Opinions needed on CloneDVD

[Jonathan]

I've been using AnyDVD and Shrink for ages and get good results. I just downloaded the trial of CloneDVD and like it, with the exception of not being able to view a movie in real speed(even at 1x, it's way too fast).

I am wondering if there is any advantage to using this vs. Shrink. Is the image quality the same?

If anyone has used both, could you give your opinion on which you prefer any why. It will help me a lot.

I have a coupon for $10 off Clone DVD, but hate to do it if it's not as good as Shrink.

Thanks for the help!!

[Jonathan]

Anyone???

[SoCalMK]

For the longest time, I was not a big fan of Shrink. Not having used it, I figured that people loved it simply because it is free. Having used it now and comparing it with other programs, I have to admit that there isn't a better program out there. You simply can't beat the quality, but one issue still remains - the time. This is probably why I still use Clone at all. While the quality isn't as good, it certainly is still pretty good. And you simply can't beat the combination of time and quality. Many have said, and I have to agree, that the simplest method has always been to use a combination of AnyDVD and Clone.

[Jonathan]

Thanks for the reply.

[Jonathan]

Anyone else using CloneDVD instead of Shrink?

[guns1inger]

US$50 for something that is arguably lower quality, and certainly no better than Shrink (which is free), all for the sake of time. If time is more important than quality, why not buy something cheaper and faster, like ConvertXtoDVD, or even (god forbid) WinAVI.

For me, a little extra time is not an issue, as I prefer quality above all else. And thankfully, with programs like Shrink and encoders like HCEnc, it is possible to produce good quality backups for free, even if it does take a little longer.

[DereX888]

Why not spend those money on a dual-layer burner and a spindle of dual-layer blanks?
at least you'll get perfect 1:1 backups for some 25 DVDs (or more if you buy DL blanks in volume...)

[Quantum]

I would spend the money on DVD Rebuilder instead and use the free *encoder* it comes with. It is better than either CloneDVD or Shrink's transcoder.

[DereX888]

I would spend the money on DVD Rebuilder instead and use the free *encoder* it comes with. It is better than either CloneDVD or Shrink's transcoder.

yup, if someone nowadays still have to go DVD-5 route for backing up their DVD-9s, and doesn't mind spending bit more time on recoding, thats the only user-friendly tool out there.
However best results via DVD-ReBuilder are achieved with Cinema Craft Encoder (which is not free nor cheap)

[VegasBud]

Jonathan,

I'm someone who uses CloneDVD instead of DvdShrink.

A couple years ago I got the CloneDVD trial, like you, and made a series of test disks, using the two programs, for several randomly selected original dvds. Just to make sure, I made a separate disk for each of the high quality settings in DvdShrink, and one disk with CloneDVD. After playing all the disks, I consistently liked the CloneDVD transcoded disk better, even on the 60" hd tv. Consequently, I bought the program, and have been using it ever since.

As you can tell from the other posts in this thread, not all people share my opinion. Since you already have the trial version of CloneDVD, I would suggest you repeat my experiment, and make your own evaluation. If you use RW disks, all it will cost you is time and effort to determine what works better for you.

Some further thoughts:

The programs use different approaches. DvdShrink will let you set the compression level for each title (which is very nice), CloneDVD doesn't have that. On the other hand, with DvdShrink you take the whole disk, or reauthor, which loses all menu functionality. With CloneDVD you can selectively, quickly, and easily remove (blank) any given title (or combination of titles) and still retain full menu functionality.

These days, I only transcode movies that I probably won't watch many times and honestly aren't worth a DL blank, yet I still don't want to risk damage to the original. I continue to use CloneDVD, though, in conjunction with VobBlanker and PgcEdit to make my backups exactly the way I want them. I even use it when I'm backing up to a DL disk, to bring the overall size down (without transcoding), which brings the layer break in as far as possible from the outer edge, increasing reliability and reducing layer break problems.

[guns1inger]

Nothing against VegasBud, but it seems a common thread amongst CloneDVD users who bag Shrink's admittedly simplistic re-author mode that they use tools like VobBlanker and PGCEdit to re-structure their discs anyway. Why use CloneDVD's "better" re-authoring tool as a selling point if you are using third party freeware to do the job. Most Shrink users also use these tools, because they are the better option, which makes CloneDVD and DVD Shrink pretty much equal on that score.

Just an observation from watching this seemingly perennial debate over many posts.

[InXess]

...makes a lot of sense.

I use CloneDVD. The interface and functions are just exactly what I need. After the first try the debate was pretty much over for me. Excellent quality, never an error, fast and easy. What else could I possibly want....? That it was free perhaps... It fits me like an old shoe. And this is damn hard to change. My advice use whatever works for you. CloneDVD is definitely on the top of MY list.

[VegasBud]

guns1inger,

The reason I use both VobBlanker and CloneDVD for blanking is:

1) CloneDVD lays out the titles in a list, with a checkbox next to each one. Click once on the title, and the preview window shows you what it is. Put a checkmark in the box to keep it, clear the checkbox to blank it. In VobBlanker, you can also preview everything, but (at least to me) it's more cumbersome, in that it takes more clicks to preview and blank, especially since I like the big preview/cut window that pops up, not the little preview window. As a result, even though both programs accomplish the same task (on titles), in VobBlanker it takes a little longer and feels more like work, and in CloneDVD it is quicker and feels more like play. The time saved isn't very much. It's mostly a personal preference.

3) Although CloneDVD works better (for me) on the titles, it uses the "all or nothing" approach to the menus. Unfortunately, they love to hide those irritating warnings in the menu area (mostly in the VIDEO_TS.VOB file), in which case CloneDVD only gives you the choice of menus + irritating warnings, or no menus. VobBlanker lets you selectively blank out those offending PGCs.

By first using VobBlanker to clean the menu area, then using CloneDVD for the title blanking, the "cleaning" part of my workflow (or is it hobbyflow) is made more enjoyable (to me), and slightly quicker, while retaining full effectiveness.

DISCLAIMER:
Everything I've written is just personal observations on a piece of software that I'm familiar with, and Jonathan specifically asked about. None of my remarks should be taken to infer that I think DvdShrink, VobBlanker and PgcEdit are anything but true classic dvd-video programs (regardless of freeware or payware). Furthermore, I strongly endorse the use of freeware/donationware.

[DereX888]

I really don't know when for some people it will be finally "worth" to backup their DVD9 disc onto DL discs... when blanks drop to $0.01?

If you decided to spend $10+ on that movie you don't wanna even backup for less than $2 now, then why have you even bought it?
I just don't get it.

Obviously if you have paid $5 or so for that movie then its not even worth to back it up, just buy a second original if you must have backup of it...

[guns1inger]

Over here DL blanks are still substantially more expensive than SL blanks, and a lot less reliable. With a large % of commercials films, once you extract just the movie, a SL is all that is needed, and the rest, for the most part, need only minimal compression.

[smitbret]

I have slowly migrated to CloneDVD and + AnyDVD to do my ripping and do almost 100% of my ripping with it. I will use it to transcode down to about 80%. If I have to go more than that then I will use Nero Recode/DVD Shrink to about 75%. Any more than that, then I rip with Clone DVD and reencode with DVD-Rebuilder and CCE. The only time when this formula hasn't worked was for King Kong, it just wouldn't look good on DVD-5 no matter what I did, so I used Clone DVD to break it up into two disks. Overall, though, CloneDVD is by far my most used tool. Luv it!
-Brett

[Paul_G]

CloneDVD is a quick and dirty dvd to dvd-5 tool, well worth using if you care more about speed than quality. Dvdshrink (a better free tool) is outright better than all those other crappy "jumping on the bandwaggon" tools.

Or for non freeware, get dvd rebuilder (wonderful for high compression).

[Keitho]

I've used many tools over the years, but AnyDVD/CloneDVD is my favorite combination. Maybe some other programs can produce a little better quality, but I can't tell the difference, and my time is the most important thing to me.

[InXess]

Dvdshrink (a better free tool) is outright better than all those other crappy "jumping on the bandwaggon" tools.

This sounds like you're getting ready for a fight...? What's next? ... a kick in the groin and name calling? Slow down...

[DereX888]

Over here DL blanks are still substantially more expensive than SL blanks, and a lot less reliable. With a large % of commercials films, once you extract just the movie, a SL is all that is needed, and the rest, for the most part, need only minimal compression.

exactly.

Not long ago, when DL blanks were still overpriced, I used to do just that.
Or split it over 2 DVD5 discs.

I will never understand one's need to "compress" any backup, since it is sheer contradiction "backing up".
No one would "backup" i.e. any of their precious old photos to the size of a post stamp just because making 1:1 copies is too expensive at that moment
"Shrinking" DVD9s (using no matter which tool or format) is like "backing up" CD in MP3 format.

[RLT69]

Not long ago, when DL blanks were still overpriced, I used to do just that.
Or split it over 2 DVD5 discs.

I will never understand one's need to "compress" any backup, since it is sheer contradiction "backing up".
No one would "backup" i.e. any of their precious old photos to the size of a post stamp just because making 1:1 copies is too expensive at that moment wink.gif
"Shrinking" DVD9s (using no matter which tool or format) is like "backing up" CD in MP3 format

First, get a grip.

Second, welcome to America where people can do what ever the hell they want.

Third, do you honestly believe people have to use technology EXACTLY the way you use it?

Obviously there are several reasons why people want to backup their movies onto single layer discs. Just because you can't fathom them doesn't mean they don't exist. One just of the top of my head has to do with COMPATIBILITY. DL discs don't play nice in all DVD players. Thus you might want to use a SL disc.

Then of course there are some people who have a SL burner and don't feel the need to run out and buy a DL player. If it ain't broke, no need to waste your money. Besides it's a backup. Who the hell cares! People tend to make a backup to have a useable copy, especially with children, and they use the backup, not the original.

For the record not all movies need to be compressed when backing up to a SL disc. Especially when you remove all the crap they cram onto a DVD. If you just want the movie - many will fit without compression.

[punisher]

I will never understand one's need to "compress" any backup, since it is sheer contradiction "backing up".
No one would "backup" i.e. any of their precious old photos to the size of a post stamp just because making 1:1 copies is too expensive at that moment
"Shrinking" DVD9s (using no matter which tool or format) is like "backing up" CD in MP3 format.

Well good for you. I think you fail to realize there are many different reasons for backing up a DVD. I don't really bother to back up my personal DVDs as I don't have a problem keeping the original discs in a happy state. Now, my kids are another situation. They have an innate ability to destroy just about anything with ruthless efficiency, their Sponge Bob DVDs included. I back up their DVD collection, keeping the originals in my possession, so I don't go bankrupt keeping them happy and quiet, mostly quiet. Neither one has bitched about encoding quality yet, so I am crossing my fingers.

[DereX888]

First, get a grip.

Second, welcome to America where people can do what ever the hell they want.

Third, do you honestly believe people have to use technology EXACTLY the way you use it?

Obviously there are several reasons why people want to backup their movies onto single layer discs. Just because you can't fathom them doesn't mean they don't exist. One just of the top of my head has to do with COMPATIBILITY. DL discs don't play nice in all DVD players. Thus you might want to use a SL disc.

Then of course there are some people who have a SL burner and don't feel the need to run out and buy a DL player. If it ain't broke, no need to waste your money. Besides it's a backup. Who the hell cares! People tend to make a backup to have a useable copy, especially with children, and they use the backup, not the original.

For the record not all movies need to be compressed when backing up to a SL disc. Especially when you remove all the crap they cram onto a DVD. If you just want the movie - many will fit without compression.

I think you fail to realize there are many different reasons for backing up a DVD. I don't really bother to back up my personal DVDs as I don't have a problem keeping the original discs in a happy state. Now, my kids are another situation. They have an innate ability to destroy just about anything with ruthless efficiency, their Sponge Bob DVDs included. I back up their DVD collection, keeping the originals in my possession, so I don't go bankrupt keeping them happy and quiet, mostly quiet. Neither one has bitched about encoding quality yet, so I am crossing my fingers.

Both answer, although elaborated and even trying to be mean (which I dont give a flying f**k about ) they both represent failure of understanding basic key word in this discussion, which obviously is "backup".
I apologize if I dared to think people understand meaning of the words they use... so please, don't send US Army after me in defence of your precious freedom (which I didn't even try to threat!)

[videobruce]

I switched from DVD Shrink to CloneDVD2 and find this far better especially since DVD Shrink was never updated. I'm just having a problem with some of the menus (separate post). Too many features are 'hidden' with a right or left click. Namely the 'Video bitrate' and 'Frame sizes'.

[VegasBud]

DereX888,

Dictionary.com has several definitions of the "basic key word in this discussion, which obviously is 'backup'".

To most of us, once a "backup" is made, the backup is used, and the original is kept in reserve. In that situation, the most applicable definition would be:

(a) thing that supports or reinforces another

As a disposable, non-critical, replaceable item, it can (and should) be prepared to suit the user's needs or desires, without concern for the complete preservation of the original contents.

The definition you appear to be using would be:

kept in reserve to serve as a substitute, if needed

If it's the backup that is being held in reserve, then zero compression, as part of the complete preservation of the original, would be logical. I just don't know anyone who does it that way.

[DereX888]

right... and when you do backup your computer files you also delete half of them - because you always do the backup to the harddrives half the needed capacity, don't you

[InXess]

I will never understand one's need to "compress" any backup, since it is sheer contradiction "backing up".
No one would "backup" i.e. any of their precious old photos to the size of a post stamp just because making 1:1 copies is too expensive at that moment
"Shrinking" DVD9s (using no matter which tool or format) is like "backing up" CD in MP3 format.

This thread was about CloneDVD experiences I guess. You are repeatedly bringing up an unrelated subject that no one seems to enjoy... and/or share your point of view.
I don't think that what you preach will have any impact on what and how people do what they do so you may spare us your rants. Thank God most screens are a bit larger then a postage stamp so people can still enjoy their backups.

[DereX888]

I will never understand one's need to "compress" any backup, since it is sheer contradiction "backing up".
No one would "backup" i.e. any of their precious old photos to the size of a post stamp just because making 1:1 copies is too expensive at that moment
"Shrinking" DVD9s (using no matter which tool or format) is like "backing up" CD in MP3 format.

This thread was about CloneDVD experiences I guess. You are repeatedly bringing up an unrelated subject that no one seems to enjoy... and/or share your point of view.
I don't think that what you preach will have any impact on what and how people do what they do so you may spare us your rants. Thank God most screens are a bit larger then a postage stamp so people can still enjoy their backups.

CloneDVD has option to make DVD9 backups, have you missed this option or maybe you don't have CloneDVD at all?

I don't "preach" anything here. I don't give a damn what you or anyone else do.
Out of many possible solutions, making real 1:1 backup is the best solution, not only in my opinion.
If you disagree, you don't have to follow my advice and simply fu*k off, what else is there to say?

[InXess]

Forgot your Prozac today...? You definitely need some professional help. Any doctors here?