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Using PCs to record content to optical media is pretty straight- forward. Properly equipped PCs with quality recording drives and good disc-burning software are capable of duplicating optical discs.
If you need a handful of discs and can spare the time, a suitable PC can producing them. And, printing disc identification labels can be accomplished as well.
On the other hand, if you require 'many' discs and don’t have the time or conclude that it’s essential recorded content be correct, then using a profesional source can make sense.
If you're really determined to duplicate a 'large quantity' of discs on PCs, the check-list below may be helpful for avoiding a 'beverage-coaster' outcome.
- First, be aware that using in-house PCs and printers for duplicating even a modest amount of discs can be time-consuming and often prevents equipment from being
utilized for other tasks. If PCs are interrupted for any reason while recording, producing readable discs is unlikely. Turn off all background software (virus protection, email, etc.) that's loaded into memory.
- Have you estimated the amount of time required to record 'one' disc? If multiple PCs will be used, how many are required? What's the estimated time required to duplicate all discs? How much time is required to 'verify' that discs were recorded correctly? Or, will you assume they were?
- It’s always prudent that firmware in PC recording drives use the latest firmware version level. If necessary, can you identify the specific recording drive manufacturer and model in order to obtain the latest firmware?
- If drives require firmware updates, can you re-flash drives in a timely manner? How many drives require re-flash? Also, do you know if disc-burning software on each PC is the latest release level? If updates are needed, how long will it require to update software on all PCs?
- Has disc media you plan to use, been certified by the drive-writer manufacturer? If media has not received certification or you don't know, can you pre-test and record content to test-batches - followed by playback verification?
- If assigning in-house personnel to duplicate, label and package 'many' discs is necessary, will anyone question an 'allocation of limited resources'? Have personnel been trained? Can they recognize anomalies that might occur?
- What work and tasks will be delayed to accomplish disc duplication? Have you done a quick check calulating the hourly cost in wages and benefits of assigned personnel vs. outside sourcing?
- Has the combined cost of assigned personnel, including costs for disc media, labels, packaging, PC usage and equipment – vs. outside duplication cost been calculated and compared?
- If you're under tight time constraints or a deadline, will you be able to meet it?
- If your duplication project has 'very critical content', can you verify that discs were actually recorded correctly?
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