Most CD 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?

Please check the Small Quantity Duplication Prices or call: (713) 526-6874 for a quote.

What are the actual differences between replication and duplication?

Replication is the process of "stamping" your data into an injection molded CD. 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 like a music CD you would buy at a record 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 CDs to offset the setup costs. However, Houston CD Factory is capable of filling replication orders as low as 300 CDs!

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

Duplication is a process that uses CD recorders to "burn" your data into a pre-manufactured write-once CD. These CDs, called CD-Rs or Recordables, are blank CDs and cost between $3.00 and $4.00 depending on quantities and printing options. Data is added by using a CD recorder. The process takes between 9 and 74 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 it's faster. Normal turn around time for CD-R duplication runs is usually only a few days.

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

What are the differences in printing between replication and duplication?

Replication orders include four-color silk-screen printing directly on the CD face, full color CD booklets, offset printed on a Heidelberg press, jewel 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 front and back-liner may be ink-jet printed in full color.

What is the background color on replicated CDs?

The natural background of all CDs is silver. To silk-screen photographs on the CD 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-screened and ink-jet printed CD face labels and booklets?

	for silk-screened and offset printed client samples
	for Inkjet 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.

Simply call us at: (713) 526-6874 or e-mail us at: info@aroundhouston.com