I would suggest you speak with someone at Disc Masters, in New Jersey. There staff is tops. Among other services, they design and sell CD & DVD duplicators. Prices are reasonable, too. Website: http://www.discmasters.com/ I'm not affiliated with them but have used their services now and again. Mal Rockwell ******* Grant, Tyra wrote: > I could use some help figuring out how to select a new CD/DVD duplicator > to burn reference or access copies of audio, video and text files > (legitimately, from digital content we have created). I thought this > would be simple---go out and order a new duplicator (and maybe that's > all there is to it---if so, feel free to say so) but I'm seeing there's > a lot I don't know. > > > > So, here's what I think we want: > > > > -the ability to duplicate CD and DVD reference and access copies (of > audio, video, text--i.e., bits). Duplicate one at-a-time rather than > multiples---a fairly simple duplicator I'm guessing; > > > > -reliably accurate bit-for-bit duplication. Are there differences in > duplicators' abilities to do this? Over time? > > > > -the ability to handle most disc formats---i.e., be as universal as > possible to handle source DVDs, CDs, CDR, CDRW. Does this request make > sense and, if yes, is it a reasonable request---any compromises involved > here? > > > > -We mainly use PCs but would like MAC platform compatibility also. Is > this possible or are we talking compromises and possibly should plan for > MAC or PC dedicated burners? > > > > Questions: > > -Is there anything in particular to recommend purchasing a standalone > vs. computer-linked duplicator? Are there standalone burners that can > also link-up with a computer? > > > > -Do all duplicators write to disc the same way? If not, are there > differences that make a difference? Is bit rot a factor with DVDs or > CDs? If yes, is there a useful and affordable way to measure the rate > of bit rot or is this foolishness? > > > > -Should we be writing to one format---i.e., DVDs?---regardless of the > source format? (Revealing my lack of background but I need to learn so > better to ask.) > > > > -What about lightscribe? This could be useful but could affect disc > longevity. What does this do to the disc? Is it considered harmless or > not or don't we know? > > > > -Are there better duplicators or manufacturers? best DVD drives for > duplicators? Not sure how to ask this. > > > > -Anything additional I should be asking? > > > > I'll appreciate whatever information, advice or recommendations are > offered. > > > > Tyra Grant > > > > Head, Preservation Department > > University of Kansas Libraries > > Phone: 785-864-8951 > > > > > > > >