There are many ways to spread the Word, and media ministries are overjoyed to learn just how far a sermon can travel with their multimedia program.

Cassette Duplicators
By far, this is the easiest way to produce high quality cassettes in large or small quantities. Most duplicating systems operate at 16x speed, giving you a complete copy (one or both sides) of a 60-minute cassette in about two minutes. The number of copies you produce depends on the number of copy pockets you have. So whether you have one, two, or three or more copy pockets, it still only takes about two minutes to complete the duplicating process.

Expanding Cassette Ministry
It's easier to start small. Yet, when demand exceeds supply, growing ministries look to get more out of their investment. That's why some duplicators are expandable. Rather than having the expense of a completely new or bigger system, some duplicators offer the ability to add an additional duplicator (or Slave unit) to the original (or Master unit). Depending on the model, Master units can expand and drive up to 10 Slave units, without the expense of buying 10 more standalone units.

Quick Guide to Cassette Duplicators
Mono (Monaural) or Stereo-Cassette duplicators are either mono (or monaural) or stereo. For sermons or spoken word, a mono duplicator will serve perfectly. However, for music or vocal performance, a stereo duplicator brings out the original sound quality that would normally be lost with a mono duplicator.

Side A, Side B, or Both-Most cassette duplicators provide you with the ability to copy one or both sides of a cassette in a single pass. Some only offer dual-sided copying.

100% Duty Cycle-Depending on the model, your duplicator may set up the unit to skip from the current phase to the next phase of the rewind/copy/rewind cycle. One button operation allows you to rewind the master and copy before and after duplication to get ready for the next duplication cycle.

Erase Heads-Most copy positions are equipped with erase heads. These will erase any existing audio from the copy as it records new material. This reduces tape noise or "hiss" for improved sound fidelity by removing existing audio before recording.

Selectable Voltage-There are a few duplicators equipped with a power supply that you can switch from 120V to 240V. With selectable voltage, you can travel abroad and safely plug in the duplicator for use almost anywhere for missions overseas.

Cassette Duplicator Maintenance
Frequent use of your cassette recorder or duplicator causes magnetic build-up on your recording heads. This build-up results in added noise and the loss of high frequency response. Regular use of a demagnetizer will erase magnetic build-up, ensure excellent sound performance and reduce repairs costs.

Facts about Duplicators
A CD or DVD duplicator is the fastest most reliable way to get your discs duplicated and distributed immediately after any event. Give your church members a CD of the sermon or a DVD of the most recent concert performed by your gospel choir. You even can put something in their hands before they walk out the door.

There are standalone CD, DVD, or combination CD and DVD duplication systems available. Whether you choose a rack mounted unit or a tower system, they allow for convenient standalone operation without the need for a computer. They usually include an easy LCD interface with simple one or two button operation. Depending on the model, some offer the ability to either copy entire discs or select individual tracks-also called "track extraction."

Most CD Duplicators offer up to 52x recording speed. Depending on the model, as well as the CD media being copied from and to, this usually means a complete CD-to-CD copy in about 2.5 minutes, including finalization time. They can offer anywhere from one to as many as 16 copy bays.

Most DVD Duplicators offer up to 16x recording speed. Depending on the model, as well as the DVD media being copy from and to, this usually means a complete DVD-to-DVD copy in about 4.5 minutes, including finalization time.

Some duplicators have an internal hard drive built in for unbelievable storage capacity from 40GB (over 30 hours) to 80GB (over 60 hours). This hard drive gives you the ability to load hundreds of images and hours of music for convenient access and safe storage of your most duplicated material. When you duplicate directly from this hard drive, your "master" bay can instead be used as an additional copy bay.

A duplicator with a USB connection allows you to transfer information to and from your PC or Mac for direct burning or storage. RCA outputs will allow for audio playback capability.

Automated CD/DVD Printers and Duplicators
Nothing beats having the ability to stack in a load of CDs or DVDs and having them pre-printed and duplicated automatically. Often, an automated system like this pays for itself after the first or second time you put it work, especially for large volume distribution. Whether you duplicate just one or a hundred, you can immediately pick it up without smudging the ink and play it. Just make sure the discs you buy have a printable surface. Otherwise, the ink (thermal or inkjet) will not transfer and wipe right off the disc!

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