As a busy DVD author, duplicating client reference DVDs one at a time has always left me cold. Since I've recently finished producing a new jazz CD, there's now a need for quickly duplicating lots of audio CDs for distribution and promotion.

Many of the DVD and CD duplicators I‘ve seen over the years have been too expensive to justify purchasing one for myself. I've been patiently waiting for a winning combination of hands-free automated performance, high-quality printing and affordable price to come along-Primera has nailed it!

The Primera Bravo SE is just the thing for the DVD author or music producer (or band) who’s been looking for a tool to create professional quality discs and automate their workflow, without emptying their piggy bank.

A self-contained single drive duplicator with an integral printer, the Bravo SE uses sixth-generation robotics to automate the workflow and is capable of printing a disc while it’s burning another.
It's available in three models: the Bravo SE DVD/CD Publisher, equipped with the latest Pioneer CD/DVD drive (mine came with the Pioneer DVR-11); the Bravo SE Blu Disc Publisher, which uses the Pioneer BDR-101 Blu-ray Burner; and the Bravo SE AutoPrinter, which is only the automated printer-no burner.

The Bravo SE can handle batches of up to 20 discs at one time, either CD or DVD (also likely the same for Blu-ray discs). It comes with software for Windows XP (PTPublisher and SureThing CD Label Software Primera Edition) and for Mac OS X (CharisMac Engineering’s Discribe and templates for Adobe PhotoShop and Illustrator). Currently, the Blu-ray Disc Publisher only runs on the PC.

Printing on the Bravo SE has got to be seen to be believed-both models use a Lexmark single-cartridge color inkjet printer, and it really delivers. With 4800 dpi print resolution and 16.7 million colors, the Bravo SE can deliver stunning, richly colored high-resolution disc graphics, especially when printed on Tuffcoat with WaterShield gloss finish media. These discs may be a bit pricey compared to other available printable media, but they are virtually waterproof and won't leave you broke. More importantly, the impression left on your clients or customers by these beautiful discs is, well, priceless.

Inkjet cartridges for the SE are currently $37.95, but the cartridge should yield 100 to 130 discs, with per-disc costs averaging from $.029 to $0.37 (If you print full-coverage, four-color discs, your mileage may vary). Tuffcoat media are available in matte finish, (“AquaGuard,” $30.95 for 45 discs) or gloss finish (“WaterShield,” $34.95 for 50 discs).

The unit weighs in at only 11.5 pounds, and takes up a modest 15-inches x 15-inches desktop footprint, making it a candidate for easy installation on most desks. The unit has a USB 2 connection for communication to both the burner and the printer. Mac or PC connectivity is a snap-one USB cable to connect, one power cord to install, and you’re done. Even with the cover closed, you can monitor the disc robotics as they work and remove finished discs without interrupting the workflow.

Don't let the price tag fool you! While the Bravo SE DVD/CD Publisher is less expensive than many other DVD/CD duplicators, it’s chock full of features that will make your duplication efforts faster, and your discs more beautiful than before.

Unpacking the Bravo SE is a snap, and installation of the supplied software is a very simple operation. I elected to test it with a Mac G5 dual 2.5. The CharisMac DiscScribe software (provided) can handle disc duplication jobs in a wide variety of formats.

Once you have selected the format you wish to duplicate, for example, a DVD clicking on “Burn” will allow the Discribe software to specify the job parameters, and the image (if any) to be printed on the discs. Using “Queue Job,” you can build a string of dupe jobs.

If disc print adjustment is needed, that’s easily accomplished in the Print Settings Dialog or in the Config. Utility.

In operation, I found the Bravo SE to be a well-behaved tool, and once you’ve entered the job parameters, you really can just “set it and forget it.” It’s a cost-effective tool for modest disc duplication jobs, and yet it puts out discs that give no evidence of having been produced on such a modest budget. I don’t hesitate to say that I think the print quality competes quite handily with many high-end systems costing FAR more. I can’t recommend this tool enough.