"....doesn't make any difference to the copy?" I'm not sure what you mean by that, but rest assured that having a non-seamless flag (the better name for what we are talking about) that corresponds to the physical layer break IS important to many DVD players, especially older ones. Without it, you may encounter a lock-up/freeze when the player encounters the end of the first layer. The flag provides a pause and alerts the player that it must switch layers at a specific sector.
Yes, I looked at both of your links. The first illustrates the tedious task I am currently saddled with to put the seamless flag back on the cell that it was originally at before CloneDVD stripped it. That supports my rationale for requesting that leaving it alone be added as an option - thanks!
In the second one, Webslinger asserts that it is not possible to keep it because CloneDVD is a transcoder, and references other transcoders as not being able to keep it. First of all, I THINK he's making the point that if you are transcoding a dual layer disc to a single layer disc, the non-seamless flag corresponding to the original layer break is irrelevant. I agree with that case - as a matter of a fact, it would be undesireable to keep it as your player might pause needlessly during the movie. On the other hand, I believe DVDShrink DOES have an option to remove the non-seamless/LB flag, so it is an example of a transcoder that provides the option, except that DVDShrink's default is to keep it. Finally, if it is possible for CloneDVD to remove the flag, it is certainly possible, and EASIER, for it to leave it alone! As it is, CloneDVD is hardwired for people wishing to transcode their dual layer DVDs to a single layer copy, but with the price of dual layer blanks so so, I've chosen to not bother with that any more.
My typical ripping scenario is:
1. Rip with CloneDVD (AnyDVD active) with the dual layer profile (100% quality).
2. Clean up the files in PGCEdit, and run through the steps in your first link to re-insert the flag in the original position.
3. Burn the files directly with ImgBurn's "build" mode. This allows me to select the original layer break point and provides a cleaned up copy that is closest to the functionality of the original DVD, minus the nasty protection (some artifacts of which are retained when using CloneCD or other ISO building software to make an image directly with AnyDVD active - CloneDVD cleans up the cell structure better).
In summary: yes, the retention of the non-seamless flag/layer break (at least any layer break) IS important when burning to a dual layer blank, and yes, other software does indeed leave it in place, or provide an option to leave it in place. CloneDVDs inflexible removal of the flag is not friendly for us dual layer burning folks, and makes us jump through extra hoops to put it back in. Perhaps leaving it alone could be the default if one is copying with the DVD9/DL profile and remove it if using the DVD5 profile?!
Regards,
fordman