Been lurking, now need advice on current software.

I'll start by saying hello. This is my first topic starter and only my 2nd post. With that said.......... Hello!

I have been reading quite some time now and have not tried burning any DVD's yet. Heres the deal:

Just purchased external Plextor PX-740 UF that came with Nero 6 software suite. I am running windows XP. I am having difficulties downloading Shrink, DVDFab Decrypter, as well as DVD Decrypter. I have however been succesful loading ImgBurn and VobBlanker.

Now after reading up, it appears DVD Decrypter is obsolete and not updated so I guess its not something I need at this time. Based on the above, and the fact I am tired of downloading and not getting the programs to work properly, I dont mind paying for programs I need. I just want to rty to make sure I purchase what I need for back ups.

I am thinking about AnyDVD with CloneDVD2. Remeber, I have ImgBurn and VobBlanker installed already. Is this a good combination or is there a better path?

I might try to continue trying to figure out how to get Shrink, but I've tried every recommendation thrown my way to no avail.(See thread about problems downloading Shrink). What gets me is I am able to download and install ImgBurn and VobBlanker, but not Shrink.

On a side note, the Nero software that came with my DVD burner wont install properly either. I cant seem to get Nero 6 to work properly. I guess I need to contact Nero and see what they say. (Plextor suggested a bad or damaged disc).

Thanks............ and by the way, I like to try introduce myslef a little when new in a forum. I am 45 year old male with my last teenager close to leaving the nest and am looking forward to some time with my wife of 19 years. Some quiet time that is. hahaha

 

If you want to to back up dvd's the easy way all you need is the following.

DVD Decrypter or smart ripper or another form of dvd ripper.
Clone dvd2

You can simply rip the dvd to your hd stick a dvd in your writer point clone to the file you just ripped to your hd and clone will compress and burn to blank dvd.Pretty simple way of backing up a dvd and no need for any other programes.Personally i use alot of different programes depending on what i want to do with the dvd files.

 

For starter, I usually recommend DVDFAB Decrypter (one of the best FREE ripper in my humble opinion), DVD Shrink (FREE transcoder) or Nero Recode 2 (your choice, if it comes with your burner), DVD Decrypter (it can't rip the latest protections from ARccOS). ImgBurn is only a burning engine, mainly for ISO image only.

On the other hand, VobBlanker is a very useful and powerful FREE tool, it can "process" and "filter" out any left over junks (invalid data structure, uncompressable, out of memory errors, ect.) and in addition, it can "blank out" or cut out any unwanted scenes, previews/trailers, fbi warnings, extras, etc.

I'll tell you what I primarily used and yes, it has never failed me to rip and backup regardless of what kind of protections (ARccOS or RipGuard), it has worked 100% for me flawlessly. I like FREE tools/rippers and other craps/junks processing tools. The only engines/encoder(s) that I used and is not free is DVD-RB Pro + CCE SP. This combo is one of the best in regards to "pictures quality", especially if you owned any 50" or higher HDTV.

<1> DVDFAB Decrypter + VobBlanker (FREE, this method has never let me down). First rip the movie via DVDFAB Decrypter into the hard drive. Secondly, "process" the already ripped VIDEO_TS.IFO file through VobBlanker, then: <A> encode my backups with either DVD-RB Pro + CCE SP and burn with Nero Burning Rom or <B> "transcode" my backups with Nero Recode 2 "AA + HQSR" if the movie needed less compressions (i.e. 70% or more on the "Video Quality", meaning 30% or less compressions). If the compressions are high like 35% or higher, meaning it's Video Quality is 65% or lower, then I'll use DVD-RB Pro + CCE SP to do the job.

A lot of members haven't used VobBlanker and some says it looks "difficult" to use, but actually it is not at all. To be honest, I think VobBlanker is one of the best and most powerful free tool out there. I usually have VobBlanker "blank" out anything that I don't want, such as FBI Warnings, rating logos/screens, previews/trailers, etc. in prior to "encode" or "transcode" my backups. VobBlanker has a built-in player and whenever you click on any VTS or PGC/TTN or cells and it will play/display what is inside that certain PGC or Cell and if I don't like it, then I'll simply "blank" it out.

<2> DVD Decrypter + PgcEdit + PSL plugins + FixVTS (this is another flawless method and it's totally FREE), possibly one of the best method besides DVDFAB Decrypter + VobBlanker. It's process takes a little bit longer than DVDFAB Decrypter + VobBlanker, but it has worked 100% with any movies/dvds for me. Again, once that process is successfully completed, then I'll use either DVD-RB Pro + CCE SP to encode the movie or Nero Recode 2 "AA + HQSR" to transcode (depends on the Video Quality) and burn my final VIDEO_TS with Nero Burning Rom.

Some people/members preferred AnyDVD + CloneDVD and I have no comment with that. Even if they rated this combo as their #1 method, I'm not going to argue with that. Evidently, we're all entitled to our own judgment and preferences, so use whatever that works. I know AnyDVD (retail with 21 days trial) is one of the greatest cracking engine available out there. However, I just don't have the desire to get AnyDVD at this moment. I will surely get it one day in the future when the time arise.

I like to use Free rippers like DVDFAB Decrypter, DVD Decrypter + SPL plugins and as long as it works for me, then I'm thrive to use them wisely regardless.

Another good rule of thumb is to always use genuine media like (A) Taiyo Yuden, (B) Verbatim "Advanced Azo or DataLife Plus" or (C) Hitachi Maxell (made in japan). Further more, make sure your burner's firmware is up-to-date with the latest and keep your burning speed from 4X - 8X. However, the choice is yours.

Best of lucks to you and happy burning!

 

I have tried DL from the links listed above and it wont work. I can get them downloaded, but not installed. I tried downloading Winzip as suggested in another thread and same thing. It downloads but wont install. I noticed on the ones that wont install the version all say the same thing...... 0.0.0.0

Maybe its in the firewall, spybot, virus program. I dunno. It gets very frustrating when DL via 56k. SLOW!!

Nero 6 has several programs on it like:
Nero Express 6
Nero recode 2
Nero Backup
Nero Photo snap, and some others. (total 13 programs)

I always get the message that auto play encountered a problem. I started installing photosnap and it appeared to install as it should, but I halted it cuz I really dont need that one. I guess I can keep playing with that a little.

I put a DVD (Lord of Rings 2 Towers in my new external plextor dvd burner and it played the movie using InterActual Player. I have the Plextor hooked up via firewire.

I am sure ready to try to make some coasters (ha) as I have never tried backing up yet. Is there any other way to get these programs without downloading them?

 

hi,
if you are after programs to try, have a little look at the site link below:

its an explorers cave off delights.

http://www.filepedia.com/

 

Alkohol, my problem is the downloading of Shrink and DVD Fab. Is there any other way to get the software other than downloading it?

BTW, my tv is a 65 HDTV.

 

If you are having problem dl to your computer, then if you have access dl it to another computer and copy it to disk, or a jumpdrive and then see if it will open.

 

Maybe this will help.

I just tried DL Shrink from Bbmayo link. After downloading, I clicked run. I got this message:

The instruction at "0x7c911563" referenced memory at "0x00000038". The memory could not be "written"
Click on OK to termiante the program.

 

@rcmoto

I think there is something else that conflicts with your system, therefore you're having issues downloading & running DVD Shrink and DVDFAB Decrypter.

Seriously, I've never had any issues running DVDFAB Decrypter and DVD Shrink whatsoever.

 

As stated try dl on another computer, there is something wrong in your Windows, IE or some other program you are running.

 

OK, I can try to DL from work Monday. Maybe I will try to tweak a few things on mine before than.

 

I came to work and tryed DL both Shrink and DVD Fab. It worked fine. It downloaded and installed on this other computer, so it was definately my pooter at home.

Thanks to all and I am getting itchy fingers to try my first burn/coaster. haha

Thanks again. I will do more reading so as to avoid any questions that can be found by searching.

 

Good luck to you and hope you have happy burning

 

Alright, I guess I did jinx it cuz I still couldnt get it at home. I did recovery mode with pooter at home, installed Shrink and Fab, all is well. (For a minute, I thought the glass was half empty haha). Not anymore, the jinx is lifted and I am ready for my next novice stumbling block.

Now my itchy fingers are going to get their fix. I might try to back my first one up today. Now I have to go back and read again.

*(Still lurking)

 

Good luck rcmoto! Be careful as this burning thing is VERY addicting!

 

Since some of the newer releases have arccoss protection that causes files to read as noncompliant, go ahead and purchase the AnyDVD, or at least give the 3 week full function trial a shot. I use AnyDVD + DVD Decrypter (with suggested Slysoft settings) to rip the cleaned files to the HD. If the files need further processing for compliance, I use FixVTS. I hear the included ripper with AnyDVD works well, it incorporates FixVTS. I've had such good luck with AnyDVD + DVD Decrypter, I've just been using what's familiar. DVD Decrypter is still a useful app, I use it all the time; I justed added AnyDVD to help with the copyright protection. A good reason for selecting AnyDVD is Slysoft has consistantly been ahead at updating the app as needed for newer protections from the movie industry.

Since you have a 65" HDTV, I'd suggest learning how to use Rebuilder. There's a section devoted to the app here at AD. You can get all you need for the installation at http://www.dvd-rb.com/ . You can't beat an encoder for quality, which shows up more on the big screens. I have a 60" and I can tell the difference in the quality output over the transcoder apps such as CloneDVD 2 and Shrink. I use Rebuilder Pro with Cinema Craft Encoder (RB/CCE), but a person can use the free RB and the free HC encoder to see how they like it without having to make a purchase. HC does a good job, it's just a bit slower than the CCE. A lot of encodes on my system come in at less than 2 hours. Transcoders are faster, but I prefer to have the better quality, which is paid for in time.

For transcoders, when I use one, DVDCopy 4 from InterVideo and the CloneDVD 2 from Slysoft are 2 of the better ones. As for freeware, one can't beat the venerable DVD Shrink. I prefer the DVDCopy 4.