Mastering

Mastering is the actual physical fabrication of the DVD. A DLT containing the DVD data files is sent to a replication facility. In a process similar to laser discs and CD-ROMs, a glass master is created and used to press replicated copies. DVD-9 and DVD-18 discs require a bonding step to combine the multiple layers. The replication process usually requires one to two weeks depending upon the quantity and lead-time.