Not all inline printers are created equal - or similar, as you'll learn when shopping for one. There are three types of printing processes to consider, depending on your needs and budget. Ink jet printers are usually on lower-cost duplicators and are capable of photographic-quality labels. So why wouldn't you want one? Smudging. If the disc gets wet or the environment is overly humid, the ink is subject to smearing. You can avoid that problem by using waterproof printable media, such as Taiyo Yuden's Watershield or Verbatim's AquaAce discs. Another option would be to spray a protective lacquer coating on the disc.

Your second choice is a thermal transfer printer, which is almost exclusively the domain of higher-end duplicators. In case you're not familiar with this method of printing, thermal transfer melts "ink" from a wax ribbon onto the disc surface to produce the image. The disc's face will then be completely scratch- and smudge-free without your needing to apply a protective coating. Thermal printing also enables you to print to the edge of the disc.

These types of duplicators are more expensive, but thermal transfer cartridges can be cheaper than ink jet in the long run. Some thermal printers do only monochrome, some suffer from low resolution and some are choosy about the type of surface they'll print on. Research your options thoroughly when looking at thermal transfer.

Finally, what about LightScribe and LabelFlash? These technologies allow you to inscribe your label on the disc while it's inside the drive by flipping the disc over to burn the label after you've burned the data side of the disc. It offers silkscreen-quality printing without the high silkscreen price. On the flip side, you're limited to using LightScribe or LabelFlash-compatible DVDs (depending on hardware), and your color options are monochrome only. You're also likely to encounter speed issues, as getting a good-quality image inscribed on your DVD is not a quick process.

These are some of the main options available for today's DVD duplicators. In order to make your final choice, consider the intended use of the duplicator. If you'll be making copies of weddings for brides, then you probably will want a printer but not a high-capacity duplicator. If you're hoping to offer duplication as an extra service to your corporate clients, then be prepared to pay more for an automated, fast-burning machine. The accompanying products grid should help you narrow the field and find the perfect machine for you.

Julia Camenisch is a freelance producer and stock footage shooter.

Click here to download a PDF Manufacturer's list of Videomaker's DVD Duplicators Buyer's Guide 2009.