A lot of music and film enthusiasts are always looking to replicate or duplicate a CD or DVD. The ability to replicate and duplicate CD and DVDs has greatly influenced the growth of the film and the music industry over the past few years.

Well, although the terms CD duplication and CD replication are used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. The techniques used for both services are different. A CD duplication or CD replication customer service representative could help an individual make a decision.

There are several devices that can be used for CD replication and DVD replication. Capacities range from about 700 MB on a CD-R to around 4.5 GB on a DVD-R. There are some new formats, such as dual layer DVD-R and Blu-ray, which can hold considerably more data.

Basically, there are three different ways to copy a CD: single copy, duplication, and replication. CD duplication is commonly referred to as "CD burning." This is a process by which the contents of one CD or DVD are copied from one disc to another disc using a drive with write capabilities.

There are a few devices that can be used for CD duplication and DVD duplication. The devices can be easily purchased at most stores and many of them are quite inexpensive. CD duplication devices have made it much easier and more convenient for individuals and offices to make multiple copies of CD and DVD content.

CD duplication and DVD duplication devices work best when the number of copies is not very extensive. This method is best for producing limited quantities of copies, more than one, but less than a large commercial run.

CD replication and DVD replication is the process by which a replicate or "clone" is made from the original master. A CD replication device works by first creating a "glass master" from the original. A set of molds are then made from the glass master. It is this mold that is used as a blueprint in the replication process. In CD and DVD replication, the molds are mounted onto an injection-mold machine, where a replica of the mold is created in the form of a 120-mm polycarbonate plastic disc. This disc then receives a thin layer of reflective aluminum, and finally another protective layer of plastic which is spin coated onto the top of the disc.

Because CD replication is a far more complicated process than CD duplication or DVD duplication, it does not make sense for a company to undertake this process unless more than 1,000 discs have to be copied. CD replication can be used to make millions of copies of one single master disc.

For most small businesses, CD duplication and DVD duplication is what is required. Many companies may make more than 1 copy but very few make more than 1,000 copies at a time.