This page lists CD Duplication and CD Replication terminology, phrases, abbreviations and general jargon related to the manufacture of CDs.

CD Duplication: The process of copying a CD master by burning digital information onto a blank CD-R disc.

CD Replication: The process of manufacturing an audio CD or CDROM by pressing the disc using stampers and plastic injection molding.

CDROM: Abbreviation for compact disc read only memory. This is a disc that contained data that can only be read. It is not possible to write further information to the disc.

CD-R: Abbreviation for compact disc recordable. Digital information can be written or burnt to the disc.

CD-RW: Abbreviation for compact disc rewritable. Digital information can be burnt to the disc, this information can be erased and new information then burnt.

Glass Mastering: Part of the replication process where a thin layer of glass if exposed to a high powered laser to form the glass master.

PMCD: Abbreviation for pre master compact disc. This is the CD-R that is burnt to red book standard and contains all audio content and PQ coding required to produce a glass master.

PQ Coding: This is the programming of track titles, timings and pauses added at pre mastering stage.

Stampers: These are the metal plates that are formed from the glass master. These metal stampers are used to press the data to the disc during the plastic injection molding process.