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Busy Mom needs easy backup for toddlers DVDs

Discussion in 'Copy DVD to DVDR' started by Amommynow, Jan 4, 2008.

  1. Amommynow

    Amommynow Member

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    Hello all,
    I have an active 2 year old who loves Thomas the train, Mickey Mouse, Elmo etc... typical kiddie stuff. Being the great kid he is he was spoiled this holiday with lots of DVDs. I need to make backups before he "help mommy, me help" and damages them or they get damaged going in and out, and in and out, and in and out, toddlers just love repetition :)
    I really need one program if possible due to time issues (busy mommy etc :) Can spend some money for "the right" program (around $50 or so). It must have episodic support since most of his DVDs are cartoon episodes. Also worried about the new protections coming out... these are new DVDs Dec 2007 and I am sure he will get more from grandparents this coming year/s. I read somewhere about restoring scratched DVDs, that would be great.
    I have Windows XP, 1 DVD drive and 1 DVD+R drive in my computer.
    Thanks
     
  2. creaky

    creaky Moderator Staff Member

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    Hi and welcome, great username btw, bless :)

    I wholeheartedly recommend DVDFab HD Decrypter (permanently free version though there are paid versions that have/do more)

    http://www.dvdfab.com/free.htm - all versions, including free version, are frequently updated (getting the updates, and regularly, is very important as you've highlighted, i go looking for updates a few times a week).

    I think the paid versions offer an all-in-one solution (including burning), but am not sure as i've only ever used the free version, though that link should answer that for you..

    All i really use is DVDFab as i've mentioned, to rip, then the free and awesome DVD Shrink if the movie needs any compressing to fit on single layer blanks (i don't/won't use dual layer blanks, they're a ripoff and just not necessary in my opinion). Then i burn with Nero Burning Rom though there are free alternatives.

    For episodic discs, DVD Shrink can't give very good results at all, though for a toddler's viewing the quality is more than good enough.
    I no longer use DVD Shrink for episodic discs due to it not being able to give decent quality so i use DVD Rebuilder. There are other alternatives though, such as Clonedvd by Slysoft - http://www.slysoft.com/en/clonedvd.html though i don't use their products so don't know much about them, others will no doubt join the thread to offer their experience with these programs, and other alternatives.

     
  3. ZoSoIV

    ZoSoIV Active member

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    freeware, I know you said you didn't necessary want freeware but its an option vvvv

    1. dvdfab decrypter to rip dvd shrink to transcode(sometimes you will need to use FixVTS or VOB Blanker to clean the file before transcoding with dvd shrink) then nero, imgburn or dvd decrypter to burn.

    http://www.dvdfab.com/free.htm

    guides to use it

    http://webpages.charter.net/bacitup/

    pay programs

    1. clonedvd 2 +anydvd 21 day free trial updates for life very easy to use etc.

    http://www.slysoft.com/en/

    a guide to use it

    http://club.cdfreaks.com/f72/clonedvd-anydvd-guide-madbob-72022/

    2. dvdfab platinum (this is probably your best choice for ease of use and price)

    http://www.dvdfab.com/

    a guide to use it

    http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/480846#2943243
     
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2008
  4. creaky

    creaky Moderator Staff Member

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    post edited re ZoSoIV's posting habits.
     
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2008
  5. IHoe

    IHoe Senior member

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    I don't recommend DVDRebuilder for an active mom trying to take care of her 2 yr old and whatever else is going on in her life, especially a newbie at this. Don't get me wrong but for a newbie who wants to keep it simple and easy you can't go wrong with AnyDVD and CloneDVD2 by Slysoft.com. If you want the best quality out there then use the great program DVDRebuilder! No doubt about it. I use DVDRebuilder for my TV and episode DVDs..... but for a newbie..... I don't think so. It maybe a little too difficult for a mom taking care of a 2 yr old and a household or working mom! There are plenty of other programs out there that will do the trick...... my fav is what was told to you by Creaky and ZoSoIV! Just my opinion and 2 cents. it's well worth the price.
     
  6. creaky

    creaky Moderator Staff Member

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    Absolutely, i only mentioned Rebuilder for completeness (ie if someone else reads this), remember i always cater for more than just the thread in hand :)

    As i said, I think Shrink (or Clonedvd or something similar) will more than suffice for a toddler's viewing of episodic stuff..
     
  7. Amommynow

    Amommynow Member

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    Thank you all very much for your feedback. I am researching them and will let you know which options I try.
    Wish me luck :)
     
  8. Amommynow

    Amommynow Member

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    Downloading, installing and trying the free trial for DVDFab Platinum. If all goes well I will buy it, otherswise I will try others on your list. Thanks
     
  9. creaky

    creaky Moderator Staff Member

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    No problem, good luck (it's easy really), keep us posted
     
  10. ZoSoIV

    ZoSoIV Active member

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    I posted a step by step guide also for you. Keep in mind that program is on sale for 49.00 though today which would save you 30 dollars. I'm sure it will be on sale again but who knows when. Also theres no perfect program there will be movies that come out in which the software will need an update before you can back it up, this doesn't happen often just now and then "doing the move only" solves alot of problems on the hard to do movies
     
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2008
  11. rdmercer1

    rdmercer1 Active member

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    one of the best things you can buy to keep your dvd's looking new, and to keep them from dammage is d-skins, you can buy them at places like walmart, also one way to keep your dvd from geting dammaged is to move your dvd player up where your child can not get to it! good luck with what everyone have sugested, there are a lot of good people here, glad that you found this site.
     

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