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CD Replication - Still life left!

Many have assumed the requirement of CD replication will die off now that many manufacturers are stopping production of CD players. Why? One of the main advantages of the CD is it will play on CD players, DVD players, ROM drives and of course now Blu-Ray players so to assume consumers will no longer want to buy music CDs is crazy!

Not so many years ago, home entertainment systems were stacked high with different players for different formats - turntable, cassette player, CD player, VHS etc but as the disc format has evolved, this stack can be compacted to just one unit!

When the CD first launched, although it took a little while for consumer confidence, vinyl and cassette collections were replaced with the new re-mastered digital format. When DVD launch, almost overnight the VHS collections were replaced because the trust in the CD format was so solid, all could see the advantages of using discs rather than tape. CD replication and DVD replication requirements were at an all time high because they were practically the only formats consumers wanted.

What made it better was the DVD player could become the only needed to play both your movie and movie collections and with many all in one surround systems you could do away with that original stack of old Hi-Fi gear taking up space in your home! Now we have Blu-Ray which will eventually replace the DVD player as it can play all of your disc collection.

Eventually it is possible the DVD replication requirement will phase out as consumers buy the Hi-Def platform but there will be no need to replace the old DVD collection in the same way as replacing the VHS collection with DVD. At the same time however, as has been seen with the complete lack of consumer interest in Hi-Def audio only (DVD-Audio for example), it is extremely unlikey for pure audio products to be released on Blu-Ray discs as there will no use for the capacity which is why we believe the humble CD will still be in demand for many years to come.

CD replication has never been cheaper before now and with the guarantee of all CDs made in the UK, Digital Disc Duplication provides the ultimate service and top quality product at great prices.

Music CDs - becoming a thing of the past?

We all listen to music for pleasure or just background but the evolution of how continues. What does this mean for CD manufacturing companies? Let’s check the history first to see if there is a pattern that will continue.

In the early 1980’s, the CD launched offering consumers a cleaner and more durable format to carry music. Vinyl and cassette had been the only format available for many years but these were easily damaged and quite often “noisy” for the sound reproduction. With the evolution of digital reproduction, the CD offered a clean output on a format that was much more durable. After a while of uncertainty and fine tuning for the accepted quality of the digital audio, consumers quickly accepted this new format and indeed began to replace their favorite albums with re-mastered CD versions. This resulted in rapid decline for the demand of vinyl and has practically killed off the audio cassette. CD replication boomed and singles as well as albums were all released on the CD format, in many cases eventually only on CD.

Now we have digital downloads for music such as MP3 and the popularity has grown so vast, the demand for the CD has inevitably fallen - but does this mean such formats will replace the CD? When you look at the whole picture, it is plain to see the main cause for CD sale decline is the singles market. Many will download individual tracks rather than buy the traditional 3 track single (which more often than not consisted of the main track and 2 alternative mixes of the same). It was therefore not considered value for money hence the ability to pay for the track you want only has practically replaced the CD single. But what about albums? Well personally I do not think downloading an album proves value for money. With the CD you get not only a product in your hands that “feels” like you have something for your money but you get the sleeve notes and quite often bonus features such as video on the same disc. Downloads are simply files on a drive and do not provide that feel for value, in my opinion.

With the cost of CD manufacturing lower than ever before, many artists are able to self release their albums and sell them directly at festivals for example - such venues finds the public impulse buying as they like what they have just heard and want to take home a momento. Again a downloaded file does not provide this.

There has also been concern expressed as hardware manufacturers are not producing CD players anymore but there should be no connection with this and the demise of the CD. How many drives do we need in a residence? The DVD drive will play CDs and now blu-ray drives can play DVDs and CDs so as consumers replace the playback source, it does not mean they cannot still play their CD collection. Not like the need to replace the vinyls or cassettes!

In conclusion, there is still a good future in prospect for music CDs and possibly providing greater ability for more artists to make a living through music combining downloads and album sales at gigs. CD manufacturers have naturally reduced capacity to meet the reduced demand however it is my belief the balance between downloads and physical format will be met.

Welcome to the next decade - will requirement for CD replication and DVD replication continue as we progress? While many will probably immediately say no, we have another theory! Yes the download age is here to stay and will continue to grow however there is still a huge requirement for physical product.

Of course there is less demand for physical CDs or DVDs than say ten yeays ago but of course there were no downloads at all then! As the next couple of years progress, we will see the share of the market requirement more clearly.  Just as before CD, there was a market share for vinyl and cassettes!

There are also fears for the CD because many manufacturers are not making CD players anymore but when you think about it, there is no need because a DVD-Drive will play CDs therefore no need for both. Likewise with Blu-Ray, as it can also play DVD there will eventually be no need for DVD drives and so on. It does not mean consumers cannot play their CD collection anymore.

Many also forget the human factor of impulse buying at festivals for example and the simple feeling of having an actual product for their money rather than a file downloaded! As we have seen, for music the physical single product has pretty much died but we believe the physical album will maintain a decent share of the marketplace alongside the downloaded version.

Digital Disc Duplication saw an INCREASE for demand of physical CD product for the last quarter of 2009 compared to same period 2008 so this again points favourably for future CD replication requirements. And with prices lower than ever before, there is no reason to lose potential physical product sales by releasing digitally only.

Why not get a great quote for CD replication or DVD replication from Digital Disc Duplication - where all product is still Made in the UK - and get the best of both worlds for your new release.

Avoid the problems with the current post strike actions with FREE collection service from Digital Disc Duplication.

Digital Disc Duplication are now providing an overnight collection service for all masters and artwork etc.  This service will continue even if the post disruptions are ended and best of all, there is NO charge! It means we will receive your masters in the fastest time and therefore be able to complete your order quicker.

With Christmas rapidly approaching, the time is now to produce your new CD or DVD project to capitalise on sales and while many companies will be waiting for your master to arrive in the post (and at your expense), Digital Disc Duplication will arrange courier collection from you in order for us to receive the next morning at NO cost to you.

Save on time, save on costs but maintain the highest quality of product with Digital Disc Duplication, where all product is STILL MADE IN THE UK!

Call or contact us for a quote today and let us collect your master in order to avoid delays and save on costs.

They say Summer is around the corner so bands,DJs and artists are busy preparing for the Summer festivals around the country. These festivals provide excellent opportunities to sell your merchandise, especially CDs and DVDs! It is now the time to get your cd replication needs arranged so you do not miss a single day of sales!

At gigs there is always the impulse to buy the CD of the band you have just heard - especially if you’ve been left with a great buzz! Add the feel good factor of summertime and being outside for the great festival atmosphere and you add to the impulse to buy more merchandise. So add to your latest CD release, re-presses of earlier releases and even DVD of other gigs!

Digital Disc Duplication provides quality CD and DVD replication services where all product is Made in the UK. Not only does this provide the highest quality and security for your masters but because delivery is overnight to almost anywhere in the UK the turnaround times are quick too!

Contact us for a custom quote of your DVD or CD replication requirments and make the most of your summer festival tour!

Digital Disc Duplication UK can now offer clients the convenient and safe payment method with most major debit and credit cards. Visa,MasterCard, Maestro and most others can be used to pay for your dvd or cd replication project and without any additional premiums (some cards will carry surcharge).

While cheques, BACS or cash of course will still be accepted, you could now earn your reward points or airmiles by paying Digital Disc Duplication with your debit or credit card instead - and possible extend the time when you actually pay the money if credit card used!!

Digital Disc Duplication still provides all CD and DVD replication services with the guarantee that all product is Made in the UK so the highest quality is standard, the safest manufacturing with tightest anti-piracy regulations in place and of course the pride you can include on your artwork Made in the UK! All of this and now with the complete range of convenient payment methods available to you!

Contact Digital Disc Duplication for a quote on your next DVD or CD replication or duplication requirements and complete your project how you want with the convenience of payment choices to suit you!

Following yet another raid in Birmingham uncovering “wall to wall” stocks of illegitimate DVD copies, a recent report from Oxford Economics shows that some very simple steps that could be taken to help tackle the film piracy would actually go towards increasing UK economic output by £614 million.

Not only would such steps help protect jobs in the DVD replication industry and the film and production industry in general, the report suggests a further 7000+ jobs would actually be created within the wider economy.

CD replication requirements have decreased recently mainly due to the singles market becoming mainly download but DVD replication has continued to thrive, even in the wake of Blu-Ray and therefore any moves to help lessen the piracy would protect income, including £155 million for the treasury!

Currently total economic losses due to copyright theft top £1.2 billion and while many industries are receiving bail outs (many for problems caused by their own greed) the DVD replication industry purely asks for simple legislation to help protect jobs and save economic loss to illegal activity.

Digital Disc Duplication fully supports any calls for tighter legislation in the UK and beyond. Enough jobs in our UK DVD replication industry are lost to overseas facilities already due to many companies outsourcing the manufacting but Digital Disc Duplication maintain the guarantee of all CDs and DVDs Made in the UK so any help supporting our cause can only benefit the industry and economy collectively.

Contact us for a quote today and join the call to keep CD and DVD replication in the UK!   

Previously we have discussed various packaging options for CD and DVD replication projects. Whilst the firm favourites remain the CD jewel case and DVD case, many card packaging options can provide a slightly different to the norm presentation and quite often can be seen as “greener” alternatives. Unfortunately the true “green” option of printing on recycled stock can actually increase costs but with more consumers considering the recycled packaging of importance over the plastic options, it is possible the sales could increase as a result!

Other ways to make your DVD or CD replication product stand out include the image printed onto the disc itself. While more designs are using full colour, fewer consider spot colour print these days and more often than not, this method can produce a clearer more striking image than a busy full colour design.

Or you can print your CD to look like an old vinyl album - complete with the feeling of the grooves! Simple yet effective and possibly a thought for any projects that are re-releases from the original vinyl!

Without the need to go to great additional costs Digital Disc Duplication can help with the design for your CD or DVD project as well as offer a wide range of packaging options! Even the full colour printing we offer on the discs is offset where most other DVD and CD replication facilities will print screen print for colour.

Contact Digital Disc Duplication for your custom quote today and proudly make your CD or DVD in the UK!  

With the current credit crunch it is common for many companies and individuals to make cut backs wherever possible in order to stay in financial existance! It is however possible to believe a “cutback” is saving when in fact it can ultimately cost more…

A prime example of this is with CD or DVD replication. While you can often buy blank media in bulk at a cheap rate, to print them or even print labels for them is not only an additional cost often overlooked but the result is far inferior to the print process used for DVD or CD replication. The wear and tear on the printer along with the amount of ink needed is not considered and then the time required to actually duplicate the CDs or DVDs all adds up to additional cost. Not forgetting the drives that will need replacing after too much use…. 

The replication method can actually save vast sums of money for quantities from 300 plus and it will also result in superior quality product for appearance and reliability!

Contact Digital Disc Duplication to find out how little your CD or DVD replication will cost - with all the elements required to duplicate the same project, you will find huge savings to be made with replication!

It is often assumed that just writing a CD in your computer will produce the same reliable playback as you get when you buy a professionally produced CD from the shop. This however could not be further from the truth.

When you write your CD on your computer, you are burning the data whereas a professionally produced CD is replicated (pressed using a stamper). The pressed CD is as near flawless as possible which results in the reliable playback however with a burnt or duplicated CD there are many possible scenarios that could result in playback problems.

No combination would ever be the same so therefore CD duplication can never be described as reliable unlike CD replication. Simple facts such as CD-RWs used to write your data to are not playable in many older machines or burning too fast can cause block errors that another reader cannot correct.

Imagine sending your Demo CD to the record companies but it is not heard because of playback problems. It is unlikely you would ever know because they are unlikely to call you to request another copy so it is possible opportunity lost….

Digital Disc Duplication realise it is not always practicle to produce hundreds of CDs for demo purposes but we also realise the importance of getting them heard which is why we offer a low minimum order quantity for professional CD replication of only 300!

Contact Digital Disc Duplication for a quote today and get your demo heard!