- What is a PC Connected CD DVD Duplicator?
Some CD / DVD duplicators are manufactured for operation via a PC connection which may or may not incorporate an auto loader. You can directly control the duplication of the CD/DVD or the master from a host PC, usually running windows. The connection may be via USB, Firewire or a combination of the two. If available, the autoloader will allow the CD DVD duplicator to operate without human intervention by inserting and removing discs automatically in the copy and print cycle.
- What is a Standalone Autoloader CD DVD Duplicator?
Whereas an autoloader minimizes the requirement for human intervention in the CD and DVD production process. The use of a standalone autoloader may offer further advantages to some user groups. In a scenario of a live event, a live audio CD recorder can create the master disc. The disc can then be used in the standalone duplicator with an autoloader device and duplicate hundreds of discs unattended.
- What is a Network Duplicator?
CD / DVD Duplicators can be networked to be fully intergraded for organizations and companies that demands CD or DVD duplication in the business model. A networked DVD / CD Duplication system provide network wide access from multiple clients to the automated CD DVD production process. In-house programmers can easily use development toolkits to create solutions that fully meet the company’s individual unique requirement.
- What is a CD/DVD Tower Duplicator?
CD / DVD Tower Duplicators are the entry point of CD DVD duplication systems. They are widely used at all levels of productions. They offer large output potentials at a very low cost. The units are usually standalones and feature an array of high speed optical recorders. The CD or DVDs are created from a master Disc that has been produced on a PC or CD DVD recorder.
- What is a CD / DVD Disc Printer?
CD and DVD Disc printers have become a very popular gadget. The Direct print to Disc printer uses either thermal or inkjet techniques to apply graphics and text to the surface of special discs. The results vary in accordance to the quality of the printer; the time spent preparing the graphics and the concessions made by clients and designers. Printing CDs and DVDs in-house opens up a world of opportunity where creativity and flexibility are important requirements. In-house printing solutions are very different to those used in traditional commercial replication processes.
- What printing methods are available? What is the quality of each?
CD / DVD Printers are available in two types:
Inkjet printer – The most common and popular are the inkjet CD / DVD printers. Inkjet technology is used in the same way as inkjet paper printers, i.e. by spraying droplets of ink onto a printable surface. Inkjet CD/DVD printers are used in a variety of systems at all price points. The quality of the printable CD surface will determine the results. SuperMediaStore recommends Microboards, Primera BravoPro, Primera Bravo II, Rimage, EPSON and Casio for your printer selections. The Pros include low cost and accessible while the Con is that the ink will smear when in contact with moisture.
Thermal printer – Traditionally, low DPI printing on silver or white top discs is required a thermal printer. Thermal CD/DVD printers are fast and relatively cheap to run. However they are restricted in their output by their method of printing, i.e. the use a ribbon that is usually just one color that will support line art and text only. If you want to do multiple colors you can over print after changing the ribbon. A thermal printer will print on any brand of blank CD or DVD media. The Pros are the permanent printing, inexpensive when used for monochrome printing. The Cons are the low print resolution (600dpi), and a higher cost than Ink-jet printers. We recommend for you to consider the Rimage Prism Plus or the Primera Inscripta.
- Is a thermal CD DVD Printer better than an inkjet printer?
By definition a thermal printer operates in a very different way to an inkjet. Inkjet disc printers are bought by 70% of our printer purchasers. The advantages inkjet CD / DVD printers offer include; low entry price, low consumable costs, varied product options, based on popular and serviceable print engines, flexible print output, high quality print. Some disadvantages to be considered are, potential for moisture damage, potential for damage by abrasion. Potential for photo damage.
- Do any printers print discs and paper?
Most inkjet disc printers on the market today are based on engines, software and mechanisms designed for printing paper. In many instances the units are then modified either to become disc only manual printers, disc only automated printers and paper/disc manual printers.
- Can I use 4X CDR media in a 52X CD Duplicator?
Generally speaking you do not have to use media that matches the top speed of your duplicator. High speed CD DVD writers and duplicators might be advertised or sold as writing at up to 52X, however; you can lower the burn speed to match the media you have purchased, or rely on the recorder/writer to detect and burn at the correct media speed.
Some writers may not be compatible with all media, and will require a firmware update via a PC connection. DVD writers, recorder and duplicators seem to offer slightly more issues for consideration when buying media. Please consult the manufacturer for advice.
- What are the different kinds of duplicator?
A broad range of CD and DVD Duplication, printing and production systems are widely available. Manufacturers including Rimage and Primera manufacture automated combination CD DVD Copy and print solutions. Other companies including Microboards license and manufacture automated CD DVD printers and batch copiers. Several companies specialize in tower duplication systems, which produce large volumes on tighter budgets.
