Intro
When I first tread into the waters of dvd copying and burning I thought it was as easy as clicking a single button. As it was with some single layer dvd software, I found dual layer dvd copying and burning a bit more of a challenge. I would almost compare it to cooking, where you have to find the right ingredients and combinations to get a successful product.
I have previous computer experience and experience in cd copying and burning, which also helps if you obtain that.
Background
First off let me give you some background on the differences between a single and dual layer dvd. Single layer dvds, also known as dvd-5, is what it sounds like. It is a single layer of storage space on the dvd that roughly has about a 4.7 GB capacity. Dual layer dvds, also know as dvd-9, contains two layers of storage space, which gives you a 8.5 capacity. Much larger than a single layer dvd, and can hold more data. What divides these two layers is the “layer break.” This is such a crucial element when burning dual layers. If the correct layer break position isn’t selected theres a problem.
Selecting The Correct Media
Selecting the right media for dual layer burning is important. Single layer burning isn’t as picky as dual layer. You have to watch what media you get, because some of the brands out there are absolute crap. From my personal experience I admit I have only used two brands, Memorex and Verbatim. Memorex, also known as Ritek, is alright. You might end up with a batch of 50/50. I personally like the Verbatim DVD+R DL. A lot of people would recommend them also. Believe me you don’t want to spend $40 on a bunch of “coasters.” Another thing I forgot to mention is dual vs. double layer and the “-” and “+” before the R. Dual and double are the same thing and “+” is suppose to be more compatible with dvd drives than “-.” I think it’s whatever floats your boat. Make sure your dvd burner supports dual layer burning. You don’t want to come home with a new spindle to find out you can’t use them. Whoops!
Rounding-Up The Software
I use about four programs all together to do my copying and burning. All the software mentioned here is also freeware. Just Google the names and you should be able to find them relatively easy. OK heres the list and descriptions of the software:
1. DVD Shrink – Dvd copying program
2. DVD Decrypter – A dvd copy/burn program
3. DVD43 – Runs in the background to eliminate any copy protection
4. ImgBurn – A front-end burning program for DVD Decrypter
I know I have several programs listed that have the same abilities, but theres a method to my madness which I’ll get to in the next section.
Utilizing The Software
Before we jump-in right away I’m going to explain why I chose these programs. Even though some of the programs listed above are all able to copy a dvd I prefer DVD Shrink. DVD Shrink is simple to use and you can use it to crop out things such as audio in different languages and closed captioning. DVD43 is a must. You run it in the background while you use DVD Shrink to bypass any copy protection. Theres another program out there that does the same thing called AnyDVD, but you have to pay for it. Now for the DVD Decrypter + ImgBurn burning combo. After using so many combinations of software I find these to be the best.
Now we can get on with burning our first dual layer dvd!
Copying The DVD
First run DVD43. It should hide itself in the system tray. Next open-up DVD Shrink. Click the “Open DVD” button on the toolbar. A progress window should open-up and it will take a minute for the program to read the dvd. After that your dvd should be loaded and the “Full Disc” button on the toolbar should already be pressed. Leave it like that. Press the “Backup!” button on the toolbar and dialog box should open-up and ask you for the destination of the dvd files. Either type one in or browse for one. Once you chose your destination hit the “OK” button and a progress window should pop-up and it will take about 20 mins to copy a full length dvd, which includes all the menus and extras.
Burning The DVD
I am assuming you don’t have a high-performance pc. If you do I still recommend that you close all those memory hogging programs so that you don’t end up with any “coasters.” Also, make sure you exit out of DVD43 before you start. Just right-click on the icon in the system tray and click exit. OK now open ImgBurn. Click the “Mode” menu at the top and select “Build.” Under the “Output” menu select “Device.” Next Click the “Browse Folder” button on the right side of the white box underneath the source drop-down list. Select the dvd folder that you want to burn. Then click the “Labels” tab on the right-side in the tabbed area.
Enter the name of your dvd in the “ISO9660” and “UDF” text boxes. The names have to look like for example, SILENCE_OF_THE_LAMBS, with the uppercase letters and underscores. Click on the “Device” tab, and where it says “Write Speed,” I usually put it at a safe 2.4x. Go back to the “Information ” tab and click the calculator button. The “Create Layer Break Position” dialog box should open and now you can choose where you want your layer break. It will give you several options, but it uses a grading system of colored stars where it thinks the best place for the layer break should be. Once you chose your layer break click “OK.” Then click the “Verify” check box thats underneath the destination drop-down list. This will check for errors after the write process. Now all you have to do is click the write button, which looks like a folder pointing to a dvd disc. The “Create Layer Break Position” box should pop-up again to verify that the position you chose is correct. Just hit “OK.” Then another small dialog box will appear just displaying some info about the dvd. Just press “OK” there also. A screen displaying the write process will come up and after it’s done writing it goes through the verify process. The whole process takes about 40 mins.
Operation Successfully Completed!
Troubleshooting
When copying a dvd with DVD Shrink and you get the “cycle redundancy check” error, it usually means the disc is bad, scuffed up, or the company used some kind of copy protection errors on it. To bypass this just download another dvd copying program called DVDFab Decrypter. If that doesn’t work download RipIt4Me. It usually does the job.
If you get more than one option to place the layer break position in ImgBurn, choose the one that is closest to 50/50%. Also, that the SPLIP says “No.” It has to do with the pause when switching layers.
