Question about backing up a dual-layer dvd (files vs ISO)

[bgart13]

Quick question, hopefully easily answered.

I've been able to back-up a few DL dvds to dvd+r DL successfully, with only a few coasters made here and there. One I am trying to back-up now is causing some problems. Is it generally a better idea to make an ISO of a dvd, or is using the files themselves better? Does it matter, in fact?

Thanks, looking forward to some answers/tips.

Ben

PS - Up til now, I've used Nero for the burning, and either Dvd Shrink or Dvd Decrypter for importing the dvds' info. I'm going to give ImgBurn a shot now for the burning process.

[guns1inger]

I am surprised you have had any luck at all burning DLs with Nero.

[redwudz]

An ISO is just the same VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS folders wrapped in the ISO container. JMO, but no advantage unless you plan to archive the DVD data or make multiple copies. ImgBurn can burn either the VIDEO_TS folder or a ISO container.

Nero usually stumbles over the layer breaks and writes the disc in such a way that the backup files contained on the disc may be useless if the disc suffers minor damage.

Using ImgBurn and Verbatim DL + discs, I have a zero coaster rate.

And you are probably aware that DVD Decrypter is out of date. You may need to use a program like DVDFab HD Decrypter for backing up your newer discs, especially Sony or other discs with newer encryptions.

[bgart13]

Thanks, redwudz! The info is much appreciated. I'll give it a shot. And, yeah, I read that Dvd Decrypter is outta date.

B.

[bgart13]

So I tried ImgBurn. It's stuck at 50%, and here's what the dialog box says:

I 22:05:47 ImgBurn Version 2.4.2.0 started!
I 22:05:47 Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600 : Service Pack 2)
I 22:05:47 Total Physical Memory: 260,592 KB - Available: 62,956 KB
W 22:05:47 Drive F:\ (FAT32) does not support single files > 4 GB in size.
I 22:05:48 Initialising SPTI...
I 22:05:48 Searching for SCSI / ATAPI devices...
I 22:05:48 Found 1 CD-RW, 1 DVD-ROM and 1 DVD±RW/RAM!
I 22:08:39 Operation Started!
I 22:08:39 Building Image Tree...
I 22:08:39 Checking Directory Depth...
I 22:08:39 Calculating Totals...
I 22:08:39 Preparing Image...
I 22:13:06 Using Layer Break LBA: 2001531 -> 2062784 (VTS_15_0.BUP)
I 22:13:08 Checking Path Length...
I 22:13:08 Contents: 101 Files, 2 Folders
I 22:13:08 Size: 8,322,922,496 bytes
I 22:13:08 Sectors: 4,063,927
I 22:13:08 Image Size: 8,449,163,264 bytes
I 22:13:08 Image Sectors: 4,125,568
I 22:13:08 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:04:29
I 22:14:33 Operation Started!
I 22:14:33 Building Image Tree...
I 22:15:03 Checking Directory Depth...
I 22:15:03 Calculating Totals...
I 22:15:03 Preparing Image...
I 22:15:11 Using Layer Break LBA: 2001531 -> 2062784 (VTS_15_0.BUP)
I 22:15:12 Checking Path Length...
I 22:15:12 Contents: 101 Files, 2 Folders
I 22:15:12 Size: 8,322,922,496 bytes
I 22:15:12 Sectors: 4,063,927
I 22:15:12 Image Size: 8,449,163,264 bytes
I 22:15:12 Image Sectors: 4,125,568
I 22:15:15 Operation Successfully Completed! - Duration: 00:00:42
I 22:15:15 Operation Started!
I 22:15:15 Source File: -==/\/[BUILD IMAGE]\/\==-
I 22:15:15 Source File Sectors: 4,125,568 (MODE1/2048)
I 22:15:15 Source File Size: 8,449,163,264 bytes
I 22:15:15 Source File Volume Identifier: COFFIN_JOE_1
I 22:15:16 Source File Application Identifier: IMGBURN V2.4.2.0 - THE ULTIMATE IMAGE BURNER!
I 22:15:16 Source File Implementation Identifier: ImgBurn
I 22:15:16 Source File File System(s): ISO9660, UDF (1.02)
I 22:15:16 Destination Device: [0:0:0] PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-112 1.24 (G (USB)
I 22:15:16 Destination Media Type: DVD+R DL (Disc ID: RITEK-S04-66) (Speeds: 2.4x, 4x, 6x, 8x)
I 22:15:16 Destination Media Sectors: 4,173,824
I 22:15:16 Write Mode: DVD
I 22:15:16 Write Type: DAO
I 22:15:16 Write Speed: 2x
I 22:15:16 Link Size: Auto
I 22:15:16 Test Mode: No
I 22:15:16 OPC: No
I 22:15:16 BURN-Proof: Enabled
I 22:15:16 Optimal L0 Data Zone Capacity: 2,062,784
I 22:15:16 Optimal L0 Data Zone Method: File System File Start LBA
I 22:15:43 Filling Buffer... (20 MB)
I 22:15:44 Writing LeadIn...
I 22:15:46 Writing Session 1 of 1... (1 Track, LBA: 0 - 4125567)
I 22:15:46 Writing Track 1 of 1... (MODE1/2048, LBA: 0 - 4125567)
I 22:15:46 Writing Layer 0... (LBA: 0 - 2062783)
I 22:37:03 Writing Layer 1... (LBA: 2062784 - 4125567)
W 22:37:14 Failed to Write Sectors 2063552 - 2063583 - Reason: Write Error
W 22:37:14 Retrying (1 of 20)...

Help!

[guns1inger]

I suggest you stop using Ritek dual layer discs and get some Verbatims instead.

[bgart13]

These are actually Memorex, perhaps Ritek manufactures them for Memorex though. I would've purchased Verbatim, but couldn't find a small enough container at the right price while I was picking 'em up last week (before payday). I'll definitely look for Verbatims this week, though.

[guns1inger]

Verbatims are the only discs to produce consistently good results. Others have had some success with other brands, but this tends to be isolated and they still tend to have a higher coaster rate. I was given 8 Imation DL discs recently by someone who though they were doing me a favour (actually, it was payment for a favour I did them). I got 6 out of 8, which was probably better than most would get from that brand. Of the 20 or so Verbatim burns I have done, I am still batting at 100% (touch wood). That said, I still find them too expensive to use for anything but special occasions.