DVD Duplicator: Automated DVD Duplicator, Auto Duplicator, Disc Duplicator

DVD duplicators have many of the same attributes that DVD copiers have with the difference that A DVD duplicator autoloader is equipped with robotics or some kind of singulator: a device that drops discs using gravity and a circular aperture that allows one disc to drop at a time. The Auto DVD duplicator can run unattended for a long time and that is it's primary advantage. It's "lights out" limit is based around the amount of discs it can hold in the input and output spindles. Discs can be pre-printed to speed up the process of duplication.

DVD Publisher: Automated DVD Duplicator Publisher, Auto Publisher, Disc Publisher, Printer Disc Duplicator

DVD Publishers differ from DVD duplicator autoloaders in that they combine a DVD printer and DVD duplicator so the discs can be burned and printed. Printing technologies include inkjet, thermal and thermal re-transfer dye sublimation. The requirements of a autoloading DVD Duplicator and a DVD Publisher are about the same except for additional label software that is needed for the label design and layout. Adding printing to the process is convenient but can slow down the duplication process depending on graphics and burn times of the recordable discs. It's key feature like the DVD Duplicator auto-loader is unattended operation.

DVD recorder drives keep increasing in "speed" and yet the recordable DVD blanks do not increase in recording speed. As far as DVD discs go 16x is the maximum speed. Higher outer zone speeds can be achieved but the savings in time is of little significance unless the disc is completely utilized. Recordable DVD blanks, like CD blanks are 'burned' from the center outwards. The recording drive reads the disc manufacturer code and uses a 'write strategy' for that DVD recordable. The DVD recordable is zoned so that the disc is only recording at 4x in the center, increasing in speed till it finally reaches maximum speed on the outside band of the recordable disc.

Does speed matter in a DVD Duplicator?

A DVD duplicator that can burn at up to 24x needs recordable DVDs that can maintain that speed, even if it is the last Gig of the disc. We have seen the increase in drive speeds independent of recordable disc technology. It is possible to burn a DVD at a higher speed then the recordable DVD is certified for but it can go only so far. We have seen an increase from the maximum recording speed of 16x to 18x, 20x,22x and now 24x. It serves little purpose to the end user unless they want to say 'it goes to eleven' in tribute to "this is Spinal Tap"