This forum has been incredible in getting me up to speed on archiving my vast DVD collection. Thanks to all contributors, it's much appreciated. I'm just slightly confused on (1) issue which is when to rip in "ISO" mode and when to rip using "File" mode. The guides I've found here will state using one mode and then another guide will state using the other. I originally had Nero 6 Ultra Suite before I obtained DVD Shrink & DVD Decrypter. It's my understanding that Nero (my preferred burning engine) only reads IFO, Bup, Vob files (File mode) but DVD Shrink & DVD Decrypter both have the ability to save in either mode and a lot of the guides found here instruct in using the ISO mode. I have to assume that those of you more knowledgeable than me have a reason for saving in ISO mode. Could someone enlighten me as to what the pros/cons of using either of these modes? Your input is greatly appreciated, jkd_ba
Generally speaking it's just a matter of personal preference. I usually rip in ISO mode because I like to keep all my backups in a single directory and I have a 160GB hard drive dedicated to various stages of backing up several discs at any given time. I also tend to rip my DVDs as soon as I get them (especially my kids' movies) and later I use DVD Stripper to remove unwanted material. Since DVD Stripper requires a disc instead of just files, I mount the image to a virtual drive to be ripped a second time for Stripper. Once again, just a matter of how I like to do things.
now that shrink will open iso files i really do think there is no difference. i used to use shrink to analyse then nero to burn (slipping in decrypter in file mode if shrink could'nt handle the original) but now with shrink doing iso files.......is just down to each individual.
ps..... if it takes less than an hour to do a back up then there is no right or wrong way.......only the result!!!!
Exactly my point. It comes down to personal preferences and requirements for the tools you use. If you're happy with your methods and results you're doing it right.
