Trouble ripping dual-layer DVD

[fryguy]

Around Christmas, I bought "Space: Above and Beyond" on DVD, and figured I'd rip it and throw it on my media center. Problem is, two of the disks are dual-layer, and the episode on each disk that spans the layers, The Pilot Episode and 21st episodes, from memory, they both fail to rip. I've tried DVD Decrypter and DVDFab 5 Decrypter , both fail at the same point. I've tried DVD Decrypter with "Detect Mastering Errors"... nothing seems to work.

I've attached a screen shot of the point where DVD Decrypter fails (DVDFab doesn't throw an error, just stops working).

I've about reached wit's end trying to figure out what's up. If anybody has any ideas (or questions that might help), any help would be appreciated.

[setarip_old]

@fryguy

Hi!

What you've described is a typical sign of a failing drive. However:

1) Perhaps too obvious a question but, do you know, for a fact, that the drive you're using to attempt these "rips" is capable of reading double-layer DVDs?

2) How old is the drive?

3) Have you tried (as, perhaps, you should) running a DVD/CD cleaning disc on it? Maxell makes one that sells for about $10US...

[fryguy]

@fryguy

Hi!

What you've described is a typical sign of a failing drive. However:

1) Perhaps too obvious a question but, do you know, for a fact, that the drive you're using to attempt these "rips" is capable of reading double-layer DVDs?

2) How old is the drive?

3) Have you tried (as, perhaps, you should) running a DVD/CD cleaning disc on it? Maxell makes one that sells for about $10US...
Thanks for the help!

The drive is a LG GSA-H20L, which at least claims to be dual layer capable. Since these two disks are my only dual layer disks, I'm not sure.

I also realized I failed to mention that the exact same thing happened when I tried to rip these DVDs to my laptop, although as it runs Linux my options in ripping software was more limited.

I'll see if I can get my hands on another DVD drive to test it on. Until then, any other ideas?

[dat720]

Unless there is a fault with your Drive, its highly unlikely that the problem is related to it being a Dual Layer disc.

A quick and easy test you could perform is playing a dual layer disc the whole way through, if the disc plays without stopping the the drive is fine.

The fact that the same thing happens on a different PC with a different drive and different OS/Software would indicate to me that theres problems with the disc.

[setarip_old]

@fryguyAround Christmas, I bought "Space: Above and Beyond" on DVDIn light of the fact that this DVD set was originally released in 2005 (and you now have added the fact that your backup attempts have failed on two different systems):

1) The discs not contain any newer or "special" copy protection

2) I'll ask whether you purchased a new or used set.

If they're used, the discs may be physically damaged. Try cleaning the problematic discs. If that doesn't resolve your problem, I'd suggest that you return the set to the vendor in exchange for a new replacement set...

[fryguy]

@fryguyIn light of the fact that this DVD set was originally released in 2005 (and you now have added the fact that your backup attempts have failed on two different systems):

1) The discs not contain any newer or "special" copy protection

2) I'll ask whether you purchased a new or used set.

If they're used, the discs may be physically damaged. Try cleaning the problematic discs. If that doesn't resolve your problem, I'd suggest that you return the set to the vendor in exchange for a new replacement set...
I bought it new, last year (2008).

I tried returning it already, same problem cropped up.

Think it's a bad batch?

[setarip_old]

Have you as yet tried cleaning the discs?

[fryguy]

Have you as yet tried cleaning the discs?

Yep. Soft cloth, from the center out, etc.

[allanon019]

Then you should try using ripping programs out there that are still updated. DVDFab Decrypter seems to be the most popular tool right now, and AnyDVD if you care to spend a little cash on a terrific program.