Which Software Should I Use?

[jonclarkx]

I am looking for a program (or programs - not more than a couple though) that I can use to:

- Create an ISO image from a DVD Disc
- Create individual DVD files (i.e. in a VIDEO_TS directory) from a DVD Disc
- Convert individual DVD files (VIDEO_TS) to an ISO image
- Convert other files (MPEG-4, AVI, etc.) to either a VIDEO_TS directory and/or ISO image
- Burn ISO images or VIDEO_TS directory to a DVD
- Play or mount ISO Images (Can PowerDVD or WinDVD do this on its own?)

And if possible:

- Convert files to iPod format, and/or Xbox 360

I am pretty new to this sort of thing, so I hope this makes sense. I basically want to have these functions available in case I need to use them, but I don't know the best way to do things yet.

I would like to know if it is better to store files as an ISO Image or in a VIDEO_TS directory. (Which one takes up less space and is more flexible)

I currently have PowerDVD 8, and DVD Shrink 3.2 (I have also used Daemon Tools in the past) I really like PowerDVD for playing videos, but I don't know much else, and am open to other software as well (I would really like to be able to play all formats in a DVD Player like PowerDVD if possible)

Thanks in advance! Video Help Rocks!

[jonclarkx]

I also have Roxio Creator DE 10 and dBpoweramp Converter

[redwudz]

For viewing ISO video files, try VLC Media Player.
For burning ISO files, try ImgBurn. Both are freeware.

Create a ISO from a DVD, DVD Shrink. Though why do you need to create ISO files? ImgBurn can also burn the VIDEO_TS folders so no reason to create ISO's most times. But ImgBurn can also create ISO files. But unless you have the entire VIDEO_TS folder, just having a few VOBs in ISO format doesn't seem to serve any purpose.

Create a VIDEO_TS folder from some AVI type files, FAVC, Avi2Dvd, DVDFlick, ConvertXToDVD and a few others.

And welcome to our forums.

[jonclarkx]

Thanks!

So, in other words, if I can get files in VIDEO_TS format that is better than ISO?

I just took a look at the VLC Media Player, and it seems to lag a lot less compared to PowerDVD with same picture quality (maybe better). The only thing is that the design is not as flashy, and the control remote is small on the top left instead of across the bottom - is there a way to change that?

How do you open/play a VIDEO_TS folder in VLC in order to play the whole DVD?

Thanks so much!

[redwudz]

After you install VLC, you should have what is called a 'context menu'. In other words, when you R click on a VIDEO_TS folder, VLC should show up and you will see a 'Play with VLC player'. You may need to select those options when you install. I don't recall.

VLC does have some optional GUI setups where you can change the way it looks. You would have to check the VLC site. I don't care how it looks, just how it works. It has a lot of options. Even if you only use if for 'Odd files', it's still worth having. I have it set up so the volume is controlled by the UP/DOWN keys. It can also transcode video formats, and stream video. Thank the authors if you like it. I try to support all our freeware authors.

Using ISO files was common for the best burning a few years ago. But burner programs like ImgBurn sort of made this obsolete. ISO is good if you want a bunch of video files in a common single container, but it really has no bearing on how well they burn.

[jonclarkx]

Thanks so much! I got a good looking skin so I don't feel like I'm running Windows Classic anymore :P

I just did a re-install and there was an option to play folders when you right click.

Just curious, what file types do you use with VLC?

Thanks!

[redwudz]

MKV, OGM, WMV and anything else my main player, Zoom Player Pro, has problems with. I like to pause and step through a video sometimes and VLC can be a bit sluggish and harder to set up for this. Zoom is a bit easier for this. But VLC is also one of those programs that has very many adjustments, which can make it a bit difficult to learn. I've also used it to transcode some odd formats to Xvid or something more useful to me.

I do like how it can play a ISO video. Also how you can adjust the brightness, etc., with the 'Extended GUI' settings. It can also display subtitles automatically or easily select from different language subtitles or audio tracks. There is also a 'portable version' you can put on a USB thumb drive and play a video with most any computer. http://portableapps.com/news/2008-07-21_-_vlc_media_player_portable_0.8.6i

It will also play most audio formats. About the only major formats it won't play are Real and Quicktime. Probably due to licensing restrictions. For those I use Real Alternative and Quicktime Alternative players.

[jonclarkx]

Thanks a lot! I'll definitely look into those.

Is there an iTunes alternative? :P

Do you even have Windows Media Player on your computer, since it doesn't seem like there are any files you use it with?

Thanks again - you've been really helpful