So many Clone DVD...

[mis3]

I checked the net, it seems to me that there are a few CloneDVD from different companies. They are: Elby, Slysoft and DVD X Studio?

I assume they are not the same. Which are the differences between these 3 software?

[smitbret]

There's only 2. Slysoft distributes the Elby version of CloneDVD 2. IMHO, that is the good one. I use it for about 75% of my DVD compression work.
-Brett

[mike909]

Elby makes clonedvd2, and slysoft makes anydvd. not sure what dvd x studio makes (probably something named similiar, but not as good)

[VegasBud]

Taking the easiest one first, the CloneDVD being sold at clonedvd.net, which I'm assuming is the one you mean by "DVD X Studio" - it's twice the price, and is not connected with the real CloneDVD. Personally, I wouldn't touch that one with a ten foot pole. If you want more information on this program, go here.

The remaining two, the Slysoft CloneDVD and the Elby (Elaborate Bytes AG) CloneDVD are the same product. As an example, my copy of CloneDVD2 from Slysoft is copyright "Elaborate Bytes AG".

As to why that would be, here's a little history:
CloneCD, the precursor of CloneDVD was written by a guy who formed a company in Germany called "Elaborate Bytes, Oliver Kastl" in 1999. Elaborate bytes = Elby. He started having legal problems with Macrovision and Sony, so in 2002 he transferred the program rights to "Elaborate Bytes AG" located in Switzerland, to escape the legal pressure. Unfortunately, the legal climate changed in europe, so in 2003 the rights to CloneCD were transferred once again, this time to Slysoft (headquarters in Ireland, but their website is hosted in Antigua).

Why am I giving the history of CloneCD when you asked about CloneDVD? Because in 2002, the same guy that wrote the CloneCD program originated the first version of CloneDVD under the umbrella of "Elaborate Bytes AG" (in Switzerland). In 2004, Slysoft obtained a license from "Elaborate Bytes AG" to distribute CloneDVD.

Consequently, if you want to buy CloneDVD, you should probably get it from Slysoft. Currently, the Elby site is selling it for $51.90 USD, while Slysoft is selling it for $39.00 USD. Also, Slysoft clearly states that purchasing it from them includes free lifetime upgrades, the Elby site isn't quite so clear.

[MackemX]

just on a sidenote as this was more a general info question rather than a buying question . If anyone is actually thinking of buying one these programs you could try DVDShrink beforehand for free