For dual layer I heard they often accept 2 DVD-R's.

I've heard that term before- what is "glass mastering"?

CD and DVD replication involves the creation of a master disk that is used to stamp the duplicates. The mastering machine exposes the data with a laser beam onto a glass surface, which is then developed and metalized. The metalized master goes to the stamping machine.

Rob, I'm a little out of the loop. You are right -- the replicators are catching up.

I checked DiscMakers. For DVD-5 and DVD-10 they will accept DVD general media. For DVD-9, they still require DLT, one tape for each layer. I'm thinking this might be less mechanical a requirement than an authoring issue -- maybe the authoring software doesn't yet know how to make anything but DLT for DVD-9.

I'll have to update my research. Thanks for the tip.

<<<-- Originally posted by Will Fastie : CD and DVD replication involves the creation of a master disk that is used to stamp the duplicates. The mastering machine exposes the data with a laser beam onto a glass surface, which is then developed and metalized. The metalized master goes to the stamping machine. -->>>

Is there any benefit to using this method? Or is it just a necessary part of the workflow for some duplication machines.

It's a necessary part of the workflow for ALL duplication of CD and DVD. Stamping is the only way to manufacture fast enough to meet retail demand.

It used to be that making a glass master was the most expensive part of the process, so much so that short runs were usually less expensive when done with recordable media (e.g., CD-R). I remember when the price break between 500 discs and 1000 was huge. Nowadays, the mastering equipment is mostly amortized, so the short run breakpoint is usually 300 discs. Even so, short runs aren't that expensive anymore.

For tiny runs, I've noticed an increasing emphasis on selling duplication systems and getting the customer to do it themselves.


By the way, the term "duplication" usually refers to copying discs to recordable media while "replicaton" usually refers to stamping and mass (non-short run) production.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to the commercial music and film industries, whose huge volume has driven down the cost of replication for all of us.

Glenn, check this site out for more info. It is a pretty good site that explains most of the workflow regarding replication:

http://www.disctronics.co.uk/technol...rep_master.htm

One of the Sony staff posted on the Vegas Forum that it would be a good idea to check the Sony website first thing Monday morning.....