Do you have problems with Clonecd, DL blanks, and backing up movies?

The following is my preferred method of backing up my dvd-videos (I also usually have Anydvd set to "jump directly to title menu"--but that feature in Anydvd may not work properly with all discs and may actually make some backups unplayable). I actually don't use Clonedvd2 very often.


(I am not advocating the exclusive sale of Verbatim +R DL discs made in Singapore nor MAM-A 8x +R DLs; however, they are probably the best DL discs generally available, and if you use something else and experience issues, well, you'll know the reason why)

Using this method, you do not need to waste time using several different programs or having to rip first (and then switch to another program to burn)--and you get a backup that is unmarred by compressed, lossy video quality (nor do you have to waste time transcoding or encoding).

Follow these steps:

1. Update your burner's firmware if possible. Visit your burner's website to check for firmware upgrades.
If you don't know how to go about doing this, visit http://forum.slysoft.com/showthread.php?t=18731

2. Use Verbatim +R DL discs (ensure they are made in Singapore) or MAM-A 8x +R DLs; if you try other types of DL media you may run the risk of getting bad quality burns (I said "may" not "will").

3. a) Have the latest version of AnyDVD running on your toolbar (try the free 21 day trial if you don't own it). Check the sticky articles (very top) of the AnyDVD board for the latest versions.


b) Ensure you're using the latest version of Clonecd (try the free 21 day trial if you don't own it). Check the sticky articles (very top) of the CloneCD board for the latest versions.


4. Change the booktype of the +R DL media to "dvd-rom". This step improves the chances of playability in/compatibility with (standalone, mostly) dvd players. The best way to do this is through the software that came with your burner (if possible).

Otherwise, use Imburn to do this if you need to.

a) Download and install imgburn:
http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=download
This is also a free program
b) Insert your blank media in your burner.
c) Select your burner in the "Destination" drop down box.
d) Click "Tools"-->"Drive"-->"Change Booktype"
e) Choose your burner
f) Under "Change For:", select what you're using
g) If your current setting is "dvd-rom", leave everything alone and exit Imgburn and ignore step "h)"
h) Under "New setting", select "dvd-rom". Click "Change" and then "Ok". Exit Imgburn

Some drives lose their settings each time you eject or possibly reboot, so you might have to do this each and every time before you burn.
You can skip this step if your burner defaults booktype to "dvd-rom" automatically with the various +R types of blank media.

5. Use Clonecd (not Clonedvd2) to retain to original layer break position. Clonedvd2 cannot do this (nor can Shrink, Recode, and other transcoder based applications). And you can only retain the original layer break position when using +R DL blank discs.

6. With Anydvd running in the background, open Clonecd and choose "copy cd" (two discs icon). Select your reader. Click Next. DVD should be the only option. Click Next. I generally do not recommend "copy on the fly" unless you know what you're doing. Click Next. Choose Your Burner. Click Next. Select an appropriate burn speed. Generally, a 4x write speed works well with Verbatim +R DL media that is advertised at 2.4x (burning at 4x generally produces very nice pi/po and jitter scans). But some burners are fine burning this stuff at 6x (and possibly higher). Get to know your burner. Burn speeds in Clonecd will be dependent on the blank media you use and your burner's firmware.

Problem solved