My backup methodology: critique.

[soulax]

My objective is to archive all my DVDs incase one is lost, stolen, damaged etc. using the least amount of steps as possible

Im also trying to build up a DVD Jukebox type file system for easier play back in my living room / bedroom.

I have a modded Xbox using XMBC in the living room, and an HTPC running Meedio in the bedroom.

I have a video Ipod which I also on occasion like to load up with movies for trips.

My method is as follows:

1. purchase dvd
2. Using anydvd + dvd shrink I make a backup of the DVD and save the ripped folder onto my file server. I toss the backup in a DVD notebook.
3. If / When I need an Mp4 of my DVD, I fire up ImTOO and convert the ripped DVD folder to a single mp4 file which I can load on the ipod.

This way I can easily make another backup of the ripped DVD incase I happen to lose the original AND the backup (unlikely). It also allows me to easily create another MP4 if my Ipod gets wiped out.

Of course my ripped DVDs are shrinked, and when playing them on the Xbox / HTPC im using RCA connection so its not nearly as good as playing them on my upconverting HDMI dvd player, but its better then having nothing! Im able to play the ripped DVDs from the respected HTPC over the lan (Movie JukeBox)

Anyone have any recommendations to better my system?

[Mug Funky]

a couple of points that don't really amount to much:

- DVD notebooks with plastic sleeves can damage the discs... i'd be very careful about these. unfortunately there's not really good solutions for storing discs, but i tend to keep mine on spindles of 50 (i've heard on spindles of 100 discs on either end can bend).

- DVDshrink and similar compressed domain transcoders can fail on certain DVD players - either freezing or playing too fast or both (ie the picture freezes and the time display goes ahead very fast). DVDrebuilder by it's nature wont suffer this problem, but either way i've only seen the issue on very old Pioneer DVD players, so it's probably not an issue.

obviously composite analog isn't the best way to view the discs, but you already know that :) (doesn't the xbox come with something better?)

[linx05]

- DVD notebooks with plastic sleeves can damage the discs... i'd be very careful about these. unfortunately there's not really good solutions for storing discs, but i tend to keep mine on spindles of 50 (i've heard on spindles of 100 discs on either end can bend).
Damn. I wish there was something easy and compact to store your backup DVDs in without the risk of damaging them.