ISO image vs. VIDEO_TS folder set

[OldAmateur]

Most DVD authoring programs that I have used can output in the form of a VIDEO_TS folder on the hard drive, containing the appropriate .VOB, etc. files. (Some even create an empty AUDIO_TS folder, to mimic the conventional DVD structure completely.) I have always been able to create a usable DVD simply by copying the VIDEO_TS folder to a DVD-R or DVD+R, using Nero or ONES.

I keep seeing messages, however, indicating that many people regularly convert the VIDEO_TS structure to an ISO disc image (or configure their authoring software to generate an ISO image), then burn the image to a DVD+/-R. What I never see is any discussion of why one of the two methods -- copy folders or burn image -- is preferred or whether it makes any difference at all in the result.

Does anyone have a rationale to share, to slake my curiosity?

[redwudz]

It's been discussed in passing in a few threads, though I don't remember the exact ones. JMO, but it doesn't seem to make a lot of difference most of the time. There are likely burners and media that need some extra help to get it 'right', but I've used both methods with no problems. The newest version of ImgBurn can burn without ISOs, so you might think of it as just one less step to go through.

But if you are having problems, ISO may be one way to help with burning.

EDIT: This thread about ImgBurn has a few comments: https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=306257&highlight=imgburn

[kschang]

I think the VIDEO_TS folder must have files in a certain order to work properly. ImgTools will do the "reallocation" to ensure whatever folder you burn works.

[jimmalenko]

I do both ways regularly with no preference or discernable difference in either.

"Same shit, different smell"

[GeorgeW]

I think it really depends on the burning software, and whether or not it will automatically "recognize" that you are burning a DVD-VIDEO instead of just a DATA Disc.

For the DVD-VIDEO to work, the files should be in the proper order on disc. when you create the ISO image, the sofware will put them in the right order within the image. If you just drag a VIDEO_TS folder over to the burn interface, the software might not burn the files in the proper order (IFO, VOB, BUP -- all grouped by the numbering).

If the software has an option to burn as a DVD VIDEO or DVD DATA, then by selecting DVD-VIDEO, it probably knows enough to burn the VIDEO_TS folder properly. That's why it might work for one burning software, but not for another software that will just burn as a DVD DATA disc.

Regards,
George