Most DVD Replication companies have a minimum order of 1000 units. The reason for this is because a quantity of 1000 is necessary to justify the replication process as well as full color silk-screen and offset printing.

So, do you offer replication in quantities less than 1000?

Yes, but since the total cost adds up to more than the 1000 price, it will actually cost less if you order 1000.

What are the actual differences between replication and duplication?

Replication is the process of "stamping" your data into an injection molded DVD5. This requires that your data be first burned onto a template known as a glass master, similar to how LP's used to be pressed. The finished product has a silver coloration and looks exactly like a DVD you would buy at a video store. Replication is normally used for larger quantities, where it's important to get the per-disc price as low as possible. Often the replication process requires that you order a minimum of 1,000 DVDs to offset the setup costs. However, Houston DVD Factory is capable of filling replication orders as low as 500!

Because your data is actually built into the construction of the DVD and not added later, the replication process is less expensive than duplication. UNLESS, of course, you only need a small number of DVDs! In that case, duplication would be the more appropriate strategy…

Duplication is a process that uses DVD recorders to "burn" your data into a pre-manufactured write-once DVD-R. These DVDs, called DVD-Rs or Recordables, are blank DVD-Rs and cost between $3.75 (500 to 999) and $50.00 (1) depending on quantities and printing options. Data is added by using a DVD recorder. The process takes between 10 and 120 minutes per disc depending on the speed of the recorder. Because the setup costs are minimal by comparison, it's much more cost-effective to reproduce smaller numbers of discs in this way. It's not only less expensive for smaller runs but the normal turn around time for DVD-R duplication runs is usually only a few days.

Houston DVD Factory does both kinds of DVD reproduction, as well as providing assistance with the graphic design and packaging for your DVD.

What are the differences in printing between replication and duplication?

Replication orders include four-color silk-screen printing directly on the DVD face, full color slip sheets, offset printed on a Heidelberg press, amaray cases, shrink wrapping, and even optional bar codes when necessary.

Duplication orders are ink-jet printed on white, adhesive labels. Either full-color or black and white ink-jet printing is available.

Even the slip sheet may be ink-jet printed in full color.

What is the background color on replicated DVDs?

The natural background of all DVDs is silver. To silk-screen photographs on the DVD face a white base is recommended. The white background counts as one of the four colors.

for face label background choices.

How can I see the difference between silk-screening and ink-jet printing?

We have comparison samples in the CD section of our website.

for silk-screened and offset printed client samples

for ink-jet printed client samples

What most people do is make an appointment to come into our Houston, Texas studio. We are open Monday through Friday between 10 am and 6 pm.

We are conveniently located and exact, printable directions may be found by clicking the Driving Directions link below.