Looking for newbie info (ISO vs File etc.)

[DH808]

Hi There:

I have used the guides found on this site or others that demonstrate how to rip a DVD to HD using DVDD in FILE mode, then using DVD Shrink . So far, with the execption of the occaisonal hang by my PC, I have been able to backup my DVDs.

While looking through the forum, I notice some posters to the forum use IFO or ISO mode. Is there a difference between those modes and File mode? Or any reason why you would use one over the other? Also, I am not to technical; but, if there are other guides or posts that explain the differences in simple terms, please point me in the right direction.

:thanks:

[tigerman8u]

ISO is an image of the dvd. As far as quality goes I see no difference between the 2. Dvddecrypter can burn an ISO. I rip in all file mode so I can edit if need be and use dvdshrink to compress.

[CWR03]

For backing up using something like DVD Shrink you need to use File Mode to get the files needed, plus it rips the different angles, extras and menus. IFO mode is used to get just the main movie, or individual episodes, and ready them for compression to AVI. ISO, as tigerman8u said, is to create a disc image that can be virtually mounted from the hard drive or burned back to disc and isn't directly usable for anything else.
Regarding the quality, they're all the same as it's just copying the data to your drive.