First time user...questions

[rpckvv]

First of all, I apologize if I am restating things already discussed, but after having searched the forums, I have a question or two about the whole process...

Specifically, in what order am I supposed to use the following programs, and so that I better understand the process, what does each program do?

-DVDShrink
-ImgTool
-DVDDecrypter

Am I missing any integral program(s)? Will any of these burn the final product to my dvd-r? I have nero 6 anyway, so if they don't I can use that.

I'm sorry if this seems elementary, but I haven't found ANY resource that tells me what order I'm supposed to do all of this in.

-peter

[layer3maniac]

1. Use DvdShrink or DVD Decrypter to rip and decrypt to your hard drive
2. Use DvdShrink to compress the ripped and decrypted files
3. Use ImgTool to make an iso out of the files created by DvdShrink
4. Use Dvd Decryptor to burn the iso created by ImgTool

[rpckvv]

thanks.

incidentally, i found that the dvdshrink faq is longer than i had thought, so some of my questions were answered there.

anyway, that's really all i needed to know, so we can get rid of or lock this thread

-peter

[layer3maniac]

I reccomend using the excellent guides provided by ddlooping:
http://www.dvdshrink.info/guides.php

[mrbass]

Just to clarify a few programs and what they do:

-Imgtool by Coujo
can burn a directory of video files using Nero5 or Nero 6 API. Must be in VIDEO_TS folder but will create an AUDIO_TS folder if missing.

-Imgtool Classic by Coujo
can create an .iso image using mkisofs.exe (part of cdrtools) from video files and also if you wish automatically start burning with dvddecrypter.

-AutoShrink by Nyplayer
burns dvdshrink output files by using Imgtool with Nero5/6 automatically once dvdshrink is done transcoding.

-AutoShrinkISO by Nyplayer
once dvdshrink is done transcoding it uses mkisofs.exe to create and .iso image and then burns that .iso with dvddecrypter, in essence making dvdshrink into a one process. (decrypts, transcodes, burns)

[writersblock29]

@rpckvv

If you're already using Nero 6, then just use the Recode 2 application (current version availible for download on the Nero site -- it's listed as a demo, but will update your current version). It has pretty much the same output quality as DVD Shrink, with pretty much the same interface. This is because Recode and Shrink have the same developer behind them.

Since you can create DVD images with Nero 6/Recode -- not to mention burning capabilies -- all you're really doing by gathering the programs you listed is reinventing the wheel.

Since the last update to Nero 6, Nero seems to be rock-solid again; I've not seen either recording nor reading errors from Nero projects in some time in my own system, and I've noted that user complaints on these forums seem to have backed off lately.

...Now, if your version of Nero 6 is an OEM version, then I can certainly see checking into the other programs, since the bundled version of Nero 6 won't allow you to activate Recode and only gives you basic functionality.

--Cheers!

[oddwunn]

Why are you guys creating an image and then burning? Why not just burn the VIDEO_TS directory and its files directly? I also create an AUDIO_TS directory just for maximum compatability.

[nyplayer]

oddwunn

I know why I create it because creating an Iso Image and burning with DVD Decrypter gives me full compatibility on all my DVD players including my portable and PS2....using other burning options I sometimes get dirty disc on my Toshiba and Panasonic.


This has never happened when I create an ISO and burn with DVD Decrypter. So I have no problem spending the time creating an ISO and burning with DVD Decrypter...its not like I am mass producing DVD's.. I am simply backing up my originals...so a little time spent for compatibility is well worth it.