ripping and burning unencrypted DVDs

[bkorn]

I was shocked to read in this forum just how short a life span some DVDS appear to have. I mean ALL of my 20 year old VHS and 8mm movies still play just fine. Nevertheless I feel compelled to convert them to DVD before they (and I) get any older.

I am converting all my old home movies to DVD using a Panasonic DVD recorder, and the results are pretty good. However, I want to make backup copies of these DVDs that will last (if that's possible!). I plan to make the copies by ripping to my hard drive using DVDecrypter (in ISO mode) and then burning to new DVDs using Imgburn.

I read that this was a good way to make high quality copies, (something that Nero won't do because of gaps between tracks or some such technical reason). But here is the crux of my question: I am ripping unencrypted DVDs using a program specifically designed for ripping decrypted DVDs. Would there be a benefit (e.g. would I get better quality or longer lasting copies) if I ripped with a different program..one that perhaps focused on quality rather than decryption? (And if there are such programs, what would you recommend?)

Thanks for your valued opinions!

Bruce

[r0lZ]

You don't need a ripping program to copy an unencrypted DVD. Copying the files with Windows Explorer is enough. However, if you wish, DVD Decrypter can also be used. Anyway, the quality cannot change. It's a digital copy, so the copy will be exactly identical to the original. If per chance there is a read error on the original media, Explorer or DVDD will refuse to copy the file.

Avoid using DVDFab Decrypter, AnyDVD or most of the other rippers. Those programs are made to replace automatically bad sectors by empty packs. In case of an accidental read error, your copy will be bad, but you will not be informed of that fact.

[CWR03]

r0lZ is right, and if you simply copy the files via Windows explorer, if there's any error found the file transfer will fail and you'll know there's a problem with the read.

At the moment, Blu-Ray promises to be the better long-term storage solution since the disks use a synthetic dye that won't bleed or fade unless it has direct exposure to sunlight for an extended period. Believe it or not, many people are using USB hard drives for reliable storage since it's just another magnetic media, like videotape.

[setarip_old]

@bkorn

Hi!

Of course, since your DVDs are not encrypted, you could, in NERO, simply select "Copy DVD"...

[bkorn]

Thank you all for your replies!

I didn't know you could just copy DVDs using copy or xcopy in Windows. I thought you needed some DVD ripper program to make that happen.

Well, that opens up new possibilites. But still, since (I read) that imgburn does the most reliable burning, (and my paramount goal is to make working copies that will play forever), and given your warning that just copying the files in Windows can produce unplayable movies if bad file sectors are encountered, isn't the best solution still (given my goal) "to rip to ISO and then to burn to DVD using the ISO file" ? (Again, someone said that Nero has problems with gaps that makes burned copies potentially problematic.) I need a failsafe method.

Thanks!

Bruce

[trolltuning]

If you copy in windows you might not get any hidden files. Probably safer to either unhide them or just use xcopy. I've always used the switches for verify, hidden files and all files including subdirectories.

[r0lZ]

The new ImgBurn v2 has an option to create the 32K gaps, but you can use it only when you burn DVD-Video files (.IFO, .BUP and .VOB files), not an ISO image. IMO, those 32K gaps are no so important. It's a cheap way to improve the reliability of your backup a bit, but don't expect miracles. Most of the time, if your DVD is damaged, the gaps will not be sufficient to help you.
Another thing, more important, is the way the DVD-9 layer break is positioned in your files. Again, ImgBurn v2 does a good job.
Anyway, avoid Nero. It has many problems, no 32K gaps, and difficulties with the layer break position.

IMO, if you use ImgBurn, a good burner and good media (Verbatim for example) everything should be OK, although keeping a backup intact for more than 5 or 10 years is a dream.

[setarip_old]

Again, someone said that Nero has problems with gaps that makes burned copies potentially problematic.There are certainly no such concerns when using the "Copy DVD" function...

[bkorn]

IMO, if you use ImgBurn, a good burner and good media (Verbatim for example) everything should be OK, although keeping a backup intact for more than 5 or 10 years is a dream.

Which burner would you recommend? I'm about to buy a new computer: either a Dell, a Sony, an HP or a local no name brand.
I'm thinking I should make the choice based on which one comes with the best burner.

(I know "whats best" questions are not cool here, but just don't tell anyone..

:)

And thanks!

[CWR03]

Your phrasing of "which would you recommend" is acceptable under rule #12. It invites offers of opinions based on what people have tried and like, rather than definitive statements of what's best when those statements are usually biased and easily interpreted as flawed by others.

That said, I have a Pacific Digital drive that's been a workhorse. So far, only four failed burns in over 1,000 disks using cheapo media, and all the oldest ones still play perfectly. A friend of mine bought a Memorex for $40 US (on sale and including rebate) that has never failed him. He always burns at 16X, usually on Memorex media, and he takes his burned disks to friends' houses to watch with them. He says they always play perfectly.

As far as buying a computer, I would never do such a thing. You can build a PC yourself and have a much better machine, plus have the peace of mind knowing that you can replace or upgrade a component yourself if you need to. Admittedly you won't save money like you would have a few years ago, but you can easily build a much better machine for only a small amount more than you would have paid for a basic unit from Dell.

If you do buy a factory unit, you should upgrade the RAM. Most of them will come with 512 MB, and that's simply not enough for XP. 1 GB is usually enough.

[setarip_old]

As I've mentioned in other posts, I've had great continuing success with my Pioneer burner (It's a 108. I believe they're up to 111 now)...

[r0lZ]

Although it is impossible to be really objective on this matter, it is probably better to read the hardware tests made with objective methods. You can find good tests at CDRInfo (http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Reviews/Home.aspx?CategoryId=1) and at CDR Zone (http://www.cdr-zone.com/reviews/dvd_hardware_reviews/).

Personally, I have a NEC 3520, and it was ranked as one of the best burner. It works pretty well.

[BillB]

Building your own box is very hazardous to its health because you must find sources for parts that have Class A components, not bulk contract level junk. Most "Great Price" vendors can be cheaper because they buy blocks of "barely passed inspection" grade" parts. I know, I worked with a distributor in Miami! Best is to buy directly from a MFG and specify a boxed product. It's a tough racket, so be careful buying, especially online.
Good luck!