Question:
When should I use "rip to image"?
Answer
a) With dvds, probably never
b) If you just want to mount an .iso in Virtual Clonedrive, and watch the movie, then "rip to image" is probably fine.
The resulting rip from dvds containing structural protection when using "rip to image" may not be compliant with a lot of third party programs. So "rip to video-dvd to hardisk" is preferable. click
http://forum.slysoft.com/showthread.php?t=3992. For Blu-rays it doesn't mattter. For dvds, it can matter (a lot).
"Rip to image" should typically not be used with dvds; that feature was implemented mostly for Blu-ray and HD-DVD users. And it's no coincidence that Blu-rays and HD-DVDs do not contain structural protection.
Question:
O.k., but I want to create an .iso, and you're telling me not to use "rip to image". What should I do instead?
Answer
Use Clonedvd to create an .iso. Clonedvd rips faster, and you can remove unwanted material before ripping. Also, when you create .isos with Clonedvd, you can be assured structural protection is completely removed with dvds; this is preferable to using "rip to image" in Anydvd with dvds. Clonedvd makes a lot more sense to use with dvds than using Anydvd to rip in those instances, especially if you want to produce output that is complaint with a lot of third party programs.
Alternatively, use "rip video-dvd to harddisk", and then use a third party program to create an .iso from the files you just ripped to your hard drive.