Question about DVD-RW drives and copying DVD movies...

MadMax350 · Post by **MadMax350** » Mon Dec 08, 2003 1:11 am

First off, let me clarify the purpose of this post. I am not in the business of copying DVD movies for resale, gifts, nor any other external use. I have made copies of all of my MUSIC CD's for use in my 3 different vehicles which all have CD players so I can keep the originals at home in a safe place. (thus protecting them from possible theft or damage) I would like to do the same with my DVD movies as I would like to take some on trips to play in a laptop but don't want to carry around expensive originals in case they become stolen or lost.

With the "legal disclaimer" out of the way, here is the question. Recently, I have been seeing the price of DVD-RW drives dropping down to around the $100.00 mark. I believe I can get a BUSLINK 8x DVD-RW drive for about $120.00 or so after rebates but first, I have a few questions about it.

I have seen software on the internet that says it will copy ANY DVD movie using almost any DVD-RW drive no problem or they will give you your money back. This software retails for about $100. My question is, does this software work, and can ANY DVD movie be copied? If not, what are the limitations? Will a DVD-RW drive and this software work ok on the system in my sig? Thanks in advance...

CM Weaver · Post by **CM Weaver** » Mon Dec 08, 2003 1:59 am

Like you, I perform backups of my music CD's for use in my wifes car and mine so we keep the originals safe. I also do the same with some of the DVD's I own because I want the originals kept in tact and safe.

Now with that said

I use one of two programs to perform backups - DVDXCopy Xpress and DVDXCopy Platinum. The Xpress version creates backup on a single disc. Some commercial DVD's are dual-layer and exceed the 4.7GB capacity, so Xpress makes a backup that is compressed to fit all the content on one DVD. There is a loss in quality, however, visually it is different from disc to disc depending on how much compression is needed.

The Platinum version will perform the same compression if required, but it also allows you to selectively remove content from the original source during the backup. For example, if you have a disc that is dual-layer and comes in at 5.8GB, you can remove extra content like trailers, extras, additional languages, etc.

There are very few options in 8x media right now and it's pricey -- upwards of $2.00 - 2.50 a DVD. Also, using cheap generic media runs you the risk of getting some coasters and data loss. It's also not likely that it burns at full 8x and probably burns only at 8x when the write is closest to the center of the disc then levels out to 2-4x, depending on the media used.

Also, do some research if you are buying a drive that isn't mainstream as the manufacturer may not offer consistent firmware updates to support some of it's advertised burning speeds and compatability with wide ranges of media. My suggestion is to pay a little extra and go with a Sony, Plextor or Pioneer drive. They consistently offer firmware updates and are solid performers at all if their advertised burn speeds and wider range of media compatibility.

MadMax350 · Post by **MadMax350** » Mon Dec 08, 2003 1:16 pm

Thanks C.M. Sounds like I would have to go with the "DVDXCopy Platinum" version since 90% of the "extra" features that are put onto DVD's these days are worthless to me.

I have seen a Lite-On brand DVD-RW 4x drive for sale for about $130 recently as well. Are these any good?

Jeremy · Post by **Jeremy** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 7:23 pm

you can copy a dvd for free and very easily. the italian job is a 9.4GB dvd. i copied everything from it to one 4.7GB dvd in about 2 hours with a super-negligible loss of quality and only paid for the DVD-R media. i can tell you more...

Dakota · Post by **Dakota** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 11:31 pm

2 hours? Yikes! I copied it in about 25-30 mins.

Jeremy · Post by **Jeremy** » Tue Dec 09, 2003 11:56 pm

Originally posted by Dakota
2 hours? Yikes! I copied it in about 25-30 mins.

well, depends on what you mean by "yikes"

read/transcode original dvd: 60-90mins
burn dvd: 30min

there it is. if i was copying any old dvd, it would be in the neighbourhood of 20 minutes, the time takes for burning a full dvd at 4x.

fastchevy · Post by **fastchevy** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 12:16 am

hhmm yeah I used DVDXCOPY express and it gives the option of movie only OR the entire disk. I dont see ANY loss in quality.

However.....about your question. I have run across 2 movies that DVDXCOPY would not copy...actually it copied it, but as soon as the burning process started it was hosed.....and I tried a few times and nothing...then tried another movie...no problem copying that one.

Seems like some movie companies are playing with new technology that DVD burning software companies are going to have to catch up to quickly...

Dakota · Post by **Dakota** » Fri Dec 12, 2003 7:16 am

Originally posted by Jeremy
well, depends on what you mean by "yikes"

read/transcode original dvd: 60-90mins
burn dvd: 30min

there it is. if i was copying any old dvd, it would be in the neighbourhood of 20 minutes, the time takes for burning a full dvd at 4x.

I copied the exact same movie. Apples/apples here. I use Xcopy Express mostly and that's what I used to copy Italian Job. Maybe the diff is that I didn't copy all the extra crap and menus.

Jeremy · Post by **Jeremy** » Sat Dec 13, 2003 12:21 pm

Originally posted by Dakota
I copied the exact same movie. Apples/apples here. I use Xcopy Express mostly and that's what I used to copy Italian Job. Maybe the diff is that I didn't copy all the extra crap and menus.

also i perform a full pass before it rips. i can turn it off and save half an hour just that the quality might not be as good.

usual:
30min---first analysis
30min---ripping
15min---burning