DR-M10S and AVT-87110 Output Questions

[usaf64]

I gotta thank all members of this forum first for the fantastic information that is always available. Recently I purchased the DR-M10S and have already converted my VHS Family Movies to DVD-R. Now I was thinking of dubbing my comercial VHS's in the same manner using the AVT-8710 (which I still need to order). The more I thought about it, well, why not backup my commercial DVD's too!

Since I only have the standalone DVR and no DVD anything in my computer, I have a few questions for those who have dubbed or copied commercial VHS and DVD thru this TBC. Here goes:

1. Since some VHS and most Commercial DVD's have Dolby 5.1 or other audio choices, how should I "setup" the DVR audio to record--or do I have to set up anything beyone the Recording Speed.

2. I read one post that stated the commercial DVD copied to DVD-R did not have the sub-menu's or sceen selections , audio or language choices.
Is that true?

3. Is there an appreciable quality difference in Video If I use the AVT-8710's composit in/out compared to its S-Video in/out?

That's about it. Thanks in advance!

[samijubal]

If you want to keep menus, etc. you have to copy the DVDs on a computer. You will get a far better copy doing it on the computer too, I've done them both ways, the computer is definitely the way to go. If you are planning on doing DVDs take the money you are going to spend on the AVT-8710 and buy a burner.

[gshelley61]

DVDShrink

free and easy way to make exact duplicates (or compressed duplicates) of your DVD's

[usaf64]

Thanks for the guidance but your answers raise another question. If I purchased a DVD-Burner for my Older P3-500 CPU and used DVDShrink to copy DVD's, would that eliminate the MacroVision Encription that is always on Commercial VHS and DVD's?

[gshelley61]

DVDShrink, SmartRipper and DVD Decrypter all remove the encoded copy protection on commercial DVD's during the ripping process. This allows you to save and copy the content files directly.

VHS copy protection is embedded in the analog video sync signal. Devices that strip and replace (or "restore") the sync are required to defeat videotape copy protection. Full frame time base correctors defeat all types of videotape copy protection without fail, but there are some video "clarifiers" and "enhancers" that work well in many cases, too.

[usaf64]

Samijubal and gshelley61:

You both gave outstanding replies and got me thinking--I really appreciate the options presented! One of you indicated that you've "copied both ways" and the quality was poorer going DVD to DVD thru the AVT-8710. By poorer, did you mean video quality is poorer because the end product it isn't as feature rich because I could not copy the sub menus, no 5.1 digital etc as compared to having all these features if it was burned on a CPU DVD burner?

Now the idea of not purchasing the 8710 and getting a DVD burner is an option I never considered. So here goes with this question. Again, my older CPU is a P-3 500 Win XP type machine and the "box" if full, i,e, no more slots available. I did notice that Circuit has an Lite-On External (USB 2.0) burner (SOHW-812SX)for around $160.00 plus tax. Is that a good thing to consider, or will an external USB connected DVD burner take forever to transfer or copy DVD files?

Just one more followup questing seeking guidance. I recon that the software that comes with a DVD burner willk not allow me to make a MV free copy??? and is that why I would need the software titles you've suggested?

Again, thanks for taking the time to reply.

[samijubal]

I haven't copied using the ATV-8710, just DVD player to DVD recorder. You're going from digital to analog to analog on the recorder to digital again, every step means some degradation of quality. A burner will make an exact copy unless you shrink which will still make a better copy than player to recorder. The software you get with a burner will not remove macrovision, but there are plenty of free programs that will. What's in your bays? If one is a CD burner you can replace it with a DVD burner since they do CDs too. A 500 CPU is at the low end for burning, but it isn't below the minimum I don't think.

[gshelley61]

I agree. Pull your CD or DVD reader and replace it with an all-format internal DVD burner. They're pretty inexpensive now (much less than a portable USB unit) and also read and burn CD's.

[samijubal]

You might want to check DVD Shrink and burner minimum requirements to make sure your processor is fast enough to run them before buying anything.

[broadway]

I bought an external Firewire case and briefly installed a LG dvd burner in it.
Just wanted to see whether it worked or not. I had a spare bay so the dvd burner eventually went internal.

If you are adventurous, you can buy an external USB2.0 case yourself and put the dvd burner in it. The external case will cost about $35-40. I bought one from Dealsonic.