difference in quality dvd-9 and dvd-9 compressed to dvd-5

[arnie22112000]

I want to backup my DVD's to 1 DVD-R each. Most of my DVD's are in the large DVD-9 format. I know how to split the DVD-9 into 2 DVD-R's and I can also compress the DVD-9 into 1 DVD-R. I would perfer to put the DVD-9 in it's original form (including menus) onto just one disk. What is the difference in quality (video, not sound) between an uncompressed DVD-9 and the compressed version that fits 1 DVD-R?

Example: sharpness, smoothness, etc.

I personally can't really tell the difference (I also don't have an amazing TV).

[jimmalenko]

I personally can't really tell the difference (I also don't have an amazing TV).

That's all that matters, isn't it ???

[canadateck]

What looks good to you, May look like crap to someone else, and it can go the other way. It's all up to you.

[guns1inger]

How often do you look at the extras or gaze longingly at the menus ?

Many DVDs can be reauthored to just the movie and appropriate language tracks, and will then fit onto a DVD-5 with little or no recompression required. On the odd occassions you want to watch the extras, live dangerously and get out your originals.

[ZippyP.]

What is the difference in quality (video, not sound) between an uncompressed DVD-9 and the compressed version that fits 1 DVD-R?

Depends on two things:

1. The amount of compression required. i.e. Movie only or movie and extras.

2. The tolerance of the viewer. Some people say they prefer no compression and always use 2 disks. Some people always use 1 disk and say they cannot see any difference.

Everyone has their own tolerance level and you need to find yours.

[arnie22112000]

I would usually want the extras and menus which I would compress the most. Most of my movies are martial art movies and I like to be able to slow the fights down to see what they are doing. So I guess what I'm looking for in quality after compression is: not to grainy, not to blurry (when fast action happens) and not a jerky slow motion.

[DVantrease]

I convert all DVD9 discs to DVD5 using 'DVD2One', I keep all the extras/menus/etc, the only thing I don't keep is foreign language audio tracks. To me, they look great, even on my 36" tv screen. Technically it is of course 'lower quality', but you may or may not even see much of a difference yourself.

[yoda313]

Hello,

Another option if it's really large is to put the movie on one disc and all the bonuses on another. That way you preserve the quality of both extras and the main movie.

But I agree with the other posters, if you like the quality at the level you're compressing, stick with it

Kevin

[arnie22112000]

Thank you guys very much for your help and suggestions!