CDRs vs. "Professionally Duplicated" CDs

[sm.arson]

(I don't think this is *too* off topic, since virtually everything we do ends up on one or the other...)

As a "side service" of my project studio, I've been selling CDRs for a while now, and aside from the different look, I haven't experienced any major differences between the two. The major duplication houses will tell a different story, of course.

One advantage of having someone duplicate several thousand CDs for you is the (apparent) low price you get when buying in volume. You only realize this "advantage" when you sell your entire stock. If the acts you record sell 1000 in a week, I'm happy for you, but for the rest of us, buying in bulk like this is a waste of money.

... I was going to list more advantages, but I really can't think of any other. As far as durability goes, Taiyo Yuden's got that covered. Rimage's Everest printers blow silkscreening out of the water, and inexpensive automation hardware and inexpensive 32x speed CD burners can run through 500 CDs alot faster than you might think.

So, what's the point of using duplication houses? Does anyone here have any experience with this?

[Scott Gould]

The main advantage of professionally glass-mastered and duplicated CDs over CD-Rs is compatibility with more CD players. Although most newer CD players have no problems, there are still many older players, as well as some car stereos, portables and DVD/CD players that don't have the proper laser strength/frequency to deal with dye layers rather than pits in aluminum. I won't bother with the issues of PQ codes and embedded UPCs, as your clients probably aren't worried about them. (besides, Roxio's Jam will let you deal with them if needed.)

Scott

[DEXTERITY]

A CD plant is better in a lot of ways. Just the fact that real CD's are more durable and don't get scratched or mess up as easily and depending on how you burn your CD's, real CD's can sound better.. However, like you said, it is economically cheaper to burn 500 opposed to getting 500 CD's pressed.. You really only start saving money once you get 1000 + CD's pressed. The cost for 500 is usually the same for 1000 CD's. but real CD's are better if you do have a need for pressing more than 1000 CD's.

[synesthesia]

scott> do you have any links where i could learn about the more technical side you're speaking of? i really don't know much about it, and would be grateful for any info!!

thanx!

-stef