DVD copying forum?

[crashwg]

Is there some forum or noob guide to copying DVDs of all kinds?  I'm confused as hell as to why you can't just put a DVD in one drive and DVD-R in another and hit copy...

[Shape D.]

you can, google this          
      cwt252

list price on it is only $995
its cheaper to use a computer.

[Shape D.]

I'm sorry, thats the cd version thry these.

spinwise-2-824d

they list for  $1399

[Crazy Cooter]

You mean like xcopy?

[DYNAGOD]

theres certainly cheaper ways of doing it than that..

[pointdablame]

ok why on earth would you tell him about thousand dollar duplicators? that's insane.

http://doom9.net/

http://www.afterdawn.com

All the info you need is there.  You do NOT need a dulpicator, not unless you plan on making 500 copies of each disc.  Basically, you need at the very least a dvd burner, some blank dvds, and a program called DVD Shrink.  You'll probably want to get a seperate burning program and a few other specialty programs, etc etc.

Once you get the hang of it, it pretty much is... put in original, blank and hit a few buttons.  Very simple.

[HaRuMaN]

And don't forget the all important DVD Decryptor...  a must have, as well as DVD shrink.  I use these two, along with Nero, to copy DVD's.

[Trenchbroom]

And don't forget the all important DVD Decryptor...  a must have, as well as DVD shrink.  I use these two, along with Nero, to copy DVD's.

These two programs are all you need.  Google them and copying DVD's will be easier than managing MAME roms in no time.

[namzep]

Also, you may want to grab a copy of Alcohol 120, especially if you're using DVD Shrink (then you can check the quality of the rip you made).

[1UP]

www.videohelp.com

Everything you need is there, for any type of copying or authoring you want to do.

[Shape D.]

"ok why on earth would you tell him about thousand dollar duplicators? that's insane."

He said put dvd's in and hit copy, i also said its cheaper to use your computer.
I'll have chocolate chip please!
And for future refrence I am insane.

[shmokes]

My last issue of MaximumPC gave a very high score to a new program that essentially works like DVDXCOPY (a program that does everything you say, but can be run by your parents).  Of course you could just use DVDXCOPY, but that company got sued to death, so you'll never see any updates for it, such as support for dual-layer media.

If I remember I'll figure out what the program is called when I get home and add it to this post.

[DrewKaree]

My last issue of MaximumPC gave a very high score to a new program that essentially works like DVDXCOPY (a program that does everything you say, but can be run by your parents).  Of course you could just use DVDXCOPY, but that company got sued to death, so you'll never see any updates for it, such as support for dual-layer media.

If I remember I'll figure out what the program is called when I get home and add it to this post.

123 Copy DVD

From the article:
"While DVD Shrink can be tweaked for better results, we think the two apps are for different audiences.  DVD Shrink fans are advanced users, while 123 Copy DVD users are likely to be the fire-and-forget crowd"

[shmokes]

Thanks

[DaveMMR]

Either I was dreaming or I definately saw a DUAL LAYER burner for around $100 in a circular recently.  Definately won't be needing DVD shrink with one of those babies (this is assuming it'll work the way I assume it would).  Haven't priced dual layer discs though...

For DVD burning, editing, programs, codecs, etc. go to www.dvdhelp.us

[shmokes]

You can pick them up much cheaper even.  The NEC 3500a is a 16x burner that will burn dual layer discs and you can pick it up at www.newegg.com for about $70.  It is an excellent drive, to boot.  The Pioneer 108 is only slightly more expensive and boasts similar capabilities.

The blank discs, though, are prohibitively expensive at this point -- about $10 a piece.  A year from now, though, and we'll be buying them in spindles just like we currently do with DVD-Rs and CD-Rs.  And, yes, they do work exactly like you assume they do.  No need for DVD shrink.

[GodSend25]

To answer your question :  BEcause retail dvds you rent at blockbuster at 9+ gigs and the recordable ones you get at bestbuy are only 4.5 gigs.  So often times it necessary to remove extras and menus to get the movie to fit on a recordable dvd.

As mentioned though, dual layers are out which I believe will allow you to make a 1->1 copy directly, although I have yet to see the media available to purchase.

[shmokes]

Oh...the dual layer media is out there now.  But like I said, it's prohibitively expensive.  It's already come down, though, since I last saw it.  As low as about $7 per disc.    

[namzep]

You can currently get single layer discs for under $.50/each (if bought in decent bulk).  Which are very cost effective (at the cost of some quality, usually not much).

[DYNAGOD]

i just got the demo of 23 Copy DVD and made a few disks..
the program works flawlessly.
You can extract the feature only and remove all the extra language and audio tracks and make just about any movie fit on a single normal dvd-r.
i just copied the directors cut of chronicles of riddick and watched it. came out perfect. no artifacting or problems.

[Harry Potter]

As mentioned though, dual layers are out which I believe will allow you to make a 1->1 copy directly, although I have yet to see the media available to purchase.

Sorry but they won't. You still need DVDshrink/DVDdecrypter to remove the copyright flag, user restrictions, macrovision and region setting (miss anything?). For example, if you stick a rental DVD into your reader and try to make an image/direct copy using NERO, it will most likely say 'This DVD is copy-protected and cannot be read'.

Oh well  

[DrewKaree]

Sorry but they won't. You still need DVDshrink/DVDdecrypter to remove the copyright flag, user restrictions, macrovision and region setting (miss anything?). For example, if you stick a rental DVD into your reader and try to make an image/direct copy using NERO, it will most likely say 'This DVD is copy-protected and cannot be read'.

So you say it can't be done?  Are you saying just with NERO, or what?  Dynagod's results seem to say you are incorrect.  

i just got the demo of 23 Copy DVD and made a few disks..
the program works flawlessly.
You can extract the feature only and remove all the extra language and audio tracks and make just about any movie fit on a single normal dvd-r.
i just copied the directors cut of chronicles of riddick and watched it. came out perfect. no artifacting or problems.

So even with a demo copy of this, you were able to do this, yes?  I also know that the article I referred to speak of a plug-in, but I don't have it handy right now to know what the plug-in was for.

DYNAGOD, it would help tremendously for you to clarify if what boss says was your experience, or if indeed this program will help you make a 1:1 copy

[Harry Potter]

Yes. It can't be done just with Nero. You need other programs (ie DVD shrink) to remove the protection on ORIGINAL DVDs. This does not apply to discs which have already gone through the shrink/decrypt process.

Thank god for pirates. Arrrrr matey.

[DrewKaree]

Yes. It can't be done just with Nero. You need other programs (ie DVD shrink) to remove the protection on ORIGINAL DVDs. This does not apply to discs which have already gone through the shrink/decrypt process.

Thank god for pirates. Arrrrr matey.

You've misunderstood, but still answered re:Nero, so I guess at least Nero is semi-useless for burning a 1:1 copy.  

Dynagod, please share if your experience contradicts Bosss7's or not.  

I have a sneaking suspicion it doesn't, as I read the program doesn't touch copy-protected DVD's unless you use the plug-in, however I don't know if you found that plug-in or not.

Bosss7, have you used 123 Copy DVD, or any other DVD copy program, or is your experience limited to using Nero and DVD Shrink?

[DYNAGOD]

once you try to copy a copyrighted disk, the program directs you to a website..
you go there and download like a 5k patch file,thats the decrypter/transcoder plugin,just run it and your ready to go..

i was able to make a 1 to 1 copy (minus the menus and extraneous audio commnetary tracks). with none of the problems or the need of any of the software boss7 stated.
i watched the movie last nite and it was perfect as i stated.

[DrewKaree]

LOL Funny how they recognize the problem, and steer you to the workaround without having to know what the heck is wrong!

Alright, since I'm a fast typer, I'll give you the article, in its entirety:


    You shouldn't confuse 123 Copy DVD with the now-defunct 321 Studios' DVDXCopy, but we can see how you might make that mistake, what with the similar packaging and the whole "321" and "123" thing.

     Unlike DVDXCopy, which lets you burn movie DVD's right out of the box, 123 Copy DVD doesn't touch copy-protected movies - unless you download an additional plug-in, which just happens to snap right into the program.  In other words, 123 Copy DVD manages to skirt the thorny legal issues.

     Once we obtained the small plug-in we were off and burning.  123 Copy DVD capably transcodes video, even in cases where the movie is too large to fit on a single-layer disk.  Out of the box, the program doesn't yet support dual-layer discs, but the company says it will soon add the feature.

     We used the exceedingly long director's cut of JFK to test the program's transcoding abilities.  All other DVD copying programs we've tested have produced unsatisfying output when it comes to this oversized, three-hour-plus movie, but 123 Copy DVD performed admirably.  We compared the output from it with a disc made using DVD Shrink, a freeware DVD transcoding and ripping program that's popular among the staff.  123 Copy DVD's copies generally looked better.  While DVD Shrink can be tweaked for better results, we think the two apps are for different audiences.  DVD Shrink fans are advanced users, while 123 Copy DVD users are likely to be the fire-and-forget crowd.

     One feature we like in particuar is that 123 Copy DVD doesn't force you to activate the app online like other commercial DVD duping programs.  When developers put this restriction on their software, it means your ability to reinstall the app in the future depends on the continued existence of the company.

$30, www.123copydvd.com

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[Harry Potter]

i was able to make a 1 to 1 copy (minus the menus and extraneous audio commnetary tracks). with none of the problems or the need of any of the software boss7 stated.
i watched the movie last nite and it was perfect as i stated.

Ah. Without the menus and extra audio etc. That's NOT a 1to1 copy sorry to say (pardon if I'm getting a bit too technical with the definitions). That's a stripdown (no not that kind  ). 1to1 is a direct disc to disc copy without ANY transcoding/conversion software in-between.
That's not to say that's a bad way of doing things. Actually most of the stuff I ehm... backup, gets the same treatment. Usually it's done to keep the macroblocking to a minimum since I use a projector as a telly, but with DVDshrink's deep analysis (Which can take ages) even 65% compression looks flawless.

And why pay 30 bucks for something when you can get the equivalent (?) for free. Still, each to their own.

[Harry Potter]

LOL Funny how they recognize the problem, and steer you to the workaround without having to know what the heck is wrong!

Alright, since I'm a fast typer, I'll give you the article, in its entirety:


     You shouldn't confuse 123 Copy DVD with the now-defunct 321 Studios' DVDXCopy, but we can see how you might make that mistake, what with the similar packaging and the whole "321" and "123" thing.

     Unlike DVDXCopy, which lets you burn movie DVD's right out of the box, 123 Copy DVD doesn't touch copy-protected movies - unless you download an additional plug-in, which just happens to snap right into the program.  In other words, 123 Copy DVD manages to skirt the thorny legal issues.

     Once we obtained the small plug-in we were off and burning.  123 Copy DVD capably transcodes video, even in cases where the movie is too large to fit on a single-layer disk.  Out of the box, the program doesn't yet support dual-layer discs, but the company says it will soon add the feature.

     We used the exceedingly long director's cut of JFK to test the program's transcoding abilities.  All other DVD copying programs we've tested have produced unsatisfying output when it comes to this oversized, three-hour-plus movie, but 123 Copy DVD performed admirably.  We compared the output from it with a disc made using DVD Shrink, a freeware DVD transcoding and ripping program that's popular among the staff.  123 Copy DVD's copies generally looked better.  While DVD Shrink can be tweaked for better results, we think the two apps are for different audiences.  DVD Shrink fans are advanced users, while 123 Copy DVD users are likely to be the fire-and-forget crowd.

     One feature we like in particuar is that 123 Copy DVD doesn't force you to activate the app online like other commercial DVD duping programs.  When developers put this restriction on their software, it means your ability to reinstall the app in the future depends on the continued existence of the company.

$30, www.123copydvd.com

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Hmm. Typical sales pitch but who can blame them.
Let's see. They claim their product  'transcodes video, even in cases where the movie is too large to fit on a single-layer disk.' That's a bit of a strange statement coming from them. What they should be saying is their product 'transcodes IF, and ONLY IF  the movie is too large to fit on a single-layer disc'. Otherwise there is no need to transcode. Still need to decrypt though. Maybe that's what they meant. 
And they mention DVDXCOPY, which admittedly is a piece of junk. It has very bad problems with reds for some reason.

And since they're testing 3 hour+ movies, here's one I did for a mate a while back. I took his Lord of the rings special editions (1 and 2) and combined each entire film onto 1 dual layer dvd+r.  For those who don't know, (all three of you) each of the film comes on two dual-layered discs. Reason being, he got a bit sick of having to swap discs half way through and his copies were already a bit too worn. Using DVDshrink, took out the menus, all subtitles except for the forced subtitles, and all audio except the DTS track and ran deep analysis. What resulted was 65% compressed and great quality. Of course it wasn't just like the original but on the projector, a friend's plasma and a CRT it looked more than acceptable. Macroblocking was visible on the projector only when I paused it and looked very closely.

As for DVDshrink being for advanced users, that's a (small) load of crap. I was actually introduced to it by a friend who's computer skills don't extend much further than 'ON' and 'SHUTDOWN'.

Now I'm not saying the program is bad for being fire-and-forget.
But why pay for the MPAAs stupidit. MEANING: All the protection they put on DVDs is the equivalent of sealing a bank-vault with chewing gum. I'd rather do it for free. 

One bad thing, this program makes the whole thing too easy. No more video capture, compression and VCD authoring. I guess it's a bit like ordering a premade MAME cab rather than converting/building it yourself.

I'll shut up now. 

Like the new smileys.

[shmokes]

Well...no, it didn't do 1 to 1, but the question is: Will we be able to do 1 to 1 copies with dual layer media?

Dynagod was working with single-layer media, so you can hardly use his experience to prove that 1 to 1 copies are not possible.

Now, to avoid a degeneration into semantics I am conceding right now that even with dual-layer it's not technically a 1 to 1 copy because the css has been stripped out or whatever.  But for all intents and purposes, dual-layer media does, in fact, mean 1 to 1 copies without any compression or stripped out features.  In fact, with non-copyrighted DVDs it means this literally. 

[DYNAGOD]

if i can get the full feature, without compression on a single layer then im happy..
anything above and beyond that is just gravy..

[pointdablame]

if i can get the full feature, without compression on a single layer then im happy..
anything above and beyond that is just gravy..

I'd still like to have the menu structure on a disc, including chapters etc.  Even when dvd's ARE dual layer, they aren't usually much over the 4.3gig mark.  I highly doubt you can tell there is any compression if I were to make  a 1:1 copy using DVD decrypter/DVD shrink.  In fact, I'd put money on you NOT being able to tell the difference unless the compression is higher than say 40% or so, and even then I'd be impressed.

[DrewKaree]

Hmm. Typical sales pitch but who can blame them.

In order to clear this up, this is not 123 Copy DVD's sales pitch, nor from the back of their software.  This is a review directly copied from Maximum PC magazine. 

Seems to be two programs that do the same thing, but written with two different types of users in mind.

[Harry Potter]

Hmm. Typical sales pitch but who can blame them.

In order to clear this up, this is not 123 Copy DVD's sales pitch, nor from the back of their software.  This is a review directly copied from Maximum PC magazine. 

Seems to be two programs that do the same thing, but written with two different types of users in mind.

Oh fair enough. Seems like a strange coincidence though.

[Harry Potter]

Well...no, it didn't do 1 to 1, but the question is: Will we be able to do 1 to 1 copies with dual layer media?

Dynagod was working with single-layer media, so you can hardly use his experience to prove that 1 to 1 copies are not possible.

Now, to avoid a degeneration into semantics I am conceding right now that even with dual-layer it's not technically a 1 to 1 copy because the css has been stripped out or whatever.  But for all intents and purposes, dual-layer media does, in fact, mean 1 to 1 copies without any compression or stripped out features.  In fact, with non-copyrighted DVDs it means this literally. 

Yes we can and it works nice. However since the format is new, there are problems, worst one being the layer transition pause. On two players that I've tried, it took more than 5 seconds. AND, and and and, if you happen to have a chapter and layer break in the SAME spot, it even stops playing correctly, but there's ways around that.

Obviously DVD-12s and DVD18s are out of the question.

Bye