www.cdreplication.co.nz
The Unwritten Truth About CD & DVD Production In New Zealand.
Disc Types:
There are two types of discs that you may be supplied when you order your cd's or dvd's through any NZ disc copying company, and this usually depends on the quantity you are ordering.
They are:
1>Replicated Discs: Injection molded disc as you would buy at retail level. You "should" be supplied these if ordering a quantity of 300/500 units or more.
Or:
2>Duplicated Discs: Burnt disc using recordable media (CD-R or DVD-R). Exactly the same as if you had copied it yourself on your computer. These are usually supplied for orders under 300/500 units.
Which is best? - Replicated is best!
Replicated discs are far more robust and reliable than their burnt counterparts. This is especially true for audio cd's where the jitter rate can have an adverse effect on sound quality.
What if I can not afford "replication", and just want a small quantity?
Then you have no chice but to "duplicate". Note that you get what you pay for with duplication, and if you do see a cheap price, you are best to check the following first:
Labeling: Always enquire as to the type of labeling or printing that will be applied to your discs. These are the options:
1>Full Colour Offset /Screen / Thermal - These three are the "only" options if you want a professional product. They provide a direct to disc, high quality glossy duarable finish that will last a lifetime.
2>Inkjet/Laser/Sticky Labels - These are consumer type solutions and you should steer well clear of any company offering you this as a "professional" product. Inkjet will simply smudge with moisture and discolour with uv exposure. Just try licking your finger and running it over the discs surface! Sticky labels are prone to lifting, especially inside a hot cd player.
Media:Always enquire to the brand of media a company is using for their duplication. If it is not a reputable brand, once again, avoid them at all costs.
What if I can afford "replication", and do want a larger quantity?
There are actually only two companies that can replicate discs within NZ. Stebbing Recording Centre Ltd and Media Technology Ltd. The first of these two companies is the only replicator of both CD's and DVD's in NZ!
Of course, all other disc copying companies have their own duplication systems for burning cd's. All you really need is multiple writers and you can turn out cd's as cheap as chips.
Replication is a different story. The technology used to replicate (ie. injection mold) a cd or dvd disc costs millions of dollars. So despite what you may be told, all other NZ disc copying outfits either replicate through one of the above mentioned companies, or choose to go offshore to an alternative replication plant. I was actually compelled to write this after being told blatently by one certain graphics design company that they replicated cd's on site! Rubbish!
So Where To From here?
So you wanna get some discs made...
If it's a small order, under say 300 units, duplication will be cheaper. Any disc copying company can do this for you, but beware there are differences. If you are a musician, you certainly wouldn't want to trust a graphics design or computer company with the reproduction of your precious audio. You need to also check the type of labeling and media they offer, to ensure a good quality product, as indicated above.
If you are really serious, you should always go with replication. Using one of the two NZ replicators will cost you a premium. So it should with the investment in technological equipment costing more than most of us will see in our lifetimes. If you want discs replicated quickly (under 8 days) you have no choice but to pay this premium. If you can afford to wait a few more days, you may want to replicate offshore. It's certainly cheaper and offers great quality.
So Who Am I?
I am an audio engineer, who through first hand experience have seen the implementation of NZ's replication plants. I have dealt with digital disc technology while working within NZ's biggest replication facility for over 10 years.
My company, MCA, have a strong relationship with both of the NZ replicators as well as several large offshore pressing plants. Contact us here for any further info, or should you require a competitive quote.
We strictly use "Full Colour Thermal Printing" for all our duplication as well as top quality "Verbatim Media", thus you can be assured a professional solution with us.
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"MCA" - A New Zealand based audio company providing quality CD and DVD production at one hell of a low price...
See our studio's website for our full services...