Can you dupicate DVD-9?

There is a difference between DVD-9 and double layer DVDR - DVD-9 is the dual-layer DVDs that are replicated (pressed). Double layer DVDR are actually a blank DVD media that contains 2 layers.

With double layer blank DVDs (abbreviated as DL DVDR here) it allows longer videos to be placed on a single DVD. Is it possible to duplicate a DL DVDR like a regular single layer DVD? While DL DVDR has been around for a little while, there are not many choices in the brand of media, and some media tend to have compatibility issues in older players. We would suggest against making mass duplication of a DL DVDR master; instead opt to compress the entire disc to a single layer DVD for DVD duplication, or split the content onto a 2-disc set.

What is an acceptable format of audio CD for duplication?

Audio files come in many formats today, there is the most common mp3, mp4, and also the AIFF and WAV. Which one is the best format for CD duplication and CD replication? Let's start with talking about the different file formats that can be used to create an audio CD:
MP3 and MP4 are compressed formats that are most popular with online downloads, however not the best choice and quality for duplication and replication.

AIFF is commonly used on Macs and is an uncompressed audio file format that provides excellent sound quality.

WAV is a comparable format that is mostly used on PCs, still an uncompressed audio file format and tends to be large in size.

Therefore, making an audio CD master from AIFF and WAV will preserve the best sound quality. When making a CD master we should always burn as an audio CD, not data CD. Most CD burning softwares today will convert the mp3, AIFF or WAV into an audio CD format when it is set up as an 'audio' CD. An 'audio' CD will play in any home, car stereo and computer, while a 'data' CD containing MP3, AIFF or WAV files will only play in computers and stereos that are equipped to play audio files.

Saving CD disc image using Toast

The safest way to send CD audio or CD-Rom content electronically for CD replication is by disc image. A disc image is a copy of a CD all wrapped in one file. Instead of sending the individual songs or tracks all you'll be sending is one file. Once the image file is created, it is best to zip it using Winzip or Stuffit before it is transferred electronically to a FTP.

Here's the step by step on how to do that in Toast (the version we have in this example is Toast 7)

1. First burn a CD and verify the contents are correct.

2. If all is correct insert the CD into the CD-Rom, open Toast

3. Click on Copy tab, Click on File menu and select Save as Disc Image

4. For audio CDs the file extension will be .sd2f, data content CD file extension will be .toast

5. Zip the file using Stuffit or other utility tools for upload

Why do I need a DVD replication check disc?

A replication check disc is "pressed" with the actual DVD replication press, and it is created with the same glass master that will be use to press the rest of the project.

It is the only safe way to proof a replicated CD/DVD, because all the CD-R or DVD-R that we can create from computer & recorder are "burned", which is a different process than replication, in which the discs are pressed. A check disc is especially important to check the layer break of a DVD-9 project