I have read good reviews about the new DVD Shrink 3.0 Beta 5. Are Beta unofficial testruns of software? In any event, I have been happy with 2.3 and was wondering what major improvements have been made to warrant me tampering with what's cuurently working? Has anyone had any negative experience with this version or any Beta version? As I was looking at the links provided, it seemed that a new Beta version was appearing every couple of weeks, this much change in software can't be good... could it? Also, is the current guides still applicable or are there updated instructions concerning use of VTS and other folders?

Beta's can have quite a lot of bugs and rely on the user to post them at : http://forum.digital-digest.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=49 so that the bugs can be identified and fixed. Once they are sure all bugs have been identified, they make a general release, which will be version 3.1

Thanks for the response, so i'll wait for the 3.1 version.

Here is a more up-to-date guide for re-authoring with the new one:

http://www.chrismccann.co.uk/DVD_Shrink_v3_beta5.htm

The resolution needs changed though. its a 1280x1024 or something - should do it at 800x600 next time

Oriphus, you're da man

lol - thanks mate :D

The Beta is pretty good. I have had some troubles with it, but I think it was because of the particular DVD I was backing up. My recommendation: For the first few attempts at using DVD Shrink partnered with whatever Burn software you use, use an RW disc to burn to. It allows you to experiment without ruining the one-time write media. My first copy of Friends, I copied the files to the wrong directory on the disc and it was unplayable. My second attempt, I accidently left off all sounds. The third attempt was a total success.

Sorry, i tend to disagree with that one. I wouldnt use DVD RW since they are not as compatible with standalone players. Learn how to do the process before embarking on it. Dont burn a disc until you are sure you know what you are doing!

Orphius,
Wonderful tutorial on re-editing. I was checking out your website last night, downloaded DVDShrink, and now I'm ready to tackle "The Young Ones: Every Stoopid Episode". Thanks for the help with your fantastic tutorial! - D

P.S. - Pioneer IS better than Optorite :)

I only own one DVD+RW DVD. It works on my Apex stand-alone for playback. I still think, for a newbie, it would help them to use a DVD RW just for practice. Blank DVDs are relatively cheap...still I would not have been happy to ruin any while I was still learning. I agree that RW runs into more compatability issues than R, but if your own system supports it, it can occassionally come in handy (like when trying a new recording technique or to record something you don't think you'll keep very long (your kid's Barney shows). RW is handy, as it gives you more flexibility. R is definitely better if you want to permanently store something and you know how to store it correctly.

lol - it sure is.

Thanks for the kind comments, appreciated!