The difference between Digital Video Disc (DVD) replication and DVD duplication is that replication is a professional process that creates a DVD by molding the disc to be an exact copy of the original master. Data cannot be added or changed in this case. Duplication, on the other hand, refers to burning data to a disc, as is done in home computing.

Duplicating DVDs for personal use is inexpensive and convenient, making it the better choice for low-run needs. DVD burners and popular software both do an admirable job of duplicating audio tracks or data files to DVD-R (recordable) or DVD-RW (read/write) discs.

However, there are instances when replication is a better choice. For example, if you have mastered a DVD of original movie and would like to make 500 copies or more to send out as promotional material to national radio stations, movie labels, and talent scouts -- or to sell at gigs -- replication will be cheaper and will ensure durable, reliable copies of the highest standard. Replication will also include label art and packaging, giving your DVDs a professional look.

In DVD replication your original master is used to make a glass master which in turn allows a set of stamper to be made. High-tech injection-molding makes exact clones of the master, using the stampers. A coat of reflective aluminum follows, sealed with a protective coat of lacquer hardened by ultraviolet light. Every DVD is made in this fashion, essentially a first generation replica. From here the discs pass through a printing device for label artwork.