Why do I need to create an Image after DVD Shrink

[Ergasiomania]

Newbie here, just following the DVD Shrink guide from DVDR-Digest.com which I must say has been invaluable to me. The address is:
http://www.dvdr-digest.com/articles/articles.php?article_id=23

I have: Ripped with DVD Decrypter, compressed with DVD Shrink and now it states I need to create an image with ImgTools then burn with DVD Decrypter. What is the image all about. Just trying to better understand the process. Can this step be skipped?

Thanks

[Michelle]

Some people feel that using ImgTool/Decrypter gives you a more compatible end result. It is more work and isn't necessary though. Many people get excellent results using a variety of burning apps to burn the Shrink files directly. Decrypter only burns images. So if you want to skip the image creation step then you'll need another app for burning.

[mats.hogberg]

What is the image all about. Just trying to better understand the process. Can this step be skipped?

No, it's a necessary step in every CD/DVD creation process. An image is a CD/DVD but created as a file from Windows point of view. In reality, it contains a complete file system (like every disc does - floppy, HDD etc), in the DVD/CD case the ISO file system (whereas your HDD usually has NTFS or FAT16 or FAT32 file systems). This image is then transfered over to the CD/DVD by the burning application.

/Mats

[leebo]

Mats is mis-informed.

Using an app like Nero, you can simply add the VIDEO_TS folder to your Nero DVD Video project and burn it directly to disc.

I NEVER CREATE AN IMAGE.

[presto]

You don't need to use DVD decrypter either. DVDshrink decrypts for you. Just use DVDshrink and then burn the resulting files to DVD using the DVD video setting in Nero.

I've yet to run into a DVD that needed to be decrypted before using DVDshrink. If I do run into one I'll just add that step as needed. Why add an extra step every time?

Added Later: I just checked out the guide you linked to and it does explain the process with and without an external ripper and why you would use one and not the other. It says DVDshrink doesn't allow you to remove macrovision but if that's true, so what? Macrovision doesn't stop you from copying the original and it isn't going to stop you from copying the copy.

[twinches]

I never create an image either. And if you don't have Nero , another well accepted burning program is RecordNowMax. And you would just tell it to burn a DATA disk and add the VEDIO_TS and AUDIO_TS Folders to the layout. I personaly use NERO as with its DVD_VIDEO template, it already has the folders for you and you just drag the files to the VIDEO_TS folder and leave the AUDIO_TS one blank. With over 100 burns I have never had a problem, but some people say they have compatiblity problems with some players using Nero. So my advise to you would be the following:

1. If you want a totally free solution and do not have nero or recordnow then I would create a image with IMGTOOLS and then burn with DvdDecrypter as they are both freeware.

2. If you have nero (as it comes with may burners) then do as I do and simply burn the files outputted by DVD Shrink directly with nero using the DVD_VIDEO template. (if for some reason a disk you burn does not play on your standalone) then first try different brand media. If still no luck, then try a different burner such as RecordNowMAX.

[chjohnnie]

I use imgtool all the time, you don't need to create an image and then burn with any other program, if you direct imgtool to the folder with your DVD files, it will automatically burn them to a disc for you.
The program uses Nero to do this, and is mainly to solve some compatibility issues

[Ergasiomania]

Thanks all. Twinches, I do own Nero, but have some homework to do before I attempt to install AGAIN. I have a Memorex dual format DVDR which came packaged with Roxio on the installation CD. Nero wouldn't let me do a complete install when it detected Roxio. I really wish I could have both, oh, when I uninstalled Roxio, my DVD drive wasn't being recognized and I had other problems as well. Had to use restore disk to fix the mess I ended up with. Someone posted they have both with no problems.

I have Roxio with Easy CD & DVD Creator 6, DVD Max player, Photo suite 5 and Movie Creator.

Nero has express In CD4 which I beleive is the portion which wouldn't install with Roxio detected, showtime media player etc. It is the OEM Suite I.

If someone could explain how to have both I would appreciate it. I am not opposed to a second hard drive. Isn't that a possibility? I wouldn't mind the additional storage space anyway.

Thanks!!

[Viper10000]

Ergasiomania,

Most people here use Nero, so that's why your here the suggestions to use Nero, but if you already have Easy CD & DVD Creator 6, you can always use it to burn your AudioTS & VideoTS folders. They both work. Really.

Cheers,

[Vejita-sama]

IMG Tools + DVD Decytper is free, and for a lot of people works 100% of the time, while Nero (older verisons and the newest) see to be hit and miss. The thing with Nero is it's a fine program but each new verison either fixes or introduces new bugs. Most of the time these aren't a big deal, sometimes they are (UDF 1.05 default).

With Nero Express there's no way to change some of these settings so if you have the wrong verison you're basically screwed, IF you need to use a feature that's buggy.

There are several different ways to burn a VIDEO_TS/AUDIO_TS folder series to DVDR. IMGTools/DVD decrypter is just one way. But since it's free and works everytime it shows up in a lot of guides. If you've got Nero, Easy CD/DVD, RecordNow, etc. working than just use that. It doesn't really matter in the end, as long as it works

[slp1998ss2003]

I have question since we are on the subject of Nero. I am using the latest verion of 5. I think its 5.5.10.54. Anyway. I have a problem that after using DVD shrink, that when i load all my IFO's and VOB's into the VIDEO_TS foldder, Nero errors out at about 99% saying it cannot close the disc.Any suggestions? I have switched to CLONE DVD as I do like that better, but I was wondering if anyone else was having these problems?

[mats.hogberg]

Mats is mis-informed

Au contraire, mon frere! No matter what you think, an image is created before the files you want to write to a CD/DVD are actually transfered to the medium. There's no way a file or folder can be written directly to a CD/DVD. The burning app may hide this from you, but it's done nevertheless.

/Mats

[dcsos]

Mats is right burnong from an IMAGE is always a better way to do it

However, If its just a DVD with one or two title sets, I say why bother
unless you have problem burning the VIDEO_TS

When an IMAGE is necessary or RECCOMENDED is when your DVD has many files or title sets..
Think of it this way..If there's more than 10 or 15 individual files in the VIDEO_TS folder..making an image of the build before you burn it could only help the BURNER have an easier job of it

THAT is --when making a DVD with a lot of IFO and VOB's in there..
please make an image first