how to verify a dvd?

[neo76]

I would like to know if there is any way to verify whether a DVD video is really a DVD, containing mpeg2 video and audio in 5.1. this is becaue I have rented couple of DVDs and sometimes i find the audio in stereo and not in surrounf or sometimes the dialogue is not much audible. I'm having doubts these could be pirated DVDs and would like to know if there's any way to ascertain that? whether a DVD is pirated or not?

Thanx
Neo

[guns1inger]

If it has CSS encryption, it is unlikely to be pirated (although not impossible). Not all DVDs have surround sound - many cheap releases still have stereo or pro-logic audio, and many older films and public domain releases have mono audio tracks. And - shock, horror - sometimes there are mistakes on the packaging. I have several commercial disks that I know are genuine that have the wrong aspect ratio or audio format printed on the back. I have an early release of Boogie Nights that says on the cover that there are no special features, then has commentary tracks, a doco and outtakes etc. on the disk. Bottom line, if you rent from a known chain you are unlikely to get pirated material. If you rent from the corner milk bar, you take your chances.

[yoda313]

Hi,

Two easy ways - your standalone dvd player will have a menu option to see if its a dual layer disc and if it has dolby digital surround sound.

Now its not fool proof - there are real movies still on single layer and some older movies will not be in 5.1 surround.

BUT if it has a real menu and bonus features on a single layer it COULD be a pirated disc.

If you have powerdvd on the computer go to the information menu and it will tell you the disc information. It will tell if it has mpeg audio (a BIG clue if its pirated) or ac3.

Also check the bottom of the disc. Burned discs are often purple on the bottom. Sometimes if they don't fill the entire disc you can see the end of the burn on the outer edge of the disc.

These are just some signs to look for. Just remember some movies are still released on single layer and not all movies have digital surround sound so thats not a 100% gaurantee its ripped. Also check the label on the disc. If it looks dumpy then it was home made but if it shines brightly chances are its probably real.

Kevin

[MOVIEGEEK]

On your PC use DVDInfoPro or Nero CD-DVD speed to see who made the disc:if it says "Ritek","CMC",etc it probably is pirated.
To check audio use DVDShrink to analyze.

[TBoneit]

Or just look at the bottom if it is purple that'd be a bad sign for legitimate excluding some very niche things that may well be burned in small lots.

[neo76]

Thanx for the replies!

I've tried PowerDVD and DVDinfo. They tell me what region code the DVD belongs, the encryption details etc. and thats ok, but I would like to know more information regarding the whether the DVD audio was recorded in 5 channels or not, if thats ok then I wont mind too much whether its pirated or not. I guess its a known fact that if a DVD needs to have menus and features it cant be recorded on a single layered 4.7GB DVD rom. It needs to be done on a dual layered disk. I have seen disks which have a sticker saying DVD9 though the content inside is around 4 GB. So that keeps me thinking whats going on...

Can you please tell me also whether the tools mentioned do provide that info? If so pls let me know and i apologize if i may have asked trivial questions, am justa novice in this area trying to figure out whther I can make out a disk not recorded in 5.1. As one you mentioned, there could be titles not recorded in 5 channel, thats very possible, but I'm guessing the latest lot of movies released past 1-2 yrs should be recorded ideally in 5.1 when they are making dvds, correct me if I'm wrong.

Neo.

[neo76]

I'm sorry guys but I forgot to mention, using PowedDVD I can make out no. of audio channels for a movie file, is that what I'm looking for? Secondly i used DVD Shrink to analyse the DVD contents, but where does it give me the results? in the compression settings pane?

Thanks,
Neo

[MOVIEGEEK]

I'm sorry guys but I forgot to mention, using PowedDVD I can make out no. of audio channels for a movie file, is that what I'm looking for? Secondly i used DVD Shrink to analyse the DVD contents, but where does it give me the results? in the compression settings pane?

Thanks,
Neo

Yes PowerDVD will give you some audio details when you select 'Show Information'.DVDShrink gives detailed info regarding audio and subtitles in the right pane.Most DVD's have 5.1 but some have only 2.0 audio.
I forgot to mention:if the disc has CSS encryption and a region code most likely it is legit.