CD Replication is fundamentally different than CD Duplication. CDs that are replicated are pressed or molded from a 3-d glass master from your cd and then covered with another protective layer. CD Duplication refers to 'burning' a cd. This is typically done on a duplication machine, but it is no different than when you burn a cd on your home computer. There is a laser in the cd drive that 'burns' an image into a layer of dye on the cd. For this reason, replicated cds are more durable than duplicated counterparts. Because a glass master must be created in order to replicate, the minimum order size for replication is typically about 500 cds. However, at this quantity and beyond, because of the speed of the replicating process, replication becomes the obvious choice. In fact, the price drop is so significant, that it will probably cost about the same to replicate 500 cds as to duplicate 300 cds. This fact combined with a better-looking, more durable cd face, makes replication the best choice for people wanting to copy more than 100-200 cds. Replicated CDs also appear more professional so they will likely sell more quickly and fetch more money in the marketplace. Here's an Indianapolis-based company that does high-quality inexpensive cd replication http://www.insertec.com/
CD Packaging
There are many popular ways to package cds. Jewel cases are still the most popular but other types of packaging are gaining in popularity. The most inexpensive of these is a typically a cardboard (chipboard) cd sleeve. CD sleeves are typically printed on 15pt. cardstock in 5-colors(4 color + glosscoat). Like nearly all printed materials, small runs of less than 1,000 are typically cost prohibitive because of setup costs. At a 1,000 or more though, cd sleeves become very inexpensive. Digipacks are another popular alternative to jewel cases, but typically cost more than a jewel cases with printed inserts. I personally still feel that jewel cases offer the best bang for your buck, and I prefer them because I generally take the cd and booklet out of the case and put them in a binder. You can have a digipack with a booklet, but it is generally cost prohibitive. For more options, pricing, or artwork templates go to http://www.insertec.com/
