new to dvd burning

[Data3]

I read the question about the best dvd burner but I have a couple more questions. First, what does the (+) & (-) mean when it says DVD+RW , DVD-RW? Second, do all burners come with burning software or is that something extra and if so what is the best software for burning DVD's?

[AMD_Man]

Originally posted by Data3
I read the question about the best dvd burner but I have a couple more questions. First, what does the (+) & (-) mean when it says DVD+RW , DVD-RW? Second, do all burners come with burning software or is that something extra and if so what is the best software for burning DVD's?

The + and - are different standards. However, both standards are relatively compatible with DVD players so I don't see which you choose to be a major issue. I'd personally go with whatever is cheaper or get a combo drive if you want to be able to write to all the formats. As for software, yes, they all (except OEMs) come with basic burning software. However, if you want to make backup copies of DVD movies (FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY) you'll want the DVD X Copy/ DVD X COPY XPRESS software.

[Data3]

Thanks AMD_Man that's just what I needed to know.

[Dalhectar]

DVD X Copy will not reencode DVDs. Most commercial DVDs are dual layer (9GB) in size while DVD-R and DVD+R are single Layer (4.7GB). For many movies you will have to use 2 DVD-Rs for a single DVD backup. You will have to find other programs that will reencode the video/audio to squeeze a dual layer DVD into 1 single layer DVD.

EDIT: Of course we can all assume if you are making backups you are doing so in a manner that respects all copyright laws. For many users DVD X Copy is not a good solution.

[ijesse]

How to make a back-up DVD

1. rip all DVD files in VIDEO_TS folder to remove copy protection using easy find freeware

2. fit the commercial sized DVD onto one DVD-R with "DVD2One"
http://www.dvd2one.com/ (also available for Mac)

From ripping, encoding, to burning with a 4X DVD-RW drive takes about an hour.

I have the Adobe After Effects Total Training DVD set which is $800, so backing up all 10 or so DVDs so that I don't scratch the originals is a perfect example of why DVD copying should be legal.

[AMD_Man]

Originally posted by Dalhectar
DVD X Copy will not reencode DVDs. Most commercial DVDs are dual layer (9GB) in size while DVD-R and DVD+R are single Layer (4.7GB). For many movies you will have to use 2 DVD-Rs for a single DVD backup. You will have to find other programs that will reencode the video/audio to squeeze a dual layer DVD into 1 single layer DVD.

EDIT: Of course we can all assume if you are making backups you are doing so in a manner that respects all copyright laws. For many users DVD X Copy is not a good solution.

DVD X COPY XPRESS is. It will automatically reencode the movie for you. I have it and I've tried it, it won't include the menus and extras though. However, the image quality is excellent. I notice no degradation in quality.

[masteraleph]

Originally posted by AMD_Man


DVD X COPY XPRESS is. It will automatically reencode the movie for you. I have it and I've tried it, it won't include the menus and extras though. However, the image quality is excellent. I notice no degradation in quality.

That's entirely possible. Stripping away foreign language soundtracks, subtitles, and extras, a program should be able to get an actual movie down to about the size of a burnable dvd, depending on the length of the movie.

[AMD_Man]

Originally posted by masteraleph


That's entirely possible. Stripping away foreign language soundtracks, subtitles, and extras, a program should be able to get an actual movie down to about the size of a burnable dvd, depending on the length of the movie.

Actually, DVD X COPY XPRESS also recompresses the movie whenever necessary. So the length of the movie is not an issue. They guarantee it will always fit on one DVD. Basically, the longer the movie the worse the overall image qualtiy. However, I don't really notice it.