A guide to Blu-Ray duplication

Blu-Ray players are becoming more affordable, and many consoles and computers now offer playback of the format as standard. Many production companies are taking advantage of its high-definition capabilities and opting to release their projects on Blu-Ray, either alongside or opposed to the previous mainstay of DVD.

For all intents and purposes, Blu-Ray discs look much the same as standard CDs and DVDs – the difference of course being that Blu-Ray discs can hold up to 50GB of data, allowing for huge improvements in audio and video quality.

Data is stored in much larger ‘pits’ on Blu-Ray discs than DVDs – the larger the number of pits, the higher the volume of information that can be stored. The name of the format derives from the blue laser beam used to ‘read’ the data from the disc. Blu-Rays are not typically compatible with standard DVD players.

Until recently, Blu ray duplication was generally more expensive when compared to the costs of duplicating a run of DVDs. Despite this, Blu-Ray is currently considered the best format for movie quality and demand for Blu-Ray discs has grown exponentially in recent years, which is why more and more production companies are opting to release their titles on the format.

A greater demand for Blu-Ray duplication and replication has meant that more and more companies are now offering competitive deals when it comes to creating copies of movies, games and software. The next generation of consoles are likely to exclusively use Blu-Ray discs, on account of the sheer amount of data involved in modern computer gaming.

Blu-Ray discs are typically copied using duplication towers capable of producing a variety of formats, such as dual layer, BD-R and BD-RE. Most towers have the ability to automatically recognise, reproduce and edit based on the source format of a disc. Such towers also make use of a much more dynamic partitioning system, as well as offering password protection and dual levels of security.

As one might expect, turnaround times on Blu-ray duplication can vary, largely based on the amount of-data of a particular project and the number of units required. Whilst Blu-ray replication is also an option (and turnaround times are notably quicker), there are a number of advantages to choosing duplication, most notably with regard to cost.

As a video format, Blu-Ray is associated with a number of licensing fees which are required in order to legally use the technology. Advanced Access Content System (AACS) licensing alone can cost independent producers in excess of £2,000 per project, before taking into account further fees and royalties. Replicated discs will include such a levy, although duplication is free of such costs, making it a less expensive means of producing a run of discs.

It’s fair to say that production companies have an incentive to offer releases on Blu-Ray. Although manufacturing and distributing on DVD may cost slightly less, it’s worth mentioning that the same was also said about VHS – a format now consigned to the history books. With increasing numbers of people making Blu-Ray their format of choice, it’s arguably worth paying a little more to deliver high-definition content at the cutting edge of technology.
Martin Jonson is director of the UK's leading DVD/Blu-ray/CD duplication company providing exceptional quality at the lowest UK prices. He offers next day delivery anywhere in the UK and will complete your job quickly with the greatest care. You can connect with him on Google+.