Burning DVDs
 

I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to computers these days. After college I just stopped paying attention or making any real research efforts into software. I recently got a top of the line laptop (desktop replacement type) that has a DVD burner. All I really want to do is use it for backup purposes (read: porn/music storage). Burning CDs is easy, but only for music purposes.

What software to I need to put data files onto CDs or DVDs? I know this should be easy, but I'm functionally retarded at times. Also, if anybody has any good recommendations regarding DVD movie ripping/burning software, I would appreciate it. I'd love to turn my house into Blockbuster for $10.99 a month.

-Jihad

Re: Burning DVDs
 

DVDxCopy...works like a charm. First it copies the DVD to the hard drive then you put inthe blank disk andit copies it to the disk. Make sure you buy DVD-RWs, not -R's, +R's, or +RW's.

Re: Burning DVDs
 

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Make sure you buy DVD-RWs, not -R's, +R's, or +RW's.

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Any reason in particular? I thought that would depend on your DVD player more than anything else. Is that incorrect?

Re: Burning DVDs
 

Most software that burns data to your cd burner should work with your dvd burner. I sujest Nero for its functionality and ease of use. If your looking to burn dvd movies (from any file format) I sujest DVD santa for its ease of use and simplicity.

Re: Burning DVDs
 

DVDxCopy is only good for copying DVDs from disc to disc. You use -RW's because if there are any errors during the burn process you can reuse the disc instead of throwing $1.50 out the window with an -/+R. It seems that most DVD players will accept -RW where some will not accept +RWs. I know one of the reasons I went with -RW instead of + is that PS2 will play movies on -RWs.

Re: Burning DVDs
 

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You use -RW's because if there are any errors during the burn process you can reuse the disc instead of throwing $1.50 out the window with an -/+R.

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I know I've seen -R discs for around $.35-.40 each, but for all I know, they may not be worth using anyway. If errors are common, then I can definitely see your point. I also use a PS2 most of the timefor DVDs, so I'll definitely keep that in mind when I get a burner. I think that an xbox will read non RW media though, so I may use it. I think you can also mod it to run in progressive scan mode, but that's something I'll look into more later.

Re: Burning DVDs
 

What do you guys think of DVD shrink. On the website it mentioned that it could burn DVD-Rs but didn't mention DVD-RWs. Can it do those too?

Also, my DVD burner is capable of dual layer writing. I don't know exactly what that means. To the best of my understanding it can burn twice as much data to a disk... Is this true? What program can help me utilize this to the fullest and give me the highest quality copy?

Re: Burning DVDs
 

generally speaking, what you can burn to depends on your *hardware*, not the software. The software will burn to whatever your drive will burn to. Common DVD burners are

* DVD-R, which will also burn to DVD-RW
* DVD+R, which will also burn to DVD+RW
* DVD+/-R, which will burn to any of the above

For you to burn dual layer, you need to use a dual layer disk. It won't burn dual layer on a regular/non-dual layer disk. Those are currently more expensive, a couple bucks a pop I guess, as compared to say 40 cents apiece on DVD-R or DVD+R discs.

Re: Burning DVDs
 

I just checked... I have a DVD+RW burner. Is the video quality noticably better when the dual write capability is used?

Re: Burning DVDs
 

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I just checked... I have a DVD+RW burner. Is the video quality noticably better when the dual write capability is used?

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If I remember correctly, DVD+RW refers to the format of DVD that you may use. Your burner supports + (as oppossed to -) format DVDs, and will write to either DVD+R or DVD+RW. The RW format allows you use rewritable discs. If you're burning movies, or anything you don't plan on erasing later, save yourself $ and go with the +R format.

The quality of dual layer burning is better, but single layer discs (about 4.7 gigs) is not bad. You may not even notice with an older TV. If my memory serves, a dual layer disc will hold about 8.5 gigs; I don't think this will hold an entire movie.

I use DVD Shrink. It works well. Remember that you need to have Nero (or perhaps some other burning engine) installed for its burning qualities to function.

Hope this helps, and that I am not too far off.

Go to http://www.doom9.org/ for more thorough, accurate information. Check "The Basics" section.