Page 1 of dvd writers / software ?

Thinking of buying a dvd writer, but want to be able to copy write protected discs. (My kids are damaging all of my lovely new dvds and I want to let them use the technology but not be scratching the whatsits out of them. ) Is it the dvd writer or the software that I should be looking at ?

Software-You need something like DVD Shrink or DVD Decrypter which will remove all of the copy prevention stuff.

DVD Shrink is probably the best way to go, as most commercial DVD`s are (basically) dual layer discs so will be too big just to do a straight copy across to a blank disc-DVD Shrink allows you to remove things like extra soundtracks or bonus features and then, if it`s still too big to go across onto a single disc, will `shrink` the footage down so it does fit. The downside to this is that shrinking reduces quality..10% or so, it won`t really show up, but go over that and you will start to notice. I suppose the trick is to make a `back up` as soon as you get a new disc and only let the kids loose with them!

The hardware can matter too, especially if your discs are a mix of regions . DVD drives are region protected-They will allow 5 changes before become `locked` onto a one region, then you would not be able to playback anything other than that region and region 0. You can get around this too with MOST drives (Look for DVD Region Killer), or with drives so cheap these days, another option is two drives, one only for region 1, one only for region 2.

There`s plenty of software on the web to do this, such as DVD Shrink.

Most recent DVD writers should be ok but some DVD writers are better than others so I`d check out Plextor drives such as

http://www.plextor.com/english/products/716A.htm

I have an NEC ND-3500A which seems to work well.

This might be some help

http://www.videohelp.com/dvdbackup

John.

This item was edited on Wednesday, 19th January 2005, 10:47

Hello

I think the phrase you are looking for is - Backing Up the discs you legally own, heaven forbid we would copy discs ;)

I use DVD Decryptor, an excellent piece of freeware - just consider rewarding the writer by an appropriate donation.

I also use DVDShrink another excellent piece of work - same comment as before.

However Nero is very user friendly (and fast) for recoding your decrypted discs, and more besides, I think Simply are doing it for a stupid price of £3.50.

Can also recommend NEC drives, fast, cheap and do the job intended.


Shaun

If it ain`t broke hit it harder
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