File versus ISO

[andersonmilltexas]

I know about the conventions and compatability.

what I do not understand is which gives better quality?
Which is more succesful
When you go from DVD to DFAB to VOB to Shrink To Nero

Does it stay a ISO through all those processes?
Is a ISO folder better then a VIDEO_TS folder?

Thanks

[redwudz]

.iso is not a format, it's a container that holds the formated file.
A DVD is composed of separate files. The ISO version of the same DVD is just a single file.

The ISO DVD image file preserves an exact copy of the DVD, including the DVD structure, along with the data needed to make an exact copy. Think of it more as the file plus burning instructions. The burning software doesn't have to interpret the file and it can't change it. BIN/CUE files for making CDs are also image files.

A better explanation here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_image

[andersonmilltexas]

Thank you for your explanation.
When using DVDD or DVDFAB and Shrink is it better to select ISO or File?

[mats.hogberg]

Ripping with DVDDecrypter: ISO Read, ISO write.
Ripping and shrinking with DVDShrink, Rip to ISO, then ISO WRite in DVDDecrypter.
DVDFab Decrypter always (at least the ver I have) output files, which I either create an ISO from with ImgTools Classic, or shrink to ISO with DVDShrink.
I see no advantage in ripping to files if you don't intend to further process the DVD on the file level.

/Mats

[andersonmilltexas]

There is no way to know if the output will require the need for VOBBING or Shrinking.
Am I wrong?
Then it is to late.

[mats.hogberg]

Que? Just check the disc size in Windows Explorer. More than 4.37 GB, it will need shrinking or "VOBBING", and ISO Read - ISO write is not an option.

/Mats

[andersonmilltexas]

Having to use shrink or not use shrink will not matter because I can shrink a ISO.

however, I can not VOb Blanker an ISO.

would there be a way to tell before deciding if it needs to be vobbed?

I would have to make my choice about ISO or FILe before decrypting.

Am I all wet about this or am I understanding this correctly?

Thanks for taking the time.

[mats.hogberg]

It's easy to find the size of a DVD in Windows Explorer. Also, DVDDecrypter shows the size when you load the source DVD.
if it's > 4.32 GB, you can either Shrink it, or "VOBBLANKer" it. Or are you looking for a size where DVDShrink won't do it?

/Mats

[andersonmilltexas]

This is what I think would be the ideal situation.

#1. Before Ripping be able to determine if the DVD needs to be
A) Shrunk
B) Decrypted
C) VOB Blanked.
#2. After knowing this I can decide if I want to rip in ISO or FILE.


If there is no encryption and smaller than 4.3GB I would,
I would do a straight DVD to DVD
If it is encryped then I must use DVDD but ISO or FILE????
If I go ISO then I can not VOB it.

[mats.hogberg]

For me, it boils down to:
If it's <= 4.37 GB, I use DVDDecrypter ISO read, ISO write. Encrypted or not.
>4.37 GB, I try straight DVDShrink, see how much compression is needed for full disc, and if too much, select main title only.
If It's too protected for Shrink to handle (ArcooS), Rip with DVDFab Decrypter, shrink with Shrink.
I never have seen any reason to use VobBlanker.

/Mats

[andersonmilltexas]

Yes! (matshogber) I have done it this way.
But Why not stick with going VIDEO_TS all the way from begining to end?

What benefit is there to going to ISO? It is a slow process and ends up getting deleted anyway.

[redwudz]

When you burn the output of Shrink, using the ISO output and using DVD Decrypter or IMGBurn to do the burning generally makes a slightly more compatible DVD. The other method is to burn the Shrink VIDEO_TS output with Nero. If you are having no problems burning the DVDs with Nero, keep doing that and don't worry about ISOs. This only applies to burning.

If you can back up the DVD without Shrinking, then ISO READ>ISO WRITE just saves time.

I know all this seems confusing, but read all of the above posts again and it will clear up. You can forget about ISOs and DVD Decrypter entirely if you want and Shrink will work just fine burning with Nero. Use FAB if needed to decrypt and point Shrink to the FAB files and proceed as normal with Shrink in that case.

[andersonmilltexas]

thx redwudz

[andersonmilltexas]

This Post has recieved quite a few hits.

It is obviously a subject of interest.

Would anyoune consider creating a Comparison of the pros and cons to ISO and FILE as a sticky or in the reference section.

I am sure their is alot more to this subject then what has been posted here.

THX

[ZippyP.]

Would anyoune consider creating a Comparison of the pros and cons to ISO and FILE as a sticky or in the reference section.

Like most things when considering what's "best" it really comes down to personal preference. Quality wise there is no difference between ISO or File mode if they complete the output successfully. Some burning programs and some burners appear to have incompatibilities which can affect the success rates for some people. This leads some people to like or hate particular softwares, again just personal preference.