How to identify and Backup a DVD 5 DVD


So what is the difference between a DVD 9 & DVD 5 disc then you might ask? Well most DVD movies are DVD 9 format which is a dual-layer disc and = 9.4 GB in size. Many though are single layer which is the DVD 5 format 4.7 GB , the same format as DVD±R/W, and these discs do not need to be reduced or re-encoded and can be easily backed up to DVDR. So here’s how to do it:-



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Tools needed

DVD Decrypter (FREE)

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If you do not already have it installed on your system then download and install DVD Decrypter

Once installed fire it up and click on Mode -> ISO -> Read as highlighted in the screenshot below







Now insert the DVD movie you wish to identify and/or backup into your DVD-ROM reader. As you can clearly see from the highlighted areas on the RHS of the screenshot below the inserted DVD here is clearly under 4.7 GB and a single layer disc.







Now if you wish to backup this movie click on Destination and either create a folder or select one where you wish the finished files to go. What in effect we are about to do is make an exact image of the disc in ISO format. So once you have selected the desired destination simply click on the Decrypt button highlighted on the LHS of the above screenshot as indicated.







Now we just sit back for a few moments as DVD Decrypter rips the DVD to an ISO image on your HD. How long it takes can depend on a number of variables including how efficient your DVD-ROM drive is at extracting the movie files and the movie itself.





Burning the ISO image to DVDR


Now place a blank DVDR/W disc into your DVDRW drive. Start DVD Decrypter again and click on Mode -> ISO -> Write as highlighted below.







Now click on the Source button and point to the ISO image of the disc you have just made.







It does not really matter which of the two files you open as DVD Decrypter will load the image into the main Gui and the picture below shows how it should now look.







Click on the Write button as highlighted above and we are away! Burn, burn, burn! I'm sitting back for 1/2 an hour with a cold beer myself while I wait for my 2X DVD-RW to burn away.







When finished playback the completed DVDR on your PC and test on your DVD player to make sure all is well and good. Congratulations, you have just made a copy of a DVD that is every bit as good quality wise as your original.




Laz © August 2003