DVD Copying

DVD copying is the process of transferring data from a master disc onto other discs, with each disc retaining the functionality and quality of the original master.

Copying DVDs on a very small scale can be undertaken with the purchase or downloading of the appropriate software for use on a home computer, or carried out using software that comes as standard on most computers. However, for copying on a larger scale, this becomes impractical, both in terms of time consumption and cost.

Commercial companies offer two ways of DVD copying, namely duplication and replication, and whilst the finished discs are of an equally high standard, the processes are very different from each other.

The process of duplication involves the placing of a blank, record able DVD into a DVD recorder and the transfer of data onto it from a master disc. The data is “burned” onto the disc in the same way as a data disc would be made on a home computer. However, commercial companies enable the data from one disc to be recorded onto hundreds of DVDs at a time. This is achieved by networking multiple numbers of towers, each containing many DVD record able drives. A large number of discs can be produced very quickly using this method.

The process of replication is quite different. In replication, the data from the master disc or tape is transferred to a specially treated glass plate, known as a “glass master” and from that, another special disc is produced which presses subsequent discs, transferring the data and functionality from the master disc to every copied disc.

One advantage of DVD duplication is that if the customer wants to add additional data after the copying has been done, this can be added easily as long as the discs have not been finalised. The adding on of data to a replicated DVD is not possible as the data transfer is an integral part of the manufacturing process. Another advantage of DVD duplication is that the supply of the master data on a standard disc is the accepted standard, but with replication, although a disc can be used to make the glass master, many facilities prefer a DLT (digital linear tape) supplied by the customer. Turnaround time is also quicker with duplication, and for smaller volume production it is well suited.

One advantage of DVD replication is that although the setup costs can be more expensive, the unit price of each disc produced is less than for duplicated discs, making it more cost-effective for the production of higher volumes of copied discs. Another advantage of DVD replication is that discs can have data on both sides, or can have more than one layer of data on one or both sides. This is not possible with a duplicated DVD.

Whichever method of copying DVDs is chosen, DVDs have an advantage over CDs in that the amount of data that can be held on a DVD is far greater, whether that is audio, video or files.

If you want know more about dvd copying please visit the www.duplicationcentre.co.uk

Martin Jonson is director of the UK’s leading DVD/Blu-ray/CD duplication company providing exceptional quality at the lowest UK prices. He offers next day delivery anywhere in the UK and will complete your job quickly with the greatest care. You can connect with him on Google+.