From one newbie to another: backing up episode DVD

[socrates63]

I wanted to find the easiest (eg., no manual mucking around with IFO editors) way to back up episode disks. I wanted to back up my son's Jimmy Neutron series disk which contains 9 episodes. I found the answer in TMPGEnc DVD Author.

My goal was to preserve the video quality and forsake the menu if need be.

Initially, after lurking and searching the forums, I decided to try DVD Shrink in conjuction with DVD Decryptor. Shrink would let me keep the menu. I tried compressing half of the episodes as still pictures, using two disks to back up the original. However, Instantcopy couldn't burn the DVD Shrink output -- can't recall the error msg. I also couldn't get the output to play in WinDVD, so it seems there was a problem with the DVD Shrink output.

After searching the forums again, I saw posts mentioning TMPGEnc DVD Author. I downloaded the trial version, and found it easy to use. I selected the episode files and included them all in one track, selected no menu, and then created the necessary files for burning. The program warned that the bitrate for the each episode exceeded the maximum DVD bitrate by about 100. I ignored the warning and proceeded to create the output files.

The output played fine in WinDVD. I tried burning with Instantcopy but it gave me a "CSS not supported" error. Huh? Did TMPGEnc DVD Author encrypt the output with CSS? I don't know and I haven't checked. However, TMPGEnc DVD Author includes a burning component (very fast) and I used that instead to burn the disk with no problems.

The only thing I need to do now is to verify that the disk plays in regular DVD players. I will post the result later tonight.

Sorry for the long post. I just got over-excited. I know many people were looking for a simple solution like I was.

BTW, my burner is the Sony 500a (2.0f).

[Gees]

Whether it works or not - really nice to see a first post that is trying to behelpful and offers advice and shows enthusiasm rather than asking some of things I've seen asked.

Good job. Fingers crossed for you. Welcome to the Forum. :c)

[socrates63]

Gees, thanks for the encouragement.

I forgot to add that I also tried DVD Shrink's reauthor mode and selected a few episodes for burning. Instantcopy couldn't burn the output of that either -- can't recall the exact error msg, sorry.

I pretty much use DVD Shrink exclusively for backing up movies but haven't had much luck with TV episode disks.

[Gees]

If - your attempt fails - there is a guide for doing that with DVDshrink and an additional program. I believe it is listed under shrink in the Tools section where those autolinks will take you.

:c)

Oops - no, Im wrong - what I was thinking of was for menu & movie only. Oh well, fingers still crossed.

[socrates63]

Both disks played great on my DVD players (Toshiba, Samsung)!

If you want to back up episodic disks -- from rip to burn -- DVD Decryptor and TMPGEnc DVD Author worked great for me.