4 replies to this topic

[David6]

i recently got a dvd rw and i want to know if i need to do anything to get a dvd to copy, i havent even tried it yet as i know the amount of data i had to learn to copy games

Do i need to do anything like protection and decrease size etc

any information will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Tron]

Are you copying movies or games? I assume it is movies since we have a FAQ about the games. To copy a movie you need to determine the size. Place the DVD in your drive, if it auto starts close it. Then look at the drive in "My Computer" and you will see the size. Some DVD movies are on DVD5(less than 5 gig) which can be copied, some are on DVD9 (about 9 gig) which need another program in order to copy. DVD5 can be copied with a program like Alcohol as long as the disc is not protected. Most are protected, but you can still copy it with Alcohol if you use another program like "AnyDVD" or "DVD Decrypter" to remove the protection. I recommend AnyDVD since it is easier to use. Now for DVD9 (duel Layered discs), these are too big to fit on a normal DVDR or RW. To copy these you will need another program because Alcohol will not handle this right now. You will need one of the following: "CloneDVD", "Instant Copy", "DVD2One", "DVD Shrink (FreeWare)" or a number of others. I recommend CloneDVD, but any of these will do the job. Note that you will still need "AnyDVD" or "DVD Decrypter (FreeWare)" in order to copy. It really is not too hard to do. These program recode and compress the DVD9 to fit onto a DVDR or RW. You might lose a little quality, but very little. Most movies I have done look perfect to me. I think you will be very pleased with the results.

[thing]

Wel said, Tron. AnyDVD and CloneDVD do the business, that's for sure. DVDxCopy platinum is very expensive and fell apart on me, although they did give me my money back. Incidentally their CEO has stated in their latest newsletter that they are looking at putting out software to back-up PC games....no threat I am sure.

What if you want to back up a whole dual layer disc, Tron? I don't think CloneDVD will produce two files, will it?

[Tron]

Not sure, about CloneDVD. I will check it out. To be honest, I get such good quality with CloneDVD that I never even thought of spanning the movie to 2 DVDRs. I like it better having the whole movie on one DVDR. And as you already know, CloneDVD will allow you to copy the entire disc with menu and EVERYTHING so I do not need the 2 DVD option myself. I will however look into it just for the sake of knowing......

[BigTy]

Tron i never got mine ot do that. I dont think its a feature of Clone.