Frequently Asked Questions

Duplicate or Replicate- what is the difference?  There are two ways you can copy CD or DVD, namely CD/DVD Replication or CD/DVD Duplication.

Replication means the disc will be pressed from a mold made from a glass master. The artwork will be printed silkscreened or offset print directly onto the disc surface just like any CD or DVD you find in retail stores. Our minimum order for replication is 1000 title. Ship time is typically 9-10 business days from receiving art & master at the plant with most packaging. Replication of discs also include silk screening or off-set printing. Replication also insures the discs will be able to be played on all of the CD/DVD machines.

Duplication means the disc will be burned or recorded from CD-R or DVD-R using blank media . Emedia will print your artwork to your disc using inkjet printer made for printing directly onto discs. No paper labels. The blank disc come with a white background ( or silver upon request) and artwork is inkjet printed onto the disc. Ship time is usually 48 hours for bulk or stock packaging (non printed packing). Some DVD players & CD Audio players may not read or play back on some machines when recorded/duplicated  from another machine. CD-ROM however does not have that issue.

If you have enough time and the ordered quantity is 1000 or more you normally would use CD replication or DVD replication. It is cheaper, better print and will playback on all units. The time you would use CD/DVD duplication is when your order is less than 1000 or you need to rush the order.

When do you Inkjet vs Silkscreen?  The difference is much like comparing a flyer printed on your inkjet printer verses having it printed on a printing press from a print vendor.  One works good and is cheaper for the small quantity, the other is better and cheaper for larger volume quantities.

Inkjet is what is used for smaller runs usually up to 1000. It is much cheaper than setting up a press run for just 50-500 discs. Inkjet in most cases looks great. For higher volumes, it is cheaper & faster to print using silkscreen. The only limitations to inkjet vs.silkscreen is on solid color coverage or if you require a PMS color match. Silkscreen is better in those areas. Inkjet may show faint streak lines on a solid color and can not print a PMS color because it is a build of CYMK cartridges. The ink is printed onto discs with a white surface made for inkjet and is usually a matte finish. Glossy stock is also available at additional cost.

Emedia’s duplication pricing is set up to give you a choice for cover full color/full coverage or a more economical logo with text printing. The amount of ink can vary depending on your artwork, and reflect in the cost of ink cartridges. For full color inkjet (or a solid color) with full disc coverage, many times the ink cost more than the media.

We also can provide silk screen blank discs for that professional look when you record your own discs. Especially handy if your titles change often .

Silk screen is a printed on a press and comes standard on all replication projects. With a print press manager , we can color match to your existing printed materials/brochures, PMS colors and have more flexibility and accuracy  than with inkjet cartridges. It also is better for large volume projects.

What are the turn times? Duplication orders without custom printed packaging (other than the discs) is usually shipped within 48 hours for 500 or less. For orders with printed packaging, it may take anywhere from 1 day to 1 week additional depending on the packaging required. call for specific quotes. Replication ship time is typically 9-10 business days from receiving art & master at the plant with most packaging. Some custom packaging or special handling could run longer.

What if we need faster turn times?

We do have rush order capability and rates for Replication with 2 day/3 day/ 4day & 5 day additional charges. Day zero is when we receive the master & art at the plant. We recommend having the artwork sent in ahead of time to approve the proof and make sure there are no issues in the art that would otherwise hold up the project.

For Duplication-just give us a call and chances are we will be able to accommodate you.