Is it enough to just copy a directory tree to a DVD-R Video?

[cosmin]

Hi,
I have a newbie question:

As we know, it is not possible to simply copy a directory tree from the hard-disk to a VideoCD, using a simple CD-R/ISO burner, but it's necessary to use specialized VCD image+burning tools.

It's not the same with DVD-Video, right? For example, leaving encryption aside, is it possible to just copy the contents of VIDEO_TS, and the empty AUDIO_TS, in a directory on my computer, and transfer that directory later onto a DVD-R, using any regular DVD-R/UDF burning software? Is it possible to do this in a multisession? Does it matter whether the disk is "closed", or "open" for multisession?

Also, does it make a difference whether the file structure is UDF-1.02, or 1.5, or 2.0 or whatever? Are these structures backwards compatible?

Best regards,

[SLK001]

Quick answer: No.

A DVD is a file structure, not a file system. That means, simply, that the DVD files are told where they should go on the disk. The navigation goes to exact areas of the disk, not of the file (if everything is correct, then the needed part of the file will be in its proper position on the disk).

UDF 1.02 is the most compatible UDF version. Some players won't play versions 1.05 or 2.0.

[mkelley]

Yep, SLK is right on.

But you should be aware that a lot of burning programs will "understand" this and act accordingly. For example, if I create a data disk in Record Now and drag over VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS folders, Record Now recognizes that I'm creating a DVD and writes it properly without further intervention -- I don't need to tell it it's going to be a DVD (one of the reasons I really like Record Now -- 200 DVDs without a coaster yet).

[cosmin]

It's good to know all this, thanks.
Any idea how to find out what UDF version is on a disk, or on a disk image? Also, how can I find out if there is a MicroUDF/UDF bridge on it? Are there specialized tools that do this kind of analysis, or do we just rely on the disc image mastering software and on burning software?