Which Software for Best Backup Quality?

[The Toe Cutter]

Ok I've only backed up one of my DVD-5 movies so I'm a total NewB. I'm interesting in backing up my DVD-9 movies and have read the tutorials, but have a question regarding video/audio quality of a backup. I'm going to be watching the backups on a 53" HD TV so I would like the backup to be an EXACT copy (minus menu's/chapters/extra's etc)
I keep reading that DVDXCOPY will produce and EXACT perfect quality backup to 2 DVD-R's. Can someone confirm this?
However, reading the DVD Decrypter/Shrink tutorial someone mentioned taking the time to use these programs to get better quality than DVD Xcopy,so I'm confused.

I'll spend the money on Dvdxcopy if it means I'll get better video quality.
So can I get perfect quality with DVD shrink if I have to compress the main movie?

Thanks for any help

 

[aybesea]

DVDXCopy will, indeed, make an exact copy (albeit on 2 DVDRs for a DVD-9). No loss in quality. Very easy to use.

DVDShrink will not make an exact copy. It will reduce the bits to fit (assuming the "movie only" was too large to start with). So there is a loss in quality.

I have a Hitachi 54" and use both DVDXCopy and DVDShrink on a regular basis. Shrink works well (as does DVD2One, InstantCopy, etc) depending on how much reduction is required.

 

[The-poacher]

Compress & U lose Quality (But I find not much but I havent got a 53 inch TV)) But if U strip just the Movie & 1 Audio track from a movie (with decrypter) U may end up with maybe 5 GB & U could use DVDshrink to compress it slightly & the loss may not be too bad

However DVDXcopy (which I have never used) can turn your DVD 9 into 2 DVDR's without compression & U could keep all the crap menus etc.

Going On from that U could use the Chicken mans

Tutorial

I reckon he could advise U on putting the end result on 2 DVDR.

 

[PC-GUY]

Dvdxcopy Xpress will make a backup copy of dvd9 on one dvd. But you can do the same thing with a few free programs and a little help from Laz. The Totally FREE & Easy DVD Backup Guide. I've used both. Using Laz method I can tell you I didn't see a difference on a 60" HD TV but I didn't play the original first and then the backup. Tell you what neither did a room full of people who didn't have a problem with the pic. I would say buy a dvd rw and try it and see which one you like.

 

[The Toe Cutter]

Thank you both for the replies. Interesting...My big screen is also Hitachi (not ultravision model though). I figured that any compression of the main movie and I'll lose quality. I think I"ll just experiment and see what the quality is after I compress.
One more question.... As most of my DVDs are dual layer there are movies that after removing features/menus/subtitles, etc will fit on 4.8gig DVD-R without compression right? Which would mean no loss of quality using DVD shrink/etc?

Thanks I'm trying to learn all this stuff and this site has been a great help !!

 

[The-poacher]

Yes when cut down some will fit a 4.7 GB DVDR but the actual space is smaller.
I find nearly all troubles with backups come at the edge of the DVDR so I always compress etc mine so they are 4.25 GB which leaves a small unburned edge on the DVDR.

 

[Beeblebrox]

I use DVD Shrink and am VERY satisfied with it. It's incredibly flexible and very fast. You can either recompress the movie to fit the whole thing on DVD-5 or you can strip out all the extras and fit just the movie on a disc.

I usually recompress the movies and copy everything, but the quality is quite acceptable.

 

[dnetzero]

Check out this site for no loss backup, demo available
www.dvd-replica.com

 

[MackemX]

Check out this site for no loss backup, demo available
www.dvd-replica.com

didn't it violate GPL?

it didn't go down to well at Doom9 HERE and HERE and then also had a dramatic 3 day sale price drop on 17/10 from $40 to $10 (which is now extended to 31/10)

anyway, just to let people know that DVDstripper splits to two DVD's keeping menu's. All original scene selection chapters points etc will work and you can also remove all the crap you don't want also from both DVD's

the DVDStripper forum is just next door HERE. If you want to know more or use the link in my signature to see more details about what it can do