CD Duplication - the Key to Protecting Your Data
by Joe Serpico
CD duplication isn't quite as popular as it once was due to the recent popularity of iPods and other media players. Nonetheless, while fewer people may be saving their music to CDs so they can carry it around, there are still many people who like to make copies of their CDs for backup purposes, especially since Compact Discs can be very susceptible to data corruption due to scratching.
Often people consider CD replication and CD duplication to be the same thing. However, there are some major differences between the two methods. First of all, the CD replication process requires expensive professional quality equipment. Also, since CD replication is a process that is only useful for creating large numbers of copies, it is only legal if the entity doing the replication either has created the data stored on the disc themselves or has the consent of the actual copyright holder. CD duplication, in most cases, does not require the manufacturer's approval as it is done on purchased CDs in single quantities for home use only.
The phrase 'CD duplication' actually refers to a couple of different procedures. The best way to choose the correct one is to take some time to decide one's specific requirements first. One person's requirements might vary from the next person's for a number of reasons. For one thing, what type of files will be copied? Will they be music, images, or data? Or will it be a combination of file types? Once you've determined your personal criteria, you can make an educated decision regarding features, price, etc.
Most people will opt for an inexpensive CD duplication software program. There are tons of these available for download from the Internet, and most offer trial periods where you can familiarize yourself with the product and decide whether or not it's up to your standards before having to fork over any money. These days, most computers include a CD burner and the accompanying software at a minimum, so if you might be getting a new computer soon, you may wish to focus on the CD duplication programs that come with the machines you're considering.
If you want to make one or two copies each of a large number of Compact Discs, then it might behoove you to investigate the possibility of contracting with a CD duplication company. They can even design labels for the discs, and some say they'll provide marketing, but if you need marketing, you might be getting into the realm of replication. Remember that if you're making numerous copies of one disc and offering it for sale, you must either be the copyright owner of have their permission. Otherwise, you may well be charged with software or media piracy. Anyway, a number of these duplication businesses can be found on the Web.
The fact that it's so easy and inexpensive to get cd duplication done is pretty amazing if you stop to think about it. Twenty-five years ago, it cost forty thousand bucks for a CD writer and fifty dollars for one blank disc. Now the writers come for free with every computer and the discs go for pennies!
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