q's about burning dvds

[bhome83]

hi guys, just got a dvd burner but don't know how to burn dvds. i want to make a few backups of some of my dvd's. i have dual layer so i will have to backup dvds that are bigger than 4gb on a dual layer dvd cd right? does dual layer work well? they don't create coasters or anything? what is the programs you guys recommend/use to copy dvd's? thanks!

[Freakitchen]

The DVDs you're referring to are movies, correct?

If so, then it's a bit of a grey area in terms of legality, and obviously we have to watch what is discussed on these forums.

As long as you choose the right discs, you shouldn't have problems burning dual layers. I point you in the direction of DVD Decrypter and DVD Shrink, both freeware, but you'll have to google for more information on these. Info is plentiful on both.

FK

[bhome83]

yes these are dvds i bought from the store. i always thought it was legal to make backup copies of your own dvd's? so do i need both decryptor and shrink? are there certain brands of blank dual dvd discs you guys recommend? so basically if a movie is over 4.7gb i have to use a dual layer disc or else i would have to compress it down to fit on one blank regular dvd disc?

[Freakitchen]

It's legal to make a backup copy of a disc you own, but i believe in the US (and probably elsewhere, too), it's illegal to avoid the copy protection in place on those discs - which is what you are doing by decrypting them.

DVD Shrink is an all-in-one tool, apart for the burning engine. DVD decrypter can be used to burn the files Shrink creates.

Most movies weigh in at about 6.5 GBs, though this varies. So yes, you'd need a dual layer to avoid compression. I recommend seeing the results you get with compression, before using the more expensive dual layers.

FK

[rwest]

basically if a movie is over 4.7gb i have to use a dual layer disc or else i would have to compress it down to fit on one blank regular dvd disc?

Correct.
You'll find DVD shrink works great and DVD Decrypter works alongside it extremely well. I use them both. You can make it as hard as you want or extremely easy.

You probably won't need Shrink if you stick with the double density disks. You'll find that the DL disks are about three times the cost of the single layer. If you find this costs hurts you, you do not have to use a DL disk. But then as you know you will have to shrink it.

There is a tab in DVD Shrink that gives you the option for full disk. Use this it's easiest. I would suggest get some cheap single layer disks to use for trial and error. If you figure out Shrink and Decrpyter( which you will), Decrypter will be a breeze.

I use Verbatim Light Scribe single layer disks (ten for $10.00)and I haven't had any problems. I just bought some Verbatim DL disks(3 for $12.00) and the only thing I found was that I could only burn these at 2.4X

[bhome83]

is there much of a difference when you compress a movie as opposed to just buying dual layer discs and copying them? u guys know of any good tutorials on these programs? i haven't found a good one yet. i will first try single layer with compression and then DL disc just to see the difference.

[Freakitchen]

Check out

http://www.doom9.org/index.html?/mpg/dvdshrink31-main.htm

There's a lot of other good guides on that site too.

FK

[rwest]

is there much of a difference when you compress a movie as opposed to just buying dual layer discs and copying them?

I don't believe your gonna see a difference on any given tv with any given dvd player. If you're using HD equipment or a large screen(larger than30") then, yes you should see a difference. If you do have any of the advanced video products then I wouldn't shrink a thing.

****Shrinking loses quality*****

But not enough for the average viewer to notice.

[johngav]

guys

dvd shrink and dvd decrypter are no longer developed cause the guy who used to develop them now works for Ahead Nero .As a result , both software is unable to work with many new movies (

So now you should check
- DVDFabDecrypter
- DVD43 ( reads dvd for free)
- ShrinkTo5

[RayH]

Despite the movie industry propaganda to label everybody as pirates, it is perfectly legal to copy movies you own. It is legal to have software to copy movies you own, so long as you are not using the software illegally (i.e., to copy movies you do not own).

Copying studio DVD movies is can be a fairly simple process. But it's not an exact science. The disk doesn't want to be copied. Studios, especially Sony, are constantly revising the copy protection, therefore revised software and even flashing of the DVD ROM may be necessary. Also, you may be dealing with a poorly encoded or damaged original.

Your finished copy may playback in a given home theater DVD player poorly or not at all. There may be nothing wrong with the disk. It just may be marginally compatible or not compatible with the player. This is not to say that either the disk or the player is "bad;" they just aren't compatible.

I have always used generic media since the days of 5-1/4" floppies; that has been over 20 years. I now stick to known quantity media with DVD. I prefer Ritech/Ridata and Taiyo Yuden. I get them for $20-30 per 100. They manufacture their own products and are a known reliable quantity. It's not to say other products aren't good, but I've never had a bad batch of Ritech/Ridata or Taiyo Yuden. I have had dubious from major branded because the disks were subcontracts.

I stick to single layer media. Dual layer is too expensive and too slow. Coasters cost too much. Besides, no guarantee dual layer will work in any player.

The trick to copying movies and reducing compression is to copy only the main movie and toss the trailers, etc. In this process, the menu won't work. Advance is by ff and rev.

In all cases, I use DVD Shrink to burn my ripped DVD files to disk. Nero gets too iffy for me.

If possible, I will use DVDShrink to rip and burn. If DVDShrink can't burn, then I'll use DVDFab Decrypter (latest version) to rip and DVD Shrink to burn. If DVDFab Decrypter can't rip, I'll use the payware ANYDVD to rip the movie. I have a fairly extensive collection and those things usually work. A couple of times I had to rip on a Mac.

[rwest]

It is legal to have software to copy movies you own, so long as you are not using the software illegally (i.e., to copy movies you do not own).

You seem to know the law on this. I thought copying is only illegal when there is intent to profit. I thought it was legal to copy your friend's, sister's, or mom's.., for your own use. As long as there is no exchange of money.

[kev7555]

DVD decrypter and DVD shrink still work perfectly.

Don't believe what you hear to the contrary.

[johngav]

well , kev , i don`t know which movies you tried to work with dvd decrypter but with the latest SONY movies it faces problems.The guy who used to develop it had a "friendly" visit from some lawyers that "persuaded" him to stop developing it.
if someone else now took over from where he stopped i don't know , and if anyone knows it`d be interesting to know .The other software i recommend is freeware too , so there is no reason not to try it

To be compeletely accurate , Decrypter can indeed still surpass the new SONY locks but the method is kind of complex and needs another program and a couple of plug -i ns.Whoever likes to try though can find details here : http://forum.digital-digest.com/showthread.php?t=56078

[johngav]

... and of course , just in case lawyers decide to get friendly with us :D let me strongly suggest that you should only use the afformentioned software only to backup movies you purchase legaly , and only for personal use

cheers :)