DVD Copying – The basics

Remove, Shrink, Split ?

Currently there are many applications available that are able to let you choose what parts of the DVD movie should be copied to a DVD recordable. By selecting the right information you can rip the movie to your hard drive and see if it will fit on the DVD recordable, if it fits that’s great and you can burn it. If not there are still two options, shrinking or splitting.

Shrinking the data is probably the most used option. Simplified there is software available that is able to compress the data of a DVD-9 movie to make it fit on a DVD recordable. These software packages are commonly referred to as compression engines, remuxers, transcoders or encoders. The software is able to compress the MPEG-2 compressed movies in such a way that you are almost not able to see that you are looking at a copy, while bringing down the amount of data used and making it possible to fit on a DVD recordable.

The compression of the movie is a very intensive task for your computer and the faster your system is, the less time you will have to spend on this process. Generally you should take at least 2 hours time for the entire process to complete with an average system.

Some software is also able to split the movie to several discs, the disadvantage of this is that you will have to change the discs while watching. Generally shrinking the movie is preferred.

Burn!

After ripping, there is shrinking, removing or splitting, and after that you probably want to burn the movie to a DVD recordable to conveniently watch it on your home entertainment set. There are several packages available that allow you to burn your disc. When done you will have a perfect backup copy of your favorite movie.

Important issue is if your DVD recorder records on DVD+R(W) or DVD-R(W) media, you will need to test if your DVD player is able to playback the media written by your DVD recorder. If you write it to rewriteable media the chance that your DVD player is able to read itm is slightly lower but you will not be wasting a disc if there goes something wrong.

The right software:

Understanding the process of making a DVD backup might seem easy, but as said we only discussed the basics. If you are a normal home user you will be able to create a backup this way. If you are a demanding user you might want to search for more in depth information on all subjects. Probably the easiest way to get know with creating DVD backups is probably by trying some of the software around. This way you will be able to find out what gives you the best quality and the best setting. Below you will find a variety of software packages that you might want to try.

For those who are not interested, we also listed some all in one solutions that will enable you to make a copy without any hassle. We have picked the software we have seen to be used the most, based on reports of users on our forums. There are more packages around, but with one of these, you will never be wrong.

Ripping:

For ripping there are currently two utilities that are very popular.

• DVD decrypter – This software is freely available and is able to remove the DeCSS protection, it allows you to select which parts of the movie to rip and is even able to burn the files to a DVD recordable. Freeware – software is discontinued -  
  
• AnyDVD – This software is able to remove the DeCSS protection, but is
  able to do this on the fly. Where you need to spend a lot of time with DVD Decrypter to copy the movie  to your hard disk, this software allows you to rip and burn. Insert the disc in a DVD reading device, and use your favorite software to remove content, split discs or transcode.
  - recommended - 
  
• DVD Fab -This is all-in-one DVD copying/converting/burning software. In just one or two steps, you can copy any DVD to DVDR/PSP/iPod, with the power of 5 DVD to DVD copy mode and 3 DVD to Mobile copy mode.

Transcoding:

• DVD Shrink (also ripping) – This free software does a good job in transcoding and is also able to rip the contents of  the DVD. Its strongest points are the possibility to set the compression level, the ability to rip content and that it is totally free. – Freeware

Transcoding + Burning:

• CloneDVD - This software has been developed by Elby, the developers of CloneCD. Has one of the best looking user interfaces and a well performing transcoding engine. Of course burning is neither a problem. Also works well with AnyDVD.  
• Nero Recode - Rumors are that it is based on DVDShrink, because of the similiarities with that software, is included in the Nero package and therefore also has the ability to burn to a DVD.
• 1ClickDVDCopy – This is the most easy to use solution. If you are not an expert and just want to make a casual backup/copy of movies then this software is what you should get! - recommended –

Burning: 

• CopyToDVD - Small tool developed by the French software company VSO-Software, creates DVD compliant discs. Its engine is also used in other products and the software is optimized to work with DVD2One. Together they are a  perfect and powerful solution.  
• Nero  - Being the emperor of CD burning, this software of course also allows DVD burning. Select the files you have ripped and/or transcoded and burn them to a DVD recordable.  
• Easy CD/DVD Creator - Widely used and easy to use. When you have already installed this software, there is no need to purchase something else.   

More information:

That’s all you need to know, but of course you will probably find exceptions that will make life more difficult. Of course we also have a solution for this. Our forums! Club CD Freaks.com is the largest CD/DVD community on the internet and chances are big someone will be able to assist you in your quest to the perfect backup.

Also in case you would like to post feedback about this article, the forum is the place to be!

Club CD Freaks - Knowlegde is Power - Related forums:

• Start: Recording Hardware Forum
• Step1:DVD Ripping/Reading Forum
• Step2:Transcoding Software Forum (Shrink/Remove/Split)
• Step3:Recording Software Forum
• Extra:DVD Authoring