What is a Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower?
The DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower is a stand alone, full function robotic disc duplicator designed to make up to 200 DVD or CD copies unattended with no computer required. The Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower has an advanced robotic loader, a stand alone controller, a hard disk drive for storing source images, and three 16 x 16 DVD/CD recorders. This combination produces an auto loading duplicator that is the fastest in its class.

How does it work?
Source disc images of your DVDs and CDs are copied to the hard disk drive, blank media is loaded into the input bins. You select which DVD or CD source image you want to duplicate and press “Copy”. The Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower will automatically load the 3 DVD/CD Recorders with blank media. When the 3 copies are finished the robot will pick up the discs, and place them the output bin. The robot picks up the next blank discs and loads them in the recorders. This process repeats until all of the blank media has be used.

Why does the 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower not have a printer?
The 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower is optimized for duplicating speed. Printing, which is a slower process than duplicating, can be done in advance or after duplication if needed. Auto Duplicators that are tied to a built in printer are slower. Since it has no printer, the 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower is not printer limited.

Does the Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower require a computer?
No, the Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower is controlled by an easy to use duplicator controller and is totally stand alone.

How many discs per hour can I produce?
Throughput is what the 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower is all about. 3 simultaneous DVDs or 3 simultaneous CDs per cycle for throughput of about 30 typical DVDs per hour or 60 typical CDs per hour This is the fastest auto loading duplicator in its class. A good quality CD that is completely full (700MB) can take less 3 minutes for 3 copies per cycle. That translates to less than 1 minute per CD copy. The actual time will be greater than theoretical due to variables like the quality of and speed of blank media selected. Most discs do not have 700MB filled so the number per hour could be more.. A DVD disc with 2 hours of video could take less than 5 minutes for 3 copies per cycle or less than 1.7 minutes per DVD copy.

Does the Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower require special media?
We recommend Aleratec duplicator grade media for the best results. Other name brands may also be used. We do not recommend bargain priced, generic media for duplicators. Also, some brands of media are lacquered and usually come shrink wrapped. These media are not recommended as they can cause malfunctions of the loading mechanism. It is easy to recognize this type of media as it has a somewhat sticky surface.

Does the Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower support business card or mini DVD/CD's?
Not at this time.

Is the Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower networkable?
Not per se, however, any disc images available on the network can be copied to blank media and transferred to the duplicators hard disk drive.
Can I copy DVD movies with the Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower?
No, commercial movies are copy protected and cannot be copied with the Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower. However, you can copy your own video creations.

Can I copy CDs in the Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower?
Yes, you can copy CDs in the Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower. Just use blank CD-R Media that is certified at least 16x. You use the same simple procedure for CDs and DVDs.

Can I copy DVDs to CD Media in the Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower ?
No, DVDs will only copy to blank DVD Media
Can I make just one copy?
Yes, you can make one copy in the manual mode by placing your source disc in any of the recorder and a blank in one of the others, Select Copy and press RUN, the duplicator will sense the source disc in the recorder and copy it.

Can I connect the Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower to my PC or Mac?
No, the Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower is designed as a stand alone duplicator and the internal mechanisms are not designed to be connected to your computer externally.

What copy speeds does the Aleratec 1:3 DVD/CD Auto Copy Tower use?
When “Copy” is selected, you can choose the DVD Duplicating speed from 16x, 8x, 4x, 2x, and 1x. If you are duplicating a CD, you can select speeds up to 48x. The best practice is to set the speeds to max and the controller will pick the optimum speed for the media you are using.

If the duplicator is having trouble reading a DVD, what can be done?
The first step to take is to go to “Prescan” and test the disc and the reading speed and making speed adjustments. If you are still having trouble, you can place the source disc in any of the DVD Recorders and try to read it. Any drive can be selected as the source drive using the “Select Src.” Function. If the disc is in questionable condition (minor scratches etc.) please try our Aleratec Disc Repair Plus (Aleratec Part # 240121). This kit will rejuvenate many discs that have been mishandled. You can also try the “Skip Read Error” function and the duplicator will ignore any read errors encountered.