Also known as a copy tower, a DVD CD duplicator is a type of scanning equipment that uses laser technology to transfer information from one CD or DVD to another. Similar to a computer's DVD or CD burner, duplicators can create several copies of a disc at once, thereby providing a more efficient solution for copying large amounts of data. As a result, a duplicator is most commonly used to create bulk copies of a CD or DVD. Many businesses also purchase a DVD CD duplicator in order to store and backup their data.
Most duplicators are standalone devices that plug directly into an existing computer and do not require any type of software to work. To create copies of a CD or DVD, the DVD CD duplicator first scans the original information from the master CD or DVD. It then saves this content—be it audio, data, or video material—into its memory and transfers that information onto a new blank CD or DVD. Depending on the number of disc drives located on the DVD CD duplicator, anywhere from three to 20 discs can be copied at one time. The speed of the DVD duplication tower depends on the type of media being copied, but on average, it takes about 5 to 8 minutes to copy a DVD and 2 to 4 minutes to copy a CD.
The most successful DVD CD duplicators use a glass-mastering manufacturing process to provide the most accurate duplication services. This technique not only creates an exact replica of the master CD or DVD, but also helps protect the discs from contaminants such as dust, pollen, and hair. In addition, the glass mastering process also makes the disc less susceptible to scratches, thereby ensuring easier handling. Some duplicators even imprint the title of the CD or DVD directly on the disc.
When selecting a CD or DVD duplicator, it is important to consider the number of recorders on the duplicator as well as the record speed, disc capacity, and source. Although most CD DVD duplication towers can make copies of DVD-R, DVD+R, and Blu-ray material, the duplicated discs are often incompatible with DVD players that were manufactured before 2000. Additionally, due to laws prohibiting the duplication of copyrighted material, most duplicators will not copy any type of copyrighted material. Therefore, before attempting to copy a DVD or CD, users are advised to check their DVD player's compatibility and verify that the material they are copying is not protected by copyright laws.