Casino royale pain in the rear

[SamuriHL]

Using DL mode depends on the movie. I nearly always compress all my movies to DVD-5 in the end and the savings I get using VobBlanker [see further down in the post where SamuriHL mentions it] aren't worth ripping as a DL to my HDD.

That's an interesting approach. If I know I'm going to do ANY post processing on the movie, I always rip it DL to my external hard drive and then worry about compression as the last step. Still, I see your point about why bother if you can do it in step 1. VobBlanker won't save much if you're just doing logos and stuff, but, occasionally, and more and more, I'm seeing trailers embedded in places CloneDVD can't touch. Yea, it may only be 50-100 megs, but, space is space as far as I'm concerned. Nonetheless, if it's a movie that doesn't require a lot of compression, I'm right there with you on the CloneDVD transcoding process. If it requires more compression I'll opt for either Recode, DVD-RB if it needs a LOT, or DL discs if I have any kicking around. (I don't currently, so, I'm doing DVD-RB on larger discs until I get some more DL discs).

I always do this step, period. It takes all of 5 minutes or so even if it isn't needed but when it is needed it's priceless!

I'm beginning to see the light on this one. FixVTS may not seem necessary to a lot of people, but, trust me, it's not a bad thing to do. Really.

For this step I already know if I will even need because I check the DVD before I've even ripped it. As noted, yes, totally optional and sometimes not even needed. It all depends on who released the DVD.

Yea, I use CloneDVD to preview the movie and titlesets, as well, so I know what I'm up against. Very smart thing to do. For these latest Sony titles, this has become quite necessary unfortunately.

I use CloneDVD 99% of the time and Recode the rest. It depends on the movie. One movie in particular just didn't look right when I compressed with CloneDVD so I used Recode and it definitely looked better.

I use Recode when the compression rate gets to a certain point. Otherwise I just let CloneDVD deal with it. But when I start getting into the 60% range I either opt for DL if have one or I go with an overnight DVD-RB encode using HCEnc. Quality is SUPERB when doing that.

I use Ahead Nero Burning ROM Ultra 7. I use 16x DVD+Rs and burn at 12x with verification turned on. The reason I don't use CloneDVD to burn is the lack of verification when the burn is complete.

Nero's fine. I have it but I dislike it immensely. I use Recode, but, I feel that Nero 6 started a trend that Nero 7 has taken to a whole new level...bloatware. At the moment I only have Recode and Burning Rom itself installed from the 150+ meg installer. What a waste. I'd have stuck with 6 if it was Vista compatible. I was using CopyToDVD for a while but when I went to Vista last year it started flaking out on me. They've recently released a new version that I've installed but haven't played with yet. IMGBurn is working fine for me so I see no reason to change. Oh, and a comment on the verification...I'd turn AnyDVD OFF if you're going to do that. You could run into issues if you don't.

You summed it up perfectly. I just threw in a few comments.

Thank you. I can be taught.

 

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

VobBlanker won't save much if you're just doing logos and stuff, but, occasionally, and more and more, I'm seeing trailers embedded in places CloneDVD can't touch. Yea, it may only be 50-100 megs, but, space is space as far as I'm concerned.

I haven't run across a movie like this yet that I'm aware of. When I do then I may change my approach. Thanks for the heads up.

Yea, I use CloneDVD to preview the movie and titlesets, as well, so I know what I'm up against. Very smart thing to do. For these latest Sony titles, this has become quite necessary unfortunately.

Well, I mean I actually open the DVD up using VobBlanker from the DVD drive before I even rip it. Then I see if there are any buried warnings, etc, and already know how I'll proceed with the process.

I use Recode when the compression rate gets to a certain point. Otherwise I just let CloneDVD deal with it. But when I start getting into the 60% range I either opt for DL if have one or I go with an overnight DVD-RB encode using HCEnc. Quality is SUPERB when doing that.

I'll have to admit here that I've never used DVD Rebuilder. I know how to get DVD Shrink and Recode and CloneDVD to do what I want and I'm pretty happy. I also tend to dislike the time involved in using programs other than CloneDVD. Yeah, I know, I'm anal-retentive but I also don't like to spend hours and hours on one backup, either. I like quality but it also has to balance out with speed.

Nero's fine. I have it but I dislike it immensely. I use Recode, but, I feel that Nero 6 started a trend that Nero 7 has taken to a whole new level...bloatware. At the moment I only have Recode and Burning Rom itself installed from the 150+ meg installer. What a waste.

No arguments about the size of it. I wish they stuck with the multiple downloads for the different packages. The huge installer takes forever to get since their servers can't handle the load and it takes literally 10 or more minutes to install/update the damn thing.

I will note, however, you can download only the necessary updates from within the program itself. I will never use that method again, however. I did it once and it downloaded partially and I was left with a mangled install of Nero that wouldn't let me install a new downloaded full version or uninstall the existing version. I had to use the Nero cleaning tool that Ahead has on their website to fix the problem. From now on it's only the full downloaded installer for me.

And no packet writing software will ever reside on my system.

Oh, and a comment on the verification...I'd turn AnyDVD OFF if you're going to do that. You could run into issues if you don't.

I have yet to have any problems with verification and AnyDVD. I've had maybe 5 coasters that I'll blame on the fact that I use Sony 16x DVD+Rs which we both know Sony doesn't make! A few bad burns comes with the territory.

Thank you. I can be taught.

LOL. Well, thank you for showing me at least someone is gaining insight from me and thank you for making me think about how and why I do things the way I do.

 

[SamuriHL]

I haven't run across a movie like this yet that I'm aware of. When I do then I may change my approach. Thanks for the heads up.

I can't think of any off the top of my head, but, there have been some where the freaking trailers were embedded into the *MENU*. Yea, you read that right. Only VobBlanker and probably DVDRemakePro can deal with that kind of a mess.

Well, I mean I actually open the DVD up using VobBlanker from the DVD drive before I even rip it. Then I see if there are any buried warnings, etc, and already know how I'll proceed with the process.

I'm not overly fond of VobBlanker's preview system. It works, and it's fine, I just prefer the way CloneDVD is done. Yes, you're right, I could miss things that way, but, I tend to do a quick scan in CloneDVD to see what's there and then open it up in PowerDVD for a full scan.

I'll have to admit here that I've never used DVD Rebuilder. I know how to get DVD Shrink and Recode and CloneDVD to do what I want and I'm pretty happy. I also tend to dislike the time involved in using programs other than CloneDVD. Yeah, I know, I'm anal-retentive but I also don't like to spend hours and hours on one backup, either. I like quality but it also has to balance out with speed.

Funny you should mention the time it takes DVD-RB to run. Blutach was mentioning that in a thread over on CDF a few days ago and how he finds it laughable when people complain about the time. I won't go that far, but, the point that needs to be made about it is this...if you're going to take the time to do a backup, take the time to do it right. When people complain about how long it takes for DVD-RB to do its magic, they fail to realize that you don't just sit in front of the machine and click buttons all night. It's a one step process. Literally. Open the source folder, click "process". Done. Set it up before you go to bed if you only have one machine. Or run it in a low priority thread if you want to do it while doing other things. The point being, *YOU* won't spend hours and hours on the backup, the MACHINE will. And it can be set to auto-burn with IMGBurn if you'd like. I don't use that option as I like to verify quality and playback before burning but nonetheless, DVD-RB is a very viable option. Plus the Pro version has some SWEET features like "steal space from extras" as percentages so you can give more space to the main movie but keep the extras. Or it can autoblank everything but the menus and movie, etc. I *HIGHLY* recommend checking it out. I think the time thing scares people away, but, once you use it once and see the difference in quality, you'll be hard pressed not to use it on those longer movies.

No arguments about the size of it. I wish they stuck with the multiple downloads for the different packages. The huge installer takes forever to get since their servers can't handle the load and it takes literally 10 or more minutes to install/update the damn thing.

I will note, however, you can download only the necessary updates from within the program itself. I will never use that method again, however. I did it once and it downloaded partially and I was left with a mangled install of Nero that wouldn't let me install a new downloaded full version or uninstall the existing version. I had to use the Nero cleaning tool that Ahead has on their website to fix the problem. From now on it's only the full downloaded installer for me.

And no packet writing software will ever reside on my system.

Nero 7 is just a hog in every way. It eats memory just running the thing. Recode is good...I have no problems with it which is the ONLY reason I keep Nero installed these days. I can't remember the last time I burned with Nero. That sucks about the installation getting fried, although I'm not surprised. When Nero 8 comes out I'll have to really think hard about whether I want to upgrade again. Nero 7 has NOT impressed me at all.

I have yet to have any problems with verification and AnyDVD. I've had maybe 5 coasters that I'll blame on the fact that I use Sony 16x DVD+Rs which we both know Sony doesn't make! A few bad burns comes with the territory.

I use Verbatim on all my burns, so, I never have issues. That's good that AnyDVD doesn't seem to mess with your verification. I know with IMGBurn the author was concerned about that happening. I don't verify (probably should, but, whatever) so I've not had any problems. Not one of my burns with IMGBurn has failed to read ever, so, I can't really complain.

LOL. Well, thank you for showing me at least someone is gaining insight from me and thank you for making me think about how and why I do things the way I do.

It's an evolutionary thing. With DVD backups, there's a million different ways to go about it. Hence why I'm always curious as to people's methods. I like learning new tips. Even if I don't personally use them myself, I can at least pass them on to others who may. That's why I love forums like this and CDF...knowledge is everything.

 

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

Funny you should mention the time it takes DVD-RB to run. Blutach was mentioning that in a thread over on CDF a few days ago and how he finds it laughable when people complain about the time. I won't go that far, but, the point that needs to be made about it is this...if you're going to take the time to do a backup, take the time to do it right. When people complain about how long it takes for DVD-RB to do its magic, they fail to realize that you don't just sit in front of the machine and click buttons all night. It's a one step process.
<snip>

Well, all that you are saying makes complete sense. With my way of doing backups it has a huge impact, however. I tend to backup movies in batches. What I mean is that I rip anywhere from 2 to 10 DVDs to the HDD and then go about FixVTS and the further steps until they are all completed. Then lastly, I burn one backup after another. So, for me, letting Recode or DVD-RB work its magic overnight doesn't fit into my game plan. Nonetheless, I will definitely look into the program.

Nero 7 is just a hog in every way. It eats memory just running the thing. Recode is good...I have no problems with it which is the ONLY reason I keep Nero installed these days. I can't remember the last time I burned with Nero. That sucks about the installation getting fried, although I'm not surprised. When Nero 8 comes out I'll have to really think hard about whether I want to upgrade again. Nero 7 has NOT impressed me at all.

No arguments about it being a hog but it's always been reliable for me. It gets the job done. I definitely foresee them changing how its packaged with Nero 8. They know the installer is too big. They even added Bitorrent links for downloading but that doesn't really resolve the issue and I know they are well aware of that.

I dumped Virtual CloneDrive due to some issues and now use Nero ImageDrive. Works lovely for my uses once I associated the image files with ImageDrive.

I use Verbatim on all my burns, so, I never have issues. That's good that AnyDVD doesn't seem to mess with your verification. I know with IMGBurn the author was concerned about that happening. I don't verify (probably should, but, whatever) so I've not had any problems. Not one of my burns with IMGBurn has failed to read ever, so, I can't really complain.

I did a test using ImgBurn awhile ago and posted about it on CD Freaks. I couldn't get verify to fail whenever I used it and had verification turned on.

It's an evolutionary thing. With DVD backups, there's a million different ways to go about it. Hence why I'm always curious as to people's methods. I like learning new tips. Even if I don't personally use them myself, I can at least pass them on to others who may. That's why I love forums like this and CDF...knowledge is everything.

Very true, indeed. Hey, I would never have tried VobBlanker if I hadn't seen others mentioning it. Same goes for DVD-RB that I will try soon enough. We learn as we go and we pick up tips from others. In the end we may not all agree but we help ourselves and other people at the same time.

PS: Ugh, I had to rewrite this post because you can't use more than 4-5 images or smilies in a post?

PPS: And of course remember to use FixVTS on movies like Casino Royale! Gotta keep this somehow on topic

 

[SamuriHL]

Well, all that you are saying makes complete sense. With my way of doing backups it has a huge impact, however. I tend to backup movies in batches. What I mean is that I rip anywhere from 2 to 10 DVDs to the HDD and then go about FixVTS and the further steps until they are all completed. Then lastly, I burn one backup after another. So, for me, letting Recode or DVD-RB work its magic overnight doesn't fit into my game plan. Nonetheless, I will definitely look into the program.

I'm not suggesting you abandon your current method. What I'm saying is that when you get to a certain percentage it might behoove you to look into DVD-RB as a one off, if you will. I definitely don't use it every time but on those longer movies, DEFINITELY worth taking the extra bit of time. And once you do it once, you'll find it's EXTREMELY easy to do.

No arguments about it being a hog but it's always been reliable for me. It gets the job done. I definitely foresee them changing how its packaged with Nero 8. They know the installer is too big. They even added Bitorrent links for downloading but that doesn't really resolve the issue and I know they are well aware of that.

I dumped Virtual CloneDrive due to some issues and now use Nero ImageDrive. Works lovely for my uses once I associated the image files with ImageDrive.

I like Virtual CloneDrive. Once they add HD-DVD and BluRay image support, it'll be VERY nice. As for Nero, packaging is the least of my concerns with them. I WISH I could do a stand alone recode install like I did for 6. (Don't ask...I hacked the crap out of it to get it to work and haven't taken the time to do so for 7).

I did a test using ImgBurn awhile ago and posted about it on CD Freaks. I couldn't get verify to fail whenever I used it and had verification turned on.

That's not a bad thing IMO. I don't particularly want the verification process to fail.

Very true, indeed. Hey, I would never have tried VobBlanker if I hadn't seen others mentioning it. Same goes for DVD-RB that I will try soon enough. We learn as we go and we pick up tips from others. In the end we may not all agree but we help ourselves and other people at the same time.

PS: Ugh, I had to rewrite this post because you can't use more than 4-5 images or smilies in a post?

PPS: And of course remember to use FixVTS on movies like Casino Royale! Gotta keep this somehow on topic

ROFLMAO! But yes, helping others is definitely a good thing. There was a time when all of us had NO FREAKING CLUE what we were doing and were helped by others. I feel it's a responsibility to help others as a way of saying thanks to those that came before us.

 

[waxman]

Using DL mode depends on the movie. I nearly always compress all my movies to DVD-5 in the end and the savings I get using VobBlanker [see further down in the post where SamuriHL mentions it] aren't worth ripping as a DL to my HDD.



I always do this step, period. It takes all of 5 minutes or so even if it isn't needed but when it is needed it's priceless!



For this step I already know if I will even need because I check the DVD before I've even ripped it. As noted, yes, totally optional and sometimes not even needed. It all depends on who released the DVD.



I use CloneDVD 99% of the time and Recode the rest. It depends on the movie. One movie in particular just didn't look right when I compressed with CloneDVD so I used Recode and it definitely looked better.

For anyone curious as to the movie it was Sex Traffic [produced by Granada Television & Big Motion Pictures and Co-produced by Channel 4 and CBC Corp] and is a 180 minute movie on a single DVD. It's a two-part mini-series - 1.5 hrs per episode - with both parts on the DVD plus for each episode there are two versions with one version having commentary so space is wasted. We're talking 6 hrs of video on the DVD. Ugh. The entire space used on the DL DVD is 7899 MB and there are no worthless trailers or other junk. I did remove the commentary titles in my backup, however. Shockingly depressing movie and a hell of an eye-opener. Definitely not for kids or those weak of heart when it comes to portrayals of the depravity of humanity. Amazingly well done and Anamaria Marinca is superb in her role for which she won numerous awards.



I use Ahead Nero Burning ROM Ultra 7. I use 16x DVD+Rs and burn at 12x with verification turned on. The reason I don't use CloneDVD to burn is the lack of verification when the burn is complete.



You summed it up perfectly. I just threw in a few comments.

Thanks for the info from both of you. I am going to try doing some different things and I like how you guys are doing it. Thanks for the help.

 

[SamuriHL]

Thanks for the info from both of you. I am going to try doing some different things and I like how you guys are doing it. Thanks for the help.

If you have any issues or questions, just let us know. Either of us will be happy to help.

 

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

If you have any issues or questions, just let us know. Either of us will be happy to help.

If I can answer a question or help with a problem, I will.

 

[catman]

Use Clonedvd with anydvd I had no problem.8)

Ditto here for a newbie.

Ran it tonight flawlessly with the above-mentioned programs without problem.