The process of manufacturing CDs and DVDs has changed the way in which the world looks at and listens to entertainment. Prior to the introduction of CD/DVD mass-production, less sophisticated means, such as vinyl records, tapes and VHS were used to mass-produce music and movies. But now, with the revolution of CD and DVD manufacturing, we take a step up. Music and movie fans no longer have to purchase bulky records or poorly manufactured tapes in order to listen to music or enjoy their favorite movies. With the birth of the compact disc, anyone can easily slip this small, shiny circle into their car stereo or home entertainment center for their listening and/or viewing pleasure. But how did the mass-production of CDs and DVDs become such a powerful force in the world? What was the indispensable step that made the manufacturing of CDs and DVDs possible, and in the process shaped a new mold for the way the world enjoys its entertainment?

Those interested in getting answers to these evolutionary questions, need first to understand that CD/DVD manufacturing is an intricate process. Complex and time-consuming procedures along with amazing chemical processes combine to produce the formation of a disc. It is crucial to understand, when examining the advancement of CD/DVD technology, the process of replication. Many steps are taken to manufacture discs: glass mastering, photoresist or non-photoresist mastering, post mastering, and electroforming. But the most vital step in the process of manufacturing is replication.

Replication of CDs and DVDs is the step that comes into play after the quality of the master is determined and is to be ready for replication on a large scale. This is the critical point in the process of CD/DVD manufacturing where mass-production takes place, where an album transforms its singer into a super-star. The replication of discs has allowed a new world to immerge, one, which allows music and movie lovers from New York to Tokyo to have access to the same exact CDs and DVDs. It is a process which has created a revolution in the way the world listens to and views its entertainment.

How exactly does replication happen? It involves several different steps, each of which are necessary to understand in learning the replication process. Replication begins in a factory in a CD molding machine. The molding machine uses high-temperature polycarbonate injectors. Each molding can produce 900 discs per hour! Hot molten plastic is poured into the mold cavities forming a disc. Then, cool water is run so that it gathers around the molding, solidifying the plastic, at which point the molding is opened. Only three to five minutes pass during this process - astonishing!

When the molding process is finished, a vacuum handler places the disc onto a cooling station. At this point, the disc contains all of its digital information although it doesn't yet have the reflective layer that allows the disc to be playable. Next, the disc passes into a chamber where it undergoes a process known as "sputtering". During sputtering, metal is coated onto the data side of the disc, which is the side without the record label.

Next, lacquer is coated onto the metal layer providing a surface for printing the DVD or record label. The printing ink must be compatible with the lacquer. If not, the disc may fracture and become ruined. This is also true for CD and DVD owners. Pens used to write on discs must be compatible for the same reason. This completes the replication process.

Thus, the process of replication is complete. The replication process has been revolutionary in ensuring the mass-production of CDs and DVDs. It has literally changed the way in which millions of music and movie lovers enjoy their entertainment. Next time you're in the music aisle of your favorite store or at the local video shop, take a moment to think about the process of replication. It has truly been instrumental in making CD/DVD manufacturing a leading force in the world.