Yes, another shrink/decrypter ?

[HatchetMan]

Ok, so after reading several threads here recently about what's best - DVDDecrypter, DVDShrink, Nero, file mode, iso, ifo, blah, blah, blah, I decided to experiment. I had originally used shrink to, well, shrink DVD9 to DVD5 and nero to burn. It was an automated process (w/2 drives that is) so I thought why mess with it? Unless it was only a DVD5, then iso with decrypter. That was not totally automated - I had to run back upstairs, click iso write, select mds, then record and then wait. Last night I decided to try shrinking the new 'Manchurian' to iso for burning with decrypter for a change, setting options in shrink first. I was impressed by several things. Firstly - this was going on a RW since this was just an experiment. Secondly - it was flawless, fast, and totally automated! I expected to go back and manually press the "record" button in decrypter - I heard shrink only brought it up and then you had to select the speed and so fourth. But no, when I ran upstairs decrypter was verifying the recorded disc (I always keep that option ticked). Seconds later it was through, 'process completed successfully.' I was even surprised to find that a mds file was not even created, it did it all from the iso created by shrink. (although later I found the option to create an mds from any iso with decrypter). It was even burning the RW at it's rated speed of 4x, rather than the 8x that I normally have it set at for -R's.

Now, I know the experts here are not impressed, probably already back to OT, but I did have a few questions. 1. What is the need to 'recycle the tray before verifying'? Decrypter has always done this, I found the option to untick it but don't have anything else left to test it with (maybe tonight w/ 'Troy'). I figured why put that extra wear and tear on the drive, plus my tower has a door covering the bays and I like to keep it closed. 2. Did I get lucky with the writing speed? When I stick in a -R, will decrypter (or shink?)(using this process) set it at the disc manufacturer's recommended speed of 8x? My firmware is patched, so higher burning speeds are possible, although I do not use them. I simply liked all of the other features of my drive's firmware, like rip speed unlocked. 3. Is there a way to make decrypter totally automated when doing just an iso read/write with DVD5? Or, would I get the same results by setting shrink to burn iso with decrypter since that was automated as stated above?

Any help appreciated. I did find this method rather sweet, even though I have only tested one disc with it. I know it's nothing new, as others have reported to using this method exclusively. I just may eventually be grouped into that category. thx.

*EDIT* Sorry so lengthy, I must of had too much coffee this morn

[Krispy Kritter]

1. Some drives hang after the burn procedure if the drawer isn't cycled. You'll have to test it on yours and see what happens.

2. It defaults to "max" speed, so it will always try to burn at the highest speed of the media or drive unless you choose otherwise.