What is the difference between a CD and a DVD?
When do I choose Duplication versus Replication?
What are the things to keep in mind for your media replication/duplication.
What is the difference between a CD-R and a CD-ROM or DVDR and DVD-ROM?
So what are the steps involved in a CD replication process?
What are the steps to a DVD Replication ?
What is the best way to create a CD master?
What does DVD5 and DVD9 mean?
What is DVD Duplication
What's a dual-layer disc? What's a dual-layer disc? A dual-layer disc as the word says has two layers of data, one of them semi-transparent so that the laser can focus through it and read the second layer. Since both layers are read from the same side, a dual-layer disc can hold almost twice as much as a single-layer disc, typically 4 hours of video. Many discs use dual layers. 
What does DVD5 and DVD9 mean?
DVD-9 one form of discs that means a single-sided dual-layer DVD disc. DVD-9 can hold approximately 7.95 gigabytes of data, even though marketers like to use the 8.5GB value instead.
DVD-5 is an acronym that means a disc that is one-sided single-layer disc and can contain upto 4.38 gigabytes of data on it.
DVD disc manufacturers love to use marketing terms and sell their discs as 4.7GB discs or 8.5GB. But this is not true the 4.7GB is calculated by using so-called "Japanese gigabytes", where the power of calculations is 1,000 instead of 1,024 (and 1.024 is the correct way to calculate everything in computer world so, 1024 megabytes= 1 gigabyte) .
From the outside, a typical DVD-ROM looks exactly like a CD-ROM. But the way information is stored on a DVD is very much different. A DVD can hold much more information than a CD. How much more? It depends on what kind of DVD we are comparing with. On the lowest scale is DVD-5 which already has 4.7 GB capacity, a 7 time bigger than a regular size CD. Not to mention DVD-9 has 8.54 GB, DVD-10 has 9.4 GB, and DVD-18 has 17.08 GB. The way different DVD's are formed is the result of the combination of how many sides and how many layers. You can have one side or two sides, one layer or two layers.
DVD-5 Single sided single layer 4.7 GB
DVD-9 Single sided Double layer 8.54 GB
DVD-10 Double sided Single layer 9.4 GB
DVD-14 Double sided Double / Single layer13.24 GB
DVD-18 Double sided Double layer 17.08 GB
What is DVD Duplication?
DVD duplication literally is the copying of optical media. What is generally meant when people talk about DVD duplication is the production of small quantities of DVDs from existing master copies to recordable DVD media.
All DVDs are not the same. There is a difference between the DVD's used to manufacture small orders of DVD duplication versus larger orders, which are referred to as DVD replication. It is just a good idea to be aware that there are differences.
You may be surprised to find out that in most cases, DVD duplication does not in any way hurt the quality of the data. Unlike with cassette tapes or photo copies, there is very little difference between the original and the copy. DVD's very simply store data, and transferring that data does not do anything to hurt the integrity of the information and thus the quality of the DVD. However there are mistakes that can be made or shortcuts that can be taken in DVD duplication that will hurt the quality.
There are cost and quality concerns when it comes to DVD duplication versus replication, but mostly you should be taking into account how many copies you need in order to make the decision. Discuss it with us to see which will produce the most efficient and best quality product for your project.
What is the difference between a CD-R and a CD-ROM or DVDR and DVD-ROM? CD-R is another name for a recordable, write once CD, also know by a variety of names: one-off, blank CD, and gold disc. Data is written to the disc by a laser and is electronically closed, using a CD or DVD burner. 
CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) is a type of optical data disc that uses the same basic technology as the popular CD audio discs to store computer data. The standard CD-ROM can only read data, discs are inexpensive to make and each can hold up to 650 megabytes of data. CD-ROM's are created by creating a glass master, extruding polycarbonate on to the master, metallizing and finishing it with a lacquer . DVD-ROM or DVD Videos are created by the same process except two thin discs are bonded together with a bonding agent 
When do I choose Duplication versus Replication?
A couple of factors drive the selection, which are as below
Order Quantity : For order quantity of 200 or less CD duplication is recommended. When order quantity exceeds 200 CD-ROMs by replication are recommended.
Turnaround time : CD-ROMs are generally deliverable within 7-10 business days. CD-R's are generally deliverable within 3-5 working days or earlier based on quantities.
Shelf life : CD-Rs have a shelf life of 3 to 7 years whereas CD-ROMs last much longer.
Reliability and finish : A replicated disc is much more of a professional quality and with a very high reliability compared to a burnt disk.
What is your turn around time? The generic duplication turnaround is 3-5 business days, while replication is a 7 – 10 day turnaround.
Screen or Offset printing of CDR and DVD-R media is within 5-7 business days. Paper part like booklets and cardboard sleeves take about 10 business days.
Talk to our team for our express service for urgent deliveries
How to make a CD-ROM work on both PC and Mac? You will need a hybrid CD. Hybrid CDs can be created on both PC and Mac if you have the right tools. On the Mac, Roxio Toast is the champion. You can find detail descriptions on how to make hybrid CDs using Toast from Roxio support website. Link is http://www.roxio.com/en/support/toast/toasthybrid.jhtml
On the PC side, there is a nifty software call CDEveryWhere that can create a hybrid CD ISO file. You can use any CD burning software to re-create the CD from the ISO file. http://www.cdeverywhere.com/index.shtml
How can I prevent people from copying my CD-ROM or DVD-ROM? No, you can't. Some way or other people can copy your CD or DVD if they spend enough time on it. There are software available on the net that can help people pirate your CD/DVD. You can, however, make it more difficult so an average guy won't or a smart guy would think it's not worth spending the time. Just search on "cd copy protection" and you will get tons of suggestions.
How to make a DVD from VHS? Most VHS tapes wear out somewhere after only 10-15 years even if you don't watch them. Converting VHS movies to DVD helps add more life to the original tape, while also preserving your investment.
Video on a DVD is in form of digital signal whereas video on a VHS tape is in form of analog signal. To make a DVD out of VHS you'll first need to convert the analog signal into digital signal. The process of doing this is called digitization. Digitalization can be done either using hardware capture card on a computer or through a camcorder with analog input feature.
Most Sony Digital8 models have the analog input feature that allows you to feed in the analog video signal and the convert the analog signal into digital. To receive the converted digital signal from your computer, your computer must be equipped with a 1394 adapter (or firewire). It goes like this: You play the VHS tape on a VCR and wire the video output of the VCR to the analog input of the camcorder. From the camcorder there is a 1394 outlet that you can use another set of cable (called iLink by Sony) to wire from the 1394 output to the 1394 input of your computer.
Most new computers on the market (especially the laptops) may have an embedded 1394 adapter. In case this is not true, you can get a 1394 PCI adapter for less then $50 now.
Once the video is captured into the computer, you can use any video editing software to edit the video. Editing includes trimming, adding effects, adding transitions, etc. Your video editing software will most likely to have the DVD burning interface for you to burn the DVD, assuming you do have a DVD burner attached to the computer.
The most popular video editing software are: Adobe Premiere, Ulead DVD Workshop, Sonic DVD Producer, and Sonic Scenarist. For home usage Adobe and Ulead should be enough. Your camcorder may also be bundled with simple DVD authoring software such as Sonic MyDVD.
How to make a DVD from miniDV? Video stored on a miniDV is already in digital form. All you need is just to play the video on the camcorder and then capture the video using the 1394 wired to your PC. Once the video is captured, you can use DVD authoring software to create the DVD and burn the DVD with DVD burning software such as NERO or Roxio Easy Media Creator.
How do I prepare artwork for the replication? Download the artwork templates in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Quark. These are the most commonly used graphics editing software available on the market. If you prefer to build the artwork from scratch without using the template, remember these attributes: 300 dpi and CMYK mode. Don't try to digitally increase the resolution by entering 300 dpi into the program unless your original artwork resolution is higher than 300 dpi. In doing so the picture looks bigger but the quality of the picture is not increased. On the contrary, the quality of the picture worsens.
To get a true 300 dpi picture, you should get a picture with enough pixels. The dpi of the picture is not really important. You can have a 72 dpi picture but 2000 pixels across. When this picture is scaled down onto the CD artwork template, the result will be very good. On the other hand, if you have a 300 dpi picture but with only 200 pixels across, then when the picture is scaled up onto the CD artwork template, it will look blurry and the result won't be impressive.
Once you have your artwork designed, you should burn it onto a blank CD and send it to us. If you choose to email the artwork us, make sure to zip it or stuff it before sending.
Why does the artwork need to be in CMYK mode? CMYK is short for Cyan-Magenta-Yellow-Black, and pronounced as separate letters. CMYK is a color model in which all colors are described as a mixture of these four process colors. CMYK is the standard color model used in offset printing for full-color documents. Because such printing uses inks of these four basic colors, it is often called four-color printing.
When your artwork is in CMYK mode, it makes it easier for making the film that is required for the printing. If your artwork is in RGB mode, you will need to change it to CMYK mode. In most cases the changing from RGB to CMYK is completely unnoticeable. But in many cases the change can distort the contrast and brightness of the original picture. Make sure to make some final touch-up to get the desired color you need. Pay special attention to the BLUE color. Changing a blue from RGB to CMYK is almost always noticeable.
What is bleed for an artwork? Artwork that extends past the edge of the desired physical size is called a bleed. Bleed is needed only for products that require cutting or trimming to a specific size. For example, replicated hockey rink and rectangular CDs are cut out of a regular standard size CD. In that case bleed will become very important part of the artwork. 
The yellow line in the above artwork denotes the bleed line this is where the cutting will take place, the bleed is from the yellow line to the end of the printing. If your artwork is designed to the exact dimensions of the CD, the tolerance of the cutting tool may create a white border along the edge. By extending your artwork beyond the physical size, the minor shift of the cutting tool will be covered up by the bleed.
What is a Digipak or a CD pack?
A Digipak® consists of cardboard with a glued-on tray that holds the CD. Configurations available are from 4 panel to 8 panel, from 1 tray to 4 trays, from glued in booklets to pockets that hold your lyrics. There are many different configurations available, so if you have seen one you love, odds are we can make one that's set up exactly the same way. We can print them with a matte finish , or even print them on brown recycled cardboard. The Digipak®: is a major-label favorite for music discs.
So what are the steps involved in a CD replication process?
Create Your Content
If you're approaching replication, chances are you already have your content developed. If not, we may be able to refer you to a partnering multimedia developer.
Pre-master the CD-R
This is where your computer content is output to the initial CD-R to be submitted for replication. This step may be performed by your in-house staff or out sourced to us. Hybrid (multiple platforms) pre-mastering is available, please see on how to do it yourself.
The disc should be a write once CD-R media, not CD-RW.
The disc should be recorded from beginning to end of program in one pass. We recommend creating an "image file" first, then burning that image file(s) to the CD-R.
Please note that packet written or "drag and drop" written discs can cause black errors in the mastering process, so we recommend using a "Disc At Once" setting. "Close Disc" should be selected (if this is an option in your CD-R software).
Be sure to test your pre-master before submitting for replication. Please see How to prepare a CD/DVD master for further details.
Design CD and Packaging Artwork
This should be performed by your in-house artist or favorite service bureau. Gestetner has an in house graphic design facility and can help you with your artwork. Please download the complete artwork specifications and templates if you wish to do it yourself.
Generate Artwork
Please see artwork specifications for the best way in which to submit us with your artwork.
Replication and Glass Mastering
A permanent master or "stamper" is made from your CD-R from which all other CDs will be "stamped." Replication of your CD includes upto 5-color, silk-screened or offset printed label (additional colors available).
Packaging and Package Printing
How do you wish to package your CD? The four most common choices are Bulk (un-packaged), Jewel Case, Clamshell or CD Sleeves. Gestetner has an array of packaging options including 4-color mailers, and Jewel Insert printing.
Shipping
Gestetner ships your final product to your requested destination(s) upon completion of your project. Normally all shipments are sent by overnight courier which we have found to be cost effective option, in urgent cases we can have it shipped same day to reach within 3 –4 hours time. Shipping may also be billed 3rd party direct to your account if you wish.
What are the steps to a DVD Replication ?
DVD replication follows most of the CD replication process and it goes something like this (yawn!)
Pre-mastering:
In DVD pre-mastering the media format is verified. This includes DDP (disc description protocol), security scrambling status, regional coding, video title and end sector instruction sets.
Glass Mastering:
A laser beam recorder (LBR) creates a glass master with all the data etched into a photo resistive layer.
Electroplating: The glass master is electroplated with nickel, creating an intermediate mold called a father. The father is used to create a reverse intermediate mold called mother. Finally, the mother mold is used to create a stamper mold.
Stamping: The stamper is mounted on to injection molding machines and presses the recorded data onto polycarbonate discs which eventually become DVDs.
Metallization: Applying of a micro thin layer of aluminum to reflect the laser light allowing the pits to be read covers the transparent polycarbonate discs.
Lacquering: The DVD is then spin coated with a protective layer of lacquer and is now ready for printing.
Bonding: The 2 substrates are "glued" together to produce a DVD disc. The gluing must be optically transparent, without defect, and of uniform thickness to the close tolerances of DVD specifications.
Printing: Printing either by a silk screen or offset process, with up to six colors right on the disc.
Packaging: The DVD is automatically packaged bulk on spindle or can be assembled into a wide variety of high quality DVD packaging.
What is the difference between a CD and a DVD? Both CD and DVD are 1.2mm in thickness and 120mm in diameter.
CD however is quite different from DVD as it is made up of a single layer of clear polycarbonate plastic and contains only one layer of information capable of holding approx. 650 to 700 MB of information.
DVD however is made up of two 0.6mm discs bonded together to form 1.2mm of polycarbonate plastic.
By bonding two 0.6mm discs together this allows us to have two layers of information on a DVD therefore, increasing the storage capacity. What is the best way to create a CD master?
“CD/DVD Master” is the disc you provide to us for replication or duplication of that media. Here are some helpful tips for creating a high quality master:
• Always use high quality media. All media is not the same. Do your research and choose a brand that will produce a high quality disc consistently.
• Avoid burning from a network source. If your source files are on a network drive, copy the files to your local hard drive before burning a disc. If you cannot move the files to your local drive, please use the “Copy To Hard Drive First” feature. Your burning software will create a temporary image file during theburning process. When the burn is complete, the temporary file is deleted.
• Avoid burning on a laptop computer running on battery power. Fluctuations in available power may yield poor results.
• Always “Finalize” your disc. If you use the drag and drop interface that is built into some operating systems (Windows XP), be sure to select “finalize disc”. This will increase the “read” compatibility in other CD-ROM drives.
• Don't use packet-writing method to burn master disc. This method is most common with burner drives that have “re-write” capabilities. It is similar to the “drag-and-drop” method described above. This burn method produces discs that cannot be read on many CD-ROM drives.
• We cannot accept a master that is burned to a ReWritable (CD-/+RW or DVD+RW) disc.
• Avoid impact or movement of the drive during burn. This can cause the laser to skip or jump a track, which will produce errors or a bad disc.
• Use “burn-proof” feature if available. This feature allows the drive to slow down the burn speed in the event the computer cannot supply data fast enough. This can increase the total burn time, but the quality of the disc will be greater.
• Avoid having multiple applications open when burning, especially those that access the internet or network. This can hinder your computer's ability to “feed” data to the burner drive at the proper rate. Poor quality discs and burn rejects could be the result. What are the things to keep in mind in selecting a media replication vendor? Often it's hard to make direct comparisons between quotes that you would receive for your replication requirement. To help you we've explained some of the issues, which should be kept in mind while deciding your vendor. Clarity & Speed of Quote. To be able to make an informed choice when selecting between duplication suppliers, you need a quote that is clear and easy to understand. How your potential supplier deals with your quote is likely to reflect how they will deal with your order. A speedy and accurate quote is a good sign. What are being quoted? There are several ways to duplicate and print your DVDs or CDs which vary in cost and print quality. Your duplication options are Recordable Media used for smaller volumes or 'Pressed' media for larger quantities. The common printing options available to you are Paper label, Thermal colour or black print, colour Ink Jet print, Screen Print and full colour offset Print. Different options have different costs and varies in quality too. Artwork. The print process determines the type of artwork you will need to supply. Screen and offset printing work from 'films'. In most cases you have the option of arranging films yourself, or having your chosen duplication supplier provide this as an extra service. Film charges are generally quoted as extras and costs vary widely with some companies quoting per 'film' with one required per colour and others per 'set' of 5. Artwork Problems. Problems during a duplication project are often Artwork related and can cause delays. Good duplication companies will issue specifications for your artwork to ease film production. These specifications should be easy for your designer to understand, however it's worth checking with a prospective duplication company how much they will charge for any amends, should your artwork not meet their specifications. Quality of Print. One of the variables which affects the final outcome of screen printed media is the maximum resolution or LPI (Lines Per Inch) of the film artwork. A higher LPI means a higher resolution of print. Due to differences in equipment between duplicators this will vary and materially affects finished quality. Technical Backup. Can you rely on your supplier for technical information? As well as technical details for your artwork, you will need specifications and guidance when producing your duplication Masters. Recordable Media & Equipment. The media and equipment used for your shorter run CD and DVD duplication order will have a direct impact on the final quality of your disks. Quality & Virus checks during production. A Virus check by your supplier prior to duplication acts as a backstop to your own checks. Turnaround times. Are they quoted and are they realistic? Quality of packaging. you will be amazed to see the range of quality that is available for CD packaging like jewel case , DVD case etc. Depending on the quality a DVD case could cost you from $0.45 to as little as $0.10. Always ask for a sample if you are dealing with a new vendor. Production Options. As you can see from the list of printing options above, there are several ways of producing CDs & DVDs. Even if you are working to a very close deadline, there is usually a way of getting your job done. You supplier should be able to offer alternatives, and be knowledgeable about the pros and cons of each option.
The cost of non-conformance. How much would producing or shipping a bad disk cost you? A bad demo disk might cost you a lost sale, and it's worse when you consider what the lifetime value of that client might have been. If you are shipping a low margin product, the cost of replacing bad disks could turn your profit into a loss. What is Digital printing ? A recent development has entered the market in the shape of digital printing. These systems work directly from electronic data and avoid the intermediate stage of films. They are very cost effective for short runs. The quality obtainable is not yet up to lithography standards but is improving steadily and is adequate for many purposes. Because these systems use an inherently four colour process there is no cost saving to be made from using one- or two-colour designs.
What is a Proof ?
A proof is a test print produced to show what the finished product will look like. These can be made in a variety of different ways and at different stages of the production process. The simplest form is a color laser or inkjet print which can create a rough impression. It should be remembered that at this point there are still a number of stages through which the data has to pass and therefore a laser print cannot be relied upon as an accurate proofing method.
Increasingly popular are digital proofing systems. They are essentially very high-resolution color printers, which make use of color management techniques for their accuracy.
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