CD Duplicators
By Kathryn Henson

According to many leaders in today's church, it is absolutely critical that the church as a whole recognizes and capitalizes on the digital media age and the opportunity it presents to spread the Word. One of the most popular and cost-effective outreach ministries is CD duplication, which enables not only the congregation to have their own copy of each worship service and Bible study, but also enables those who do not attend to hear the message as well.

Knowing and recognizing the need for a CD ministry opens the door to many questions:

* What type of duplicating equipment do I need?

* What features should I look for?

* What will fit with my existing system?

* Does it take universal media, or will I need to purchase specific discs?

The options can be overwhelming, especially as products are constantly upgraded, but with a good overview of what is available and what you will need most, you can make the right choice for your media ministry.

With the evolving technology available today, it's important to evaluate what is available vs. what exactly you will need. The first and most obvious question to ask yourself is what volume you need to be able to handle. There are both low-volume, One-to-One duplicators that make one copy at a time at a high rate of speed, or high-volume duplicators that make up to 20 copies at a time or more.

Obviously, if you will be making a few hundred copies every Sunday for distribution after the service, you will need a professional model that can not only support a high volume, but will hold up over time. If you will be making just a few copies, you may only need a One-to-One or One-to-Three model, which produce the same professional-quality duplication, just not as many at a time.

One feature to check for in choosing the right model is expandability. Some duplicator towers can be added onto, allowing your ministry to grow with increasing demand. Other models do not allow for add-on towers, meaning that as you expand your ministry, you will need to purchase new equipment.

Many CD duplicators are available with an optional hard drive for archiving data, images and recordings. This is a great way to organize your digital files without needing a master disc each time you make a copy. It also allows you to use and reuse files easily. Hard drives range in memory from 160 GB to 500GB on many of the popular models, so be sure to research the hard drive to ensure you have sufficient space.

Another important factor to consider is whether or not you need an automatic duplicator. Auto-load duplicators save a very important resource in today's fast-paced world-time. Auto-loader models enable you to load up to 1,000 discs at a time into a unit that automatically swaps out the discs in the duplicator bays for continual duplication. These models are progressively more efficient and accurate with special attention to potential problems such as sticky discs and the ability to load and copy from multiple masters, completing multiple jobs in succession. This is a great option for multi-taskers working on jobs with middle to high volume. Duplicator/Printer models are also available for those needing to print custom labels directly onto the discs as they are duplicated.

Other important features that make duplicating easier and more efficient are geared towards helping simplify the process. Many models come with LCD screens that display essential information such as status and error reports. Menu options and simple user-friendly buttons make operation easy enough for the novice user without compromising features for the pro. Different recording modes on some models enable test runs and editing, while a few models feature direct recording from live feed via mic line inputs. This feature is particularly efficient on Sunday mornings!

For applications where you need only certain tracks from a master copy, it is important to have track extraction. This allows you to copy specified tracks without having to record the entire disc. What a great feature for preparing for special musical compilations! Many of the newer models also keep a job count, allowing you to keep up with how many good copies you have compared to what is required.

Remember to research all components of the process, including the discs themselves. Although most duplicator models accept the full range of media options available, you should still check to be sure there is not a specific type, such as digital audio discs, that need to be used in conjunction with your duplicator.

The leading manufacturers all offer quality products with features that make duplicating a snap, whether you have a high-volume demand or are just looking to get started. Two things that set the major manufacturers apart are service and warranty. Be sure to take this into consideration, as it is important to have technical support. Find out whether the manufacturer can send a replacement part or if you have to send in the entire unit to be serviced, leaving you without your duplicator all together. Warranties range from one to three years and may vary not only between manufacturers, but also among the different models. You may pay a little extra for added service and warranty, but may also need it down the road.

Keeping up with the demands of the changing face of today's church congregation and with the evolving media influence is essential for the growth of today's church. With a successful media ministry, you can carry the timeless message into tomorrow while preparing your members for today. With the right tools, you can give them something they can take to work, share with a friend, or take to those who couldn't make the service.

Knowing which CD duplicator best fits your media ministry needs and exactly what features are important to ensure your success are the keys to keeping your message in the hands and minds of today's congregation.

Kathryn Henson is the copywriter for Long's Electronics, www.longsav.com .