Frequently Asked Questions

• How fast can you turn around my CD or DVD project?
• What is the difference between duplication and replication?
• What are the differences between inkjet, thermal, screen and offset disc printing?
• Do the printers print right on the discs?
• Should the disc artwork have the center removed (be cropped)?
• How can I see what my disc face looks like printed?
• Are the recordable DVD and CD discs you use for duplication orders compatible with all players?
• How much music or data can I put on CD orders?
• What guarantees do you offer for your CD and DVD duplication and printing service?
• Are you open on the weekend?
• Where do I send my project or bring my project?
• What is the difference between inkjet CD / DVD printers and thermal DVD / CD printers?
• What’s the difference between a duplicator and a publishing system?
• What is a Network Enterprise CD / DVD Duplicator?
• What is the deal with the demo, factory refurbished, and used CD / DVD printers and duplicators for sale on your website?
• Do you take equipment in on Trade for a new duplicator or printer?
• How can I get the best long-term results from my DVD / CD duplicator and CD printer?
• Why should I buy my ink and ribbons for my CD printer from Techware?
• What type of DVD / CD Packaging Systems are available?
• What are your return policies? Can I return a system if I feel I need something else instead?

How fast can you turn around my CD or DVD project?

We can expedite almost all CD and DVD projects to same day completion. Our typical turnaround time for DVD / CD Duplication is 2 to 3 days. Our turnaround time for CD / DVD Replication is 5-10 business days. Be advised that there are rush fees associated with CD / DVD projects that are rushed for completion in 2 business days or less.

What is the difference between duplication and replication?

Replicated discs (often referred to as pressed discs) are created by physically pressing your data into the surface of the CD or DVD disc. Whereas duplicated discs (often referred to as burned discs) encode your data onto the disc by burning microscopic holes into the dye layer of a recordable CD or DVD with a laser. Replicated discs are the standard for major commercial releases; however, duplicated discs have lots of advantages, too.

CD / DVD Disc Duplication: This process uses CD and/or DVD recording drives that physically burn the data onto the disc surface with a laser. Our process utilizes the highest quality CD-R / DVD-R burners and equipment available. This process is especially cost effective for shorter runs of 5 discs up to 2000+ CDs and DVDs. The turnaround is also much faster than the disc replication process. Duplicated discs can be produced in as little as a few hours, and we have a capacity to turnaround 7500+ discs in a 24-hour period.

DVD / CD Disc Replication: This process is typically most cost effective for longer runs of discs from 2500 to 500,000 and up. This process requires some set up and has a little longer turn around, typically 7 to 10 days. Replication is done from scratch, and CDs/DVD's are injection molded from polycarbonate pellets and then are covered in reflective material and stamped with the information.

What are the differences between inkjet, thermal, screen and offset disc printing?

Inkjet Printing: High Quality, full color 4800dpi printing. Great for small and medium size jobs. The only issue with this style of print is that it is not as durable as the below options (mainly that it is not waterproof).

Thermal Printing: up to 600dpi or 185 lines per inch. A wax resin ribbon is heated, and permanently applied to the surface of the CD or DVD disc. This printing process strictly uses CMYK color. Perfect for high quality, short to medium size jobs that require durable waterproof printing.

Screen-Printing: Typical resolution is 85-105 lines per inch. With screen-printing, the image is stenciled onto the disc face by transferring ink through a fine mesh screen, using CMYK inks. (C=Cyan, M=Magenta, Y=Yellow, K=Black), or Pantone. Makes sense for larger jobs of 1000+.

Offset Printing: The offset printing process uses an intermediate blanket cylinder to transfer an image from the image carrier to the disc face, also using CMYK inks (C=Cyan, M=Magenta, Y=Yellow, K=Black), or Pantone.

Do the printers print right on the discs?

Yes. All of our CD / DVD disc printers and automated DVD / CD Publishing systems print directly onto the top face of inkjet or thermal printable blank CD and DVD media. Ask our specialists which type of disc printer will best meet your needs and budget. Also which brands and types of blank CD’s and DVD’s work best with the disc printer you buy. Techware has been selling, servicing and using these very same CD / DVD printers for 12+ years, nobody will give you better advice and service than us.

Should the disc artwork have the center removed (be cropped)?

No, please do not need to crop the artwork that you provide for DVD / CD printing. It works best if you do not. Our printers will automatically stop at the inner and outer edges of the disc. Please be careful to not layout your text to close to any edge.

How can I see what my disc face looks like printed?

Color fidelity warranted by Techware Distribution is consistent with industry standards for "pleasing color." Techware offers no guarantee of "match-print" or "match-product" color fidelity. Techware cannot prevent slight color shift throughout an order. Techware Distribution does not guarantee color will match the preview as it appears on a customer's monitor, as we cannot compensate for a color variance on each customer's monitor.

Are the recordable DVD and CD discs you use for duplication orders compatible with all players?

The discs we duplicate for you are 100% compliant with the specifications set forth for data or audio disc creation. Some players, especially older ones, may have difficulty reading DVD-r and CD-R discs.

Factors that influence playability besides engineered support for CD-Rs are disc reflectivity, dye color of the duplicated disc, re-read rate, poor disc care, dirty lens, player temperatures, non-clean environments and disc capacity. We use the highest quality discs for your duplication to ensure the compatibility of your discs to the most playback devices possible. There may be instances when a duplicated DVD-r / CD-R will not play back on one device but will on another. This is unavoidable under any condition but with good quality Taiyo Yuden brand discs, it can be minimized.

How much music or data can I put on CD orders?

The discs we use have a maximum capacity of 700MB or about 80 minutes of music. Some of this space is used up with space between audio tracks on audio CDs or indexing information on data CDs.

For data CDs, a general rule of thumb is to allow about 10 to 15 MB of space for indexing. So the maximum total size for files on our data discs is about 685 MB.

What guarantees do you offer for your CD and DVD duplication and printing service?

Techware Distribution unconditionally guarantees all products and services we perform. We will replace any CD, DVD, Diskette, or USB stick product we worked on that is deemed defective by reason of workmanship or materials.

Are you open on the weekend?

We do not have regular business hours on Saturday or Sunday. However, we can make special arrangements to meet with you or to run your CD or DVD duplication and printing job over the weekend. Even deliver if need be. Be advised that there are rush fees associated with weekend CD / DVD production and delivery.

Where do I send my project or bring my project?

Our address is:
Techware Distribution, Inc.
7720 West 78th Street
Bloomington, MN 55439
Attn: CD / DVD Printing Dept.

(We are conveniently located in the northeast corner of the Hwy 494 / Hwy 169 intersection)

952-944-0083 – phone, Monday – Friday 8am to 5:30pm
612-384-7918 – phone, after hours and weekends

What is the difference between inkjet CD / DVD printers and thermal DVD / CD printers?

Inkjet CD printers: use water based ink that is great for color, sharp resolution and relative printing speed. Print costs range from just a penny or two to $0.50+ based on the printer model and the level of print coverage on the disc. Inkjet CD printers as less expensive than Thermal CD printers, and print itself is not very durable and will smear and run if it comes in contact with moisture.

Thermal CD printers: use heat and pressure to permanently print onto the surface of blank CD and DVD media. Thermal CD printers have print costs between just $0.01 and $0.35 each depending which model you use and the print coverage. Thermal CD printers are much more expensive than inkjet cd printers, and they offer very durable, professional waterproof printing.

What’s the difference between a duplicator and a publishing system?

A CD / DVD duplicator is a system that only copies discs. It works like a photocopier for paper - you simply supply a master disc and the DVD / CD duplicator outputs copies at a high rate. A publishing system encompasses more. It connects to your computer and/or network and incorporates a printer as well as one or more drives to burn your CD-R or DVD-R media. Publishing systems are designed to output finished discs from files on a hard drive or network. In addition we sell very sophisticated, fully automated and configurable systems that allow you to output hundreds of finished discs from unique content on your hard drive/network. Each disc can have a unique printed label and unique content on the disc itself. We also have CD /DVD publishing systems that can print a unique barcode and serialized numbers on each disc. Ask us how.

To learn more, please call (800)295-0083, 8am-5:30pm CST

What is a Network Enterprise CD / DVD Duplicator?

Our networked autoloading CD or DVD publishing systems have powerful software to provide network wide access to CD / DVD recording and allow for customization of data and/or the disc label. Many of these network autoloading DVD / CD Publishers features can be integrated into your company’s existing applications using an intuitive Application Toolkit. Printing options include the Rimage Everest III and Rimage PrismPlus Thermal printers.

To learn more, please call (800) 295-0083, 8am-5:30pm CST

What is the deal with the demo, factory refurbished, and used CD / DVD printers and duplicators for sale on your website?

We have access to a lot of CD / DVD equipment that is not brand new. In most cases these machines do carry a smaller manufacturer warranty, typically 90 days versus the standard 1-year parts and labor depot warranty. Check out the details on our Used CD Printers and Duplicators here. We are simply offering you more options on this equipment at significantly lower costs. These deep discounts can help you move up into a better CD /DVD Production machine for your needs. We thoroughly test each machine to make sure it is operating within manufacturer specifications for peak performance.

To learn more, please call (800) 295-0083, 8am-5:30pm CST

Do you take equipment in on Trade for a new duplicator or printer?

We do take trade-ins on popular models like the Primera Bravo SE, Bravo II, Bravo Pro, Rimage PrismPlus AutoPrinters, Everest III AutoPrinters, Microboards Printfactory printers and DVD / CD 10 drive towers, etc. We only take in equipment that is in good working order.

To learn more, please call (800) 295-0083, 8am-5:30pm CST

How can I get the best long-term results from my DVD / CD duplicator and CD printer?

Here are a few helpful hints for making the most of your CD / DVD duplication process. If you choose Techware as your exclusive CD / DVD equipment and supplies vendor, you will get many more...

1. Control your burn speed: The highest speed setting is not always the best. For example: Audio CDs lack error correction, therefore, optimal burning speed is just 16x speed.
2. Duplicate your CD’s and DVD’s from the hard drive: On multi-drive tower duplication systems the optimal method for disc duplication is to load your master image on to the hard drive and then burn, rather than burning disc-to-disc. You’ll not only get consistently faster burn speeds, but you’ll also get fewer rejects – saving you a lot of time and money.
3. Keep your DVD / CD duplicator clean: Keep your unit in a clean temperature controlled environment and on a firm level surface. Extreme temperatures and dusty conditions will shorten the life of your DVD / CD duplicator and printer.
4. Keep you CD / DVD printer clean: Inkjet CD printers spray ink mist within the printer that will cause sensors, gears, and circuit boards to malfunction. Thermal printers have trouble with dust accumulating on the printhead, heating elements, etc. Ask Techware how we can keep your printer clean and functioning at peak levels for years beyond the manufacturer warranty period. CD Printer Repair and Cleaning Services.
5. Only use high-quality DVD and CD recordable media. The number one factor that determines your reject rate, poor playback and compatibility is the quality of the blank CD / DVD media you use. While you may save a few dollars buying cheap media made in China / Taiwan / India, you’ll pay for it in time and money over the long run due to an increased reject rate and poor playback, especially for audio CD’s. Techware constantly tests out CD and DVD for high quality performance when used in conjunction with the CD / DVD equipment that we recommend and service. Another thing to consider are the royalties…many disc manufacturers in China and Taiwan are not paying royalties to on the discs that they manufacturer. This could cause you to be involved in a costly lawsuit if you are using and selling these discs. Contact you Techware sales representative to but discs that work and have the royalties all paid up.
6. Protect your master discs: Keep your master CD’s and DVD’s clean. Master discs should be stored in protective packaging and free from scratches, fingerprints, dust and debris. A poor master will produce a poor copy.

Why should I buy my ink and ribbons for my CD printer from Techware?

Because we ensure that every ink cartridge we sell is brand new and full to capacity. You will be able to better gauge how often to replace your ink and be more confident that each cartridge will provide you with consistent color results. Many retailers sell refilled cartridges and the fill levels of these cartridges can vary greatly, making it difficult to determine how long they will last and the color accuracy is always compromised. Same goes with ribbons for your Rimage thermal printer. There are some compatible ribbons on the market that can save you some money upfront. But they also cause excess wear and tear on the printhead, which can cost you between $450 - $1300 to replace depending on which model you have. Colors also do not look as bright, sharp, and accurate using compatibles versus the actual Rimage brand ribbons.

What type of DVD / CD Packaging Systems are available?

Techware has various automated systems for packaging all your duplicated and printed discs. We have packaging systems that can insert discs in to sleeves and mailers, plastic wrapping systems for jewel cases, slim jewel cases as well as automated DVD Amary case wrappers.

To learn more, please call (800)295-0083, 8am-5:30pm CST

What are your return policies? Can I return a system if I feel I need something else instead?

We offer an exclusive Guaranteed Fit Program: Our Guaranteed Fit Program offers you our expect advice as to which duplicator and printer offers you the best solution for your exact needs. If we recommend and sell you a CD / DVD Duplication and Printing system that does not meet those needs, then you can return it within 30 days for a full credit toward a new system that you would then purchase from Techware. To take advantage of this program you must speak with one of our DVD / CD duplicator experts and explain your CD / DVD needs. Call us at (800) 295-0083.

Return Material Authorizations (RMA): If you decide to return a unit, you must obtain an RMA number from your Techware sales representative. Please mark the RMA number clearly on the shipping label of the box you are shipping back. The RMA number helps speed up the processing of your return and is standard in industries where products are returned/exchanged. Shipments received without an RMA# clearly marked on the shipping label will be refused. Keep all of your original packaging (boxes/foam) in a safe place for the life of the unit. If you ever need to send a unit in for evaluation or repair, you will have the packaging available. We require you to ship all equipment back in its original packaging with all of the original components like software, ink carts, ribbons, manuals, power cords, etc. Full replacement insurance with the shipper as also a requirement. Failure to keep original packaging will result in extra costs (to buy new packaging) and a longer repair turnaround (you will have to wait for the new packaging to arrive before sending a unit in for repair). Any product returned to Techware in non-original packaging will void the RMA and any warranties on the product.

You are responsible for all shipping charges and insurance charges Equipment damaged in shipping and not insured for the full amount of the item is also your responsibility.