1. In the Quality settings which is the best option to choose from to not lose any quality? When I look at the bar it seems DVD+/-R DL is the best at 100% but I don't really know what the difference is between that and the other options besides that the quality meter goes down on the others. Is there some difference besides quality between the options?
Hi XenosagaLover!
I can take a crack at this from my own use of CloneDVD...
The Quality Setting controls the size of the output file and therefore the amount of compression applied to create the output.
If what you're interested in is a lossless backup to just watch on your computer (and not burn to disc), keep the Quality Setting at
DVD+/-R DL (it's highest setting) to ensure compression isn't used no matter what size DVD you're backing up.
I set DVD+/-R DL for a DVD9 disc, then forgot to change this setting for other dvds. Any reason not to leave it on DVD+/-R DL for best quality if I'll just play the files from my NAS?
I really don't think so.
I never change mine from
DL, unless it's one of the rare times I need to burn a double-layer movie to a single-layer disc. Then the
DVD-5 setting will compress the movie so it fits.
But if you're just creating a file to watch on the computer, leaving it at DL should be fine - so you always get best quality.
2. For the output method which is the best for lossless quality DVD Files or ISO/UDF Image? What is the difference between the two? I am confused on this.
This depends on what you're trying to do.
BTW, the "lossless quality" aspect is controlled by the Quality Setting just mentioned, not this, the Output setting.
If your interest is to create a backup of the movie that contains just the Main Movie and nothing else, not even the Menu, then you'd probably just create a "DVD Files" output, which is a folder that when played will just play your movie.
If you want basically an identical copy of the DVD disc - menus, extras, and all - to play on your computer then really either option is valid and it's a matter of taste.
First off, before deciding on output method, you'd make sure to click all Titles on the selection screen and make sure "Preserve Menus" is checked. This re-creates the entire DVD.
If you use the "DVD Files" option, then you'll have an output DVD folder which will play in any Media Player. AnyDVD doesn't operate on folders though, just discs, so changing AnyDVD settings while playing a folder will have no effect (... to my knowledge. Someone correct me if this is not entirely accurate).
If you use the "Iso/UDF Image" option, an .iso file is produced. Many Media Players can't play .iso's directly. You'd first have to mount it using VirtualClone Drive. Then it appears as a disc mounted in a "virtual drive". And any Media Player can play it on the drive.
Since this appears as a disc in the computer, AnyDVD treats it like the any other disc. AnyDVD settings in general - and changes made in AnyDVD while it's mounted - do affect how it plays.
The only other consideration I can think of may be time. CloneDVD creates a DVD folder no matter what output option you chose. But for .iso's (and for burning discs), there an additional step to convert the folder to the output specified. So making an .iso would take a little longer than creating a DVD folder.
3. In the Audio and Subtitles Settings what is the difference between English Dolby AC-3/6 or 3/2? Does one need both for the dvd to run fine?
You got me on that one.
My preference is to have an .iso that is exactly like the DVD disc, so I select all Audio and Subtitles that are available on the disc.
All of this is according to my understanding from working with CloneDVD these years.
If something I've stated is not exactly right, I hope the app experts will sound out and correct it. :=)
T