Newbie guide for the perfect DVD to DVD-/+ blank media

[blinky88]

Over the last 12 months, I have received an education on backing up a DVD.
I knew absolutely nothing when I started, however, members of this superb
site gave me all the information I needed. Today, I thought I would share
what I have learnt in very simple terms to help anyone who is in the same
position I was, 12 months ago. I'm happy to say, I get great quality, problem
free backups using 2 applications only, DVD Shrink and DVD Decrypter.

Choose a DVD from your collection that runs for around 2 hours, a movie of
that length will require compression and compression really does need to
access a special feature in DVD Shrink called Deep Analysis. Since you only
need to select the preferences once only, Deep Analysis should be selected
the very first time you use DVD Shrink, not all movies require deep analysing.
When you re-open DVD Shrink, all choices initially made, remain unchanged.
Note: Deep Analysis makes 2 passes of the encoding process to improve
the quality of the backup, however this also significently increases
the processing time. That said, if you are looking for the best possible
result, be patient, take the extra time, you will not be disappointed.

I have not bought media less than 4x and use 4x for all burns, regardless of
the speed of the media I have at the time. (max. burn time = 15minutes)

Choose a DVD from your collection that runs for around 2 hours, a movie of
that length will require compression and compression really does need to
access a special feature in DVD Shrink called Deep Analysis’. Since you
only need to select the 'preferences once only', Deep Analysis should be
selected the very first time you use the application. Not all movies require
deep analysing. When you re-open Shrink, all choices you initially made,
will remain unchanged.
Note: Deep Analysis makes 2 passes of the encoding process to improve
the quality of the backup, however, this also significently increases the
processing time. That said, if you are looking for the best possible
result, be patient, accept the extra time, you will not be disappointed.

Open DVD Shrink and goto the 'Edit' menu and choose Preferences.

Preferences: Check first 2 boxes,
then uncheck 'Run analysis in low priority mode'

Preview: Uncheck. (Do not use the 'preview option' whilst making the backup)

Output Files: All boxes checked except
'Split VOB files into 1GB chunks' uncheck that box.
Note: The HDD receiving the single ISO image
has to be formatted NTFS.

Stream Selections: Choose English under Audio and Subpicture,
then choose AC3 in the remaining field
..ie.. for english speaking countries.

File I/O: Check 'Enable overlapped I/O' and also check 'RPC2 drive
region code', uncheck the other two boxes, then click OK.

Now click the Open Disc menu, select the drive containing the DVD and
then DVD Shrink will commence analysing the DVD and place the files
thereon into the right panel.

Under 'Main Movie' drag Title 1 from the right panel into the left panel under
'DVD Structure'. If there happens to be 2 titles under Main Movie, one would
more often than not be for 16x9 viewing and the other would be for 4x3.
(If the TV set your viewing is 4x3, select the appropriate file)

Then click the tab 'Compression Settings' and uncheck any selected item
not needed. You may find 2 or 3 boxes selected under Audio, only ONE is
required, select 5.1 AC3 and uncheck the rest. If the picture is in English and
no Subtitles are required, uncheck all of the boxes under Subpictures.

Then click on the |> <| directly to the left of the word Video and edit
the movie. Using the arrows to choose where the movie is to Start and
where to End, always keeping in mind, what you are trying to achieve is
to create the smallest ISO image possible that will satisfy your needs.

Next, click Backup

A dialog box will then appear.

Target Device: Select ISO image file (DO NOT select ISO image
and burn with DVD Decrypter), manually starting
DVD Decrypter seems to cause less problems.
Next, select the drive you are using to store the image.

DVD Region: Region Free by default .... leave it that way.

Quality Settings: Check 'Perform Deep Analysis'. The other box is
'Sharp' by default' .... leave it that way.

Options: Uncheck 'Run the backup in low priority mode'.

Burn Settings: Name for the file,
check the other 2 boxes.

Now click OK and a single ISO image will be created on the selected drive.

When completed, open DVD Decrypter.

Under the 'Mode' menu choose ISO Write, then click on the 'HDD to Disc'
graphic image below.

I prefer to burn at x4 regardless of the speed of the media I happen to be
using, (max. burn time = 15 minutes).

Whilst backing up a DVD, 'DO NOT MULTITASK', wait until you have finished
the backup before using the PC for other tasks. It is also a good move to turn
off as many applications as possible ..ie.. applications running in the
background.

Remember: DVD blank media is very fragile and needs to be handled with
'extreme care' to ensure the dye layer on the surface is not damaged in any
way. At times, the slightest mark on the surface can result in the backup not
playing as it should, in fact, it may not play at all. Commercial DVD's are
pressed metal and the digital information is embedded during that process,
this enables them to withstand a lot of abuse and still play OK. DVD blank
media on the other hand, is burnt onto a plastic disc containing a surface
made of dye, almost unbelievable that it works at all.

Both DVD Shrink and DVD Decrypter are FREE, however, if you happen
to have excess funds, I feel sure a donation would be very much
appreciated by the authors of these exceptionable applications.

Have fun, hope this step by step guide helps you get it right, the first time.

PS. Some of the above explanations are painfully obvious, however, I have
tried to antisepate some of the smart remarks that often occur on all
forums around the world, it seems to me, there is always someone.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those members who helped
me along the way .... THANK YOU.

[smearbrick1]

Stating that a movie over 2 hours requires deep analysis is really opinion. You are failing to mention several factors. 1. How big are the menus? (if you are keeping them) 2. How large are the special features? 3. What do you consider acceptable as far as results go. Deep analysis is a great addition to DVDShrink, but not necessary on every movie over two hours. What if the disc you are backing up is slightly over the 4.37 gb mark?

Personally, I only use deep analysis when the compression ration of the movie is 69% or less. Any more (70% or higher) and the difference between the backup and the original is negligible.

Also, stating that you should check "run backup in low priority mode" then stating that you shouldn't multitask while transcoding/burning makes no sense. The point of using the the "run backup in low priority mode" is so you can multitask without DVDShrink hogging all of your CPU resources. In fact, you are better off (to save time) unchecking this box and not multitasking. Besides, the only time that most people experience problems multitasking while transcoding/burning is when the computer they are using doesn't have the resources to handle the process in the first place.

Not a bad guide. You may want to point out your opinions and explain a little better why you don't recommend multitasking and such. Also, you may want to include screenshots. Since this is DVDShrink guide, you may to include the fact that you do not have to use DVD Decrypter to burn and that you can use NERO. Maybe why you don't think that burns work well when DVDShrink is left to launch the burning app.

Just some opinions.

Easier guide would be:

Load DVD into DVDShrink from disc. Select compression ratios.

Click "Backup"

[lordsmurf]

There are already like 10 billion DVD Shrink guides already. I fail to see how this one adds anything not already explained in one of those many already available. Those have images too, not just lots of blah-blah.

Sorry to be harsh, but it's simply the truth.

[Fairhope]

For a general guide for newbies - it is right on the money. Excellent job.

[blinky88]

I didn't mention Nero because I do not use it, DVD Decrypter is FREE Nero is not. I have watched the task manager whilst a backup is made and when encoding, a 100% is showing under CPU usage. If you have a better method of backing up why don't you take time out to write your method to the newbie's who do not know alot about computers. There are many users who do not fully understand computers and want to give it a go, those are the people my guide is directed to, not people such as yourself who are obviously an experienced user. Rather than knock my efford, take the time to write an alternative process.

What I have written produces great results, my backups are hard to pick from the original DVD and I have been using this method in eccess of 9 months. I do not experience, freezes, pauses or split frames etc. 100% of the time the backups are perfect.

[smearbrick1]

Like Lordsmurf already said; there are tons of DVDShrink backup guides out there that produce identical results as yours. In fact, you probably used one of them to get where you are. I can only congratulate you on your efforts getting to this point. Maybe you could try writing a guide on something that hasn't been rehashed to death. In fact, why don't you figure out how to put two movies on the same disc and retain the original menus for both, and write it in the same noob friendly language?

[blinky88]

lordsmurf, I was expecting a negative comment from you, much like the other negative comments you make about others who try to provide useful information. I do not believe anyone would have any difficulty following the guide I have given without the need of images. At least I am giving advise I KNOW produces good results, unlike some of your comments on this site.

[canadateck]

I dont think you can have to many Guides. Because some people find some guides easier to follow then others, but get the same result.

also guides without pictures are great for the few people still on dial-up.

[smearbrick1]

lordsmurf, I was expecting a negative comment from you, much like the other negative comments you make about others who try to provide useful information. I do not believe anyone would have any difficulty following the guide I have given without the need of images. At least I am giving advise I KNOW produces good results, unlike some of your comments on this site.

You know I know that Lordsmurf doesn't need defending, especially when it relates to comments such as this. Obviously you have never benefited from any of his advice. Lordsmurf is one the sites foremost authorities on capturing/video restoration/DVD media. The advice he provides on this site is invaluable. I know, I've benefited from it in many ways. I don't believe he's intending to bash you or slight you in any way. Like me, he was providing some constructive criticism. Just take it and move on. If you weren't prepared to accept some criticism, maybe you shouldn't have posted your guide in the first place. I apologize if this sounds harsh, but you are making uninformed accusations about someone who helps this site alot. He's a freakin' mod for Christ's sake!

[blinky88]

smearbrick, it seems you do not have an original thought of your own and have elected to jump on the lordsmurf bandwagon. There maybe plenty of guides on using DVD Shrink, I haven't seen one. All I have learned over the last 12 months has been provided by members of this forum. The software I use is absolutely FREE and produces great results, are you employed by Nero as I do not understand why anyone would recommend Nero over DVD Decrypter.

[smearbrick1]

smearbrick, it seems you do not have an original thought of your own and have elected to jump on the lordsmurf bandwagon. There maybe plenty of guides on using DVD Shrink, I haven't seen one. All I have learned over the last 12 months has been provided by members of this forum. The software I use is absolutely FREE and produces great results, are you employed by Nero as I do not understand why anyone would recommend Nero over DVD Decrypter.

Lordsmurf bandwagon? Uh... no. I recognize incompetance easily and tend to stay away from those individuals. I just believe that Lordsmurf is a valuable asset to www.videohelp.com. What I can't understand is your issue with him. Of course, you are entitled to your opinion...

As far as the Nero/DVD Decrypter debate... I'm not even getting into it. I've never even used DVD Decrypter, so I really couldn't give an opinion here or there. Of course, when I initially posted, I didn't purport to have used DVD Decrypter. I simply stated that you may want to include in your guide that you could use Nero instead of DVD Decrypter. Many people get exactly want they want out of both Nero and DVD Decrypter. They are both (based on what I've read on DVD Decrypter) great pieces of software. Once again, you should just take the constructive criticism put forth and move on.

[Capmaster]

smearbrick, it seems you do not have an original thought of your own and have elected to jump on the lordsmurf bandwagon. There maybe plenty of guides on using DVD Shrink, I haven't seen one. All I have learned over the last 12 months has been provided by members of this forum. The software I use is absolutely FREE and produces great results, are you employed by Nero as I do not understand why anyone would recommend Nero over DVD Decrypter.

I don't see your posts being particularly helpful. Alienating members here doesn't accomplish anything except generating hard feelings.

You post a topic, you're going to get some honest comments about it. If you don't want it critiqued, don't post it

[blinky88]

I have nowhere near the experience of lordsmurf, the only subject I can confidently talk about is backing up a DVD and producing a backup that is difficult to pick when compared to the original DVD. About lordsmurf, I was refering to the way he speaks to some on this forum, I do not agree with the way he replies to some of the posts hereon. I mentioned I was expecting to hear from him because we have had words before and he has since made negative comments on almost everything I have to say. For the newbie's following this thread, I urge you to give the method I have written a go, it is very easy to setup and impliment. If it is not as I have stated you can always revert to software you are currently using. The total cost to you for trying this method is only one blank disc which is a better alternative to buying complicated, expensive applications.

[steve2713]

Good Guide, I take the same approach for the most part in my backups. Pictures are not all that necessary for these two programs, they're user friendly enough as it is that just the verbal descriptions should be enough.

This is a good guide for someone just starting out. Given that, about the only main difference between what you described in the guide and what I do, I ALWAYS do deep analysis and ALWAYS use AEC as well. It's excessive at times, but it never hurts and I'm willing to wait longer in order to improve the quality. Sometimes the only big benefit from Deep Analysis and AEC in my backups is improving the menus and extras, as I compress those alot more than the main film. I always cut foreign language tracks, usually do high compression on menus and extras, and then I choose the AEC setting based on the compression percentage, mainly considering the movie itself. Above about 75% - sharp, 75%-60% - smooth, below 60% - max smooth. Without going into detail, this is usually a good general guideline for using AEC. BTW, 'sharp' and 'smooth' are misleading titles, they are simply changing the way that the frames of the movie are compressed and don't necessarily coincide with their titles.

And as far as using DVD Decrypter, it's a no brainer vs. Nero or anything else for that matter in doing this sort of backup, the burn quality is better, the discs are more compatible, it's a very simple program to use, and it's free.

[smearbrick1]

Just to add one thing:

It is free to add burning capability to DVDShrink using Nero. All you need is the Nero trial. Even after the trial expires, DVDshrink will still call Nero to burn, and it will still work. Of course, this is slightly dodgy, as you are using a software trial that has expired. Free, but not totally ethical. Of course, if you can sleep at night... I leave it to you.

[steve2713]

I have full Nero, but why bother? The results are not as good as burning with DVD Decrypter, if I'm burning an ISO image there's no reason not to use Decrypter. Decrypter burns with better quality (lower PI/PO errors) and it creates more compatible discs, people will have compatibility issues with any burning suite from time to time, Nero is no exception, but I've never heard of Decrypter in itself causing any issues.

[blinky88]

capmaster, you may not consider what I have put forth to the newbie's as a worthy contribution but I can absolutely and positively say they will derive the benefit of quality burns if they follow it. It is probally difficult for the experienced user to fully understand the needs of people who are not experienced computer users that battle on trying to learn.

[Zisguy1]

I have full Nero, but why bother? The results are not as good as burning with DVD Decrypter, if I'm burning an ISO image there's no reason not to use Decrypter. Decrypter burns with better quality (lower PI/PO errors) and it creates more compatible discs, people will have compatibility issues with any burning suite from time to time, Nero is no exception, but I've never heard of Decrypter in itself causing any issues.

What you say makes little sense -- both Nero and Decryptor simply send data to the DVD-RW drive (which buffers the data and performs the burn). The burning app chosen should have no effect at all on final disc quality, provided everything else is done properly.

It's like saying WinAMP sounds better than Foobar2k, or the reverse. Both these apps just send data to the soundcard. Of course it matters how they're set up...

[steve2713]

I have full Nero, but why bother? The results are not as good as burning with DVD Decrypter, if I'm burning an ISO image there's no reason not to use Decrypter. Decrypter burns with better quality (lower PI/PO errors) and it creates more compatible discs, people will have compatibility issues with any burning suite from time to time, Nero is no exception, but I've never heard of Decrypter in itself causing any issues.

What you say makes little sense -- both Nero and Decryptor simply send data to the DVD-RW drive (which buffers the data and performs the burn). The burning app chosen should have no effect at all on final disc quality, provided everything else is done properly.

It's like saying WinAMP sounds better than Foobar2k, or the reverse. Both these apps just send data to the soundcard. Of course it matters how they're set up...

As you point out yourself with your example of Foobar vs. Winamp, it will depend on how the data is sent.

First of all, it is a KNOWN that Nero and other similar programs have at times burned discs that were not 100% compliant discs. Every program works in it's own way. Just think of the times where people have had one burning program fail while another program will burn the disc without issue, they DON'T all work alike. And myself and others have seen firsthand that Decrypter burns with lower PI/PO errors vs. Nero, it must just be how the two programs write to the disc, but the proof is there.

[Fandim]

Heh...Decrypter definate (for me) burns discs with less PI/PIF errors than IMGToolBurn / Nero.

[steve2713]

Thanks for mentioning you've experienced the same, Fandim.

[smearbrick1]

capmaster, you may not consider what I have put forth to the newbie's as a worthy contribution but I can absolutely and positively say they will derive the benefit of quality burns if they follow it. It is probally difficult for the experienced user to fully understand the needs of people who are not experienced computer users that battle on trying to learn.

Now this is just stupid. Of course the more experienced users fully understand the needs of people who are not experienced. Hello, we were once inexperienced ourselves. What we also understand that too much information can be a bad thing especially when you are new to something. When I was new, thankfully there weren't many guides for this stuff, as it probably would have overwhelmed me, and ultimately, I would've run off crying like a little girl (I sometimes do that). If you do a forum search, you will find a plethora (a pant load actually) of so-called newbie friendly guides. Most of these lead the user through an absolutely convoluted step by step trip to bad burns and bad results. (just check some of the newbie guides for IFOEdit.) I've used the same DVD backup method for 2 years now, and the same SVCD conversion before that... I didn't publish a guide on it though... especially in a thread that will get lost amongst the thousands of other threads that will more than likely turn up (in the unlikely event) a newb actually tries a forum search. If you think your guide is so great, submit it to be added to the guides section.

Also, in defense of Nero... I've always used Nero for all DVD burns... never had problems. Of course, I don't use crap media either. If you follow media related posts from others in this thread, you can easily see why they may experience a high percentage of errors.

[fritzi93]

Nice effort, Blinky.

Keep in mind this isn't exclusively about you. Every so often complaints are voiced about too many guides.

Noobs ask which guide to use, they're confused, etc. Regulars get exasperated. Someone says cut down the guides. Oh yeah, who decides which ones? Someone else mentions a few that are in error in some particular, or too convoluted. And there are others with too much opinion. (Nota Bene: When to use AEC falls into that category).

Yeah, Lord Smurf can be, uh, brusque at times. Stay alert and eventually you'll get a chance to give him a friendly jab.

Don't take it personally.

[smearbrick1]

Nice effort, Blinky. :)

Keep in mind this isn't exclusively about you. Every so often complaints are voiced about too many guides.

Noobs ask which guide to use, they're confused, etc. Regulars get exasperated. Someone says cut down the guides. Oh yeah, who decides which ones? Someone else mentions a few that are in error in some particular, or too convoluted. And there are others with too much opinion. (Nota Bene: When to use AEC falls into that category). :lol:

Yeah, Lord Smurf can be, uh, brusque at times. Stay alert and eventually you'll get a chance to give him a friendly jab. :sly:

Don't take it personally.

Spoken like a true gentleman.

[blinky88]

Smearbrick, a friend of mine is employed by the State Govt. and is 1 of 5,000 employee's. Over the last four months, 24 members of the staff associated with his work have started backing up their DVD collections. They all use the above proceedure 'as written' and not one of them has reported having a single coaster or any problems whatsoever, to me this would tend to indicate those Applications do the job and do it well. Earlier you state you have never used Decrypter and have not experienced any problems with Nero. It should be obvious to anyone who regularly visits this site, there are a countless number of members who are having problems with Nero. It may be easy for you to use, however, both applications I referred to, are extremely user friendly and from what I have read Nero, is not. I would also like to add I only backup the picture without the extras and I have not yet seen a 2 hour movie that does not require compression. I also think the author of DVD Shrink (a genius in my eyes) would know a little more than yourself regarding Deep Analysis and he recommends to use it, so much about that comment.

I have nothing negative to say about Nero, as I simply do not use it.

The reason I wrote the guide is because I received a private message from a member on this site requesting details of how to setup those Applications and then went a step further to inform other members who may need that information as well. Hopefully my action will be appreciated by some and I feel I have made a contribution of some description, in appreciation of the advise I was given in the first instance.

I find it almost unbelievable that anyone would author such 'high quality' software and offer it 'freely' to those who want to use it.

The ultimate judges on the guide will be those in-experienced members who choose to read and impliment the suggestions I have made. Since the only cost involved is 'one only' blank DVD, we will have to wait and see if there are a number of members who do get a benefit of some description.

Hopefully they will make their results known and post those findings on this thread.

[steve2713]

Also, in defense of Nero... I've always used Nero for all DVD burns... never had problems. Of course, I don't use crap media either. If you follow media related posts from others in this thread, you can easily see why they may experience a high percentage of errors.

You just don't get it. I'm not even saying I don't like Nero, I do. Decrypter just is less trouble-prone than Nero, and as I said, Decrypter's burn quality is better as well. I'm not talking CRAP MEDIA vs. GOOD MEDIA, that has NOTHING to do with comparing burn quality between the two programs. WITH THE SAME MEDIA, DECRYPTER BURNS WITH LOWER ERRORS (PI/PO) THAN BURNS WITH NERO. Decrypters' burns are of higher quality, end of story. I've used Nero for YEARS, it's an excellent program most of the time. Decrypter just does a better job at the one simple thing I need it for, burning ISO images. You've never even used Decrypter to burn, and you're now equating burn quality comparisons between the two programs with media quality, two ENTIRELY DIFFERENT THINGS.

[smearbrick1]

Also, in defense of Nero... I've always used Nero for all DVD burns... never had problems. Of course, I don't use crap media either. If you follow media related posts from others in this thread, you can easily see why they may experience a high percentage of errors.

You just don't get it. I'm not even saying I don't like Nero, I do. Decrypter just is less trouble-prone than Nero, and as I said, Decrypter's burn quality is better as well. I'm not talking CRAP MEDIA vs. GOOD MEDIA, that has NOTHING to do with comparing burn quality between the two programs. WITH THE SAME MEDIA, DECRYPTER BURNS WITH LOWER ERRORS (PI/PO) THAN BURNS WITH NERO. Decrypters' burns are of higher quality, end of story. I've used Nero for YEARS, it's an excellent program most of the time. Decrypter just does a better job at the one simple thing I need it for, burning ISO images. You've never even used Decrypter to burn, and you're now equating burn quality comparisons between the two programs with media quality, two ENTIRELY DIFFERENT THINGS.

I'm merely speculating as to why you would experience these issues. I have no opinion DVD Decrypter. As I stated earlier, I have never used it. Apparently, it is wonderful tool that most people on this site revere. I, on the other hand (much like Quigley had no use for a handgun) have no use for DVD Decrypter. I rip with DVDShrink or smartripper (not the best, but I am set in my ways) and burn with nero. Before that, when I created SVCD/VCD, I used Nero. When (if) blue ray finally gets release and nero updates it's software to handle blue ray... I'll use it for that also. I was never trying to sell anyone on anything. My god... there is too much of this arguing over what is better and it is completely pointless. Ultimately, where does it get us? Nowhere! I'm going to go on using Nero (because I'm a stubborn SOB) and you are going to continue to use DVD Decrypter. No debate necessary. It's just DVD backups/video conversion. We're not arguing over the best strategy for teaching our nation's children to read!

And to think this all started because some guy posted a newbie guide.

[Sifaga]

DVDdecrypter works for me

Nero didnt

CloneDVD2 works

I use CloneDVD2 always for DVD backup burning

go figure

[steve2713]

smearbrick, Nero works for me, Decrypter works better. That's how everything is in life, some things are better than others. Decrypter just happens to do a better job than Nero, or anything else for that matter. I care about quality (as I'm sure you do) and Nero burns with higher errors. I don't recall right now of Nero burning a disc that I had compatibility issues with, but I don't use it very often anymore either. I have, however, seen MANY people with compatibility issues with Nero and other similar programs, knowledgeable people that would not be to blame of user error.

This entire thread is regarding getting a 'perfect' DVD backup, Decrypter will increase those odds vs. Nero.

[steve2713]

smearbrick, here's an example of what I'm talking about, Fandim did a nice comparison between the programs:

https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=258338

This is the main reason for why I use Decrypter - better burns.