CD Duplication and Replication
CD's are great storage devices for large documents, audio and photo files or software installation data (as long as the data is binary in nature, it can be stored on CD). They are useful for multimedia presentations, music file storage and archiving of all kinds and, while CD's were once only useful for playing back music, they can now be “written” by most computers in much the same way as the floppy disks of yesteryear. But, with approximately 600MB of data space, CD's are much more equipped than their meagerly-equipped predecessors.
When it comes to CD duplication and replication, you will want to do a bit of homework to ensure your CD duplication is done at the highest quality and to the highest standards. Look for these things in your CD duplication and replication service provider:
- ISO certified. When a manufacturer achieves ISO certification, they agree to meet stringent quality standards.
- Quick turnaround times. While you should expect your CD's back quickly, they will not come back to you overnight. The usual turnaround time is usually a week or more for larger runs.
- Assistance in CD artwork and jewel case design. Professional design services will help you create a high-quality CD and will streamline production. Depending on your design skills, this may be especially important.
- Quality assurance. In addition to ISO certification, you will want a guarantee, in writing, that the CD master you provide for your CD duplication and replication is the exact quality of the duplicates.
- Customer service. If you work with a faceless, online company, you will forfeit a certain level of customer service. By doing business with a local company, you will have greater control over the creative and production processes and will shorten turnaround times.
While CD duplication and replication seems simple and straightforward, it is not. If you choose a company solely on price, you may find quality and service woefully lacking. Do not trust your band's demo or your company's digital annual report to just anyone. If the data files were important enough to make copies, your CD's should be done exactly as you want them, with great artwork, in a timely manner. |