dvd backup quality

[eball]

I know I have read somewhere about a program that checks the quality of your backup. I just cant find the tool or remember what it is called.

Can somebody list the programs that do that or tell me where to look.

[garryheather]

In what way do you want to check the quality ?

If you mean confirm the data has been written successfully and you haven't got a coaster on your hands, your burning application will probably do this, as will say something like the utilities here:

http://www.softinterface.com/Compare-File-Programs/Compare-File-Programs.HTM

A quick google search for "file compare utility" should get you on your way.

[eball]

Yes to confirm I dont have a coaster. I read just putting the backup in the player to check and see if it recorded is usually not a good way to check the backup.

[Hardcoreruss]

Watch it ?, and fast forward to various chapters ?

[garryheather]

The problem with that approach is:

A. No good with data !
B. Error correction...

All drives adopt a certain level of error correction, but just testing a disc in one drive is risky. I mean, if that drive ever packs up, what assurance do you have a new one will read these borderline discs just as well ? This is more an issue with standalone DVD players, but it does apply to a lesser extent to ROM drives too.

CDspeed is a reasonable way of checking the discs for any hotspots where the data is problematic to retrieve, but for sensitive data you just don't want to lose, a CRC check on the nastiest drive you can find takes some serious beating.

Just make sure you've got something else to do in the mean time because it can take aaaaaaaages.