FAQ - CD/DVD Duplication

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What do all of the disc abbreviations stand for?

  • CD is a Compact Disc, -R is the recordable version.
  • DVD is a Digital Video Disc, -R & +R are the recordable versions.
  • BD is a Blu-Ray Disc, -R is the recordable version.
  • RW refers to re-writable, meaning that the data can be erased and rewritten many times. (-R discs can only be written to once.)
  • +R or -R are basically the same disc except +R discs use a different system for tracking and speed control. We support the duplication of both types.

The chart below shows capacity and details for the most popular types of media used in disc duplication:

Disc Type:

Capacity:

Details:

CD-R

700 Megabytes

Used for audio, data, and typically video only meant for computer playback.

CD-R Minidisc

180 Megabytes

A smaller version of the CD-R that will fit in your pocket.

CD-R Business Card

50 Megabytes

The smallest version of a CD-R and is shaped like a business card. Great for marketing handouts. Media is playable in tray-loading drives only.

DVD-R / +R

4.7 Gigabytes

Used for video, data, and other multimedia files. Used on TV set-top box players and computer systems.

DVD Dual Layer

8.4 Gigabytes

Used for video, data, and other multimedia files. Used on TV set-top box players and computer systems. Functions the same as a single-layer DVD while holding nearly twice the amount of data.

BD-R

25 Gigabytes

Blu-Ray is the same physical size as a DVD at 120mm in diameter and 1.2mm thick. This media uses a blue laser rather than a red one and provides a much higher recording density. This allows for the use of fewer discs for data applications as well as duplication of HD Digital recordings. A BD-R cannot use the copy protection AACS (Advanced Access Content System) that is found on replicated discs. The 25GB version can hold approximately 2-4 hours of HD video. A Blu-Ray drive is required to read Blu-Ray discs. The same drives are also compatible with DVD and CD discs.

BD-R Dual Layer

50 Gigabytes

This version holds twice as much data as the 25GB single-layer BD-R discs.

How do I prepare my master discs for duplication?

  • Choose the appropriate blank media to meet the needs of your project's size and functionality, ie: CD, DVD, or Blu-Ray.
  • Make sure that the disc is free of scratches or debris, before and after burning
  • Use well known copy / burning application software for best results (ie: Roxio or Nero).
  • Test your master disc thoroughly to insure that it functions properly for your needs. Duplicates will be exact copies of the master that you provide.
  • Always keep 1 copy of your master for your records.
  • Protect your master in a sleeve or jewel case when transporting.
  • Send your master to: Diversified Systems Group, Inc. 8700 148th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052

Here are a few things to be aware of while producing masters for the following projects:

Data CD's and DVD's

  • Avoid using packet writing utilities such as "Direct CD" and "Drag N Drop". These utilities produce masters that are NOT suitable for duplication or replication.

Audio CD's

  • Burn all audio tracks on 1 session. Choose options to close or finalize your disc if given the option.

Video DVD's

  • Using your burning software, choose to create a Video DVD project.
  • After burning the project, explore the disc on your computer's system browser to check for the presence of Audio_TS and Video_TS folders. These folders indicate that your disc has the proper format for maximum compatibility.
  • Do not leave Video DVD's appendable. Make sure to close or finalize the session so data cannot be added later.
What does Diversified Systems do once we receive your master disc?

It is important that the master that you provide meets content distribution specifications for greatest compatibility amongst your end-users. We use world class analysis software from Eclipse Data Technologies™ to insure proper format for every master that we receive and copies that we make. Specialized hardware and extensive quality procedures have made us leaders in the industry and a qualified testing facility.

Can you help me create a master or author a video DVD?

Yes! Should you need assistance with creating your content master, we would be happy to help you over the phone or in person at our facility. We provide a full range of CD and DVD mastering services. Pricing is quoted on a per job basis. Contact us today with your particular requirements, and we will provide a same day cost quote and turn time.

What is NTSC and PAL? Do you provide a conversion service?

NTSC, named for the National Television System Committee, is the analog television system that is used in most of North America. PAL, short for Phase Alternating Line, is an analog television color encoding system used in broadcast television systems in many countries outside of North America. We can convert your NTSC Video DVD to play properly on PAL television systems, and convert PAL to NTSC, as well.

How does Diversified Systems insure the quality of copies?

  • Our People – Our current staff at Diversified Systems has over 90 years of hands on duplication experience.
  • Our Equipment – We only use world-class, fully supported duplication and robotic equipment. We work closely with those equipment providers to maintain, calibrate, and continually upgrade our systems.
  • Our Process – We utilize a proprietary broad spectrum process to confirm that all copies compare to the original master. Additional systems monitor the quality level and readability of every disc, insuring that your copies perform as you expect.
  • Our Commitment – To provide the absolute highest quality and most compatible copies in the industry.

What capacity do you have for the duplication of various media? How quickly can you produce a typical job?

With hundreds of duplication drives at our North American facility, we have the capacity to produce and test as many as 20,000 CDs and DVDs a day. Many of our duplication jobs process in as few as 48-72 hours. Blu-Ray duplication may require additional turn time.