacturing. Duplication is the process in which a DVD is placed in a master drive and copies of the original are made by burning DVD-R's of the original. The duplication process is quicker for small quantities and has virtually no set-up. Replication is a process in which a stamping process done by a large expensive machine. The machine is set-up consists of creating a electronic stamper of the original, electroforming. The electroform is then used to create a mother and a father stamp(s). This then placed in to stamping machine where the polymer is formed around the stamped foil. The environmental level is required to be exceptionally sterile in order to insure no contamination alters the integrity of the data. This process involves expensive machines and facilities to produce. The advantage to mass producing is the availability of unique packaging options, allowing the customer to have a wide variety of options in marketing their product. New technology has allowed for high quality offset printing directly on the surface of the disc. This insures color match and surpasses the quality of the traditional screen printing of the past.