Help with DVD burner for computer?

gmorris
gmorris Posts: 1,179
edited March 2024 in Clubhouse Archives
I need some advice.

First, let me say I know nothing about computers. I can use my computer at work to do my job & look at the Internet, and that's about it.

I am wanting to get a DVD player & DVD burner for my computer at home, so I can make backups of the DVD's that I own. Is this possible?

What equipment & software would I need? Can this equipment & software be purchased legally at Circiut City/Best Buy type stores?

If anyone can help or give advice, please keep in mind I am a dumbass when it comes to computers. Also, I want to do this legally, so please don't recommend some oddball bootleg software from some Internet site.

Thanks,
gm
Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
Post edited by RyanC_Masimo on
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Comments

  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited November 2004
    This isn't a comprehensive explanation, but some things you should know :

    1. There are different standards for DVD burning, including DVD+R, DVD-R, etc. The most compatible is DVD-R, especiallly if you want to use it for video DVDs.

    2. You're going to have problems with dual-layer DVDs, as most home DVD burners don't burn dual-layer, and therefore don't have enough space to fit an entire movie. Spacewise, movies are often around 7GB, while a burnable DVD only holds about 4.4GB. I believe there is software that will compresss the source DVD so it fits in 4.4GB, or splits it between two DVDs, but you're going to have to look into that.

    As for which one to buy, just make sure that it burns DVD-R, and read some reviews. As of now, the actual burners are completely legal and available at most retail stores that sell computer parts, including Best Buy and CC.

    I'm sure others will chime in with more in-depth information.
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,842
    edited November 2004
    You can get dual standard burners that will do DVD +/- R. Infact, they are pretty much the norm now.

    The closer it gets to Christmas, the lower the prices will go on the dual-layer burners which are already out.

    If you want to get compression software, there is a ton of software out there like DVD Shrink, DVD Decryptor, DVD Clone and DVD XCopy.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • faster100
    faster100 Posts: 6,124
    edited November 2004
    Originally posted by bobman1235

    1. The most compatible is DVD-R, especiallly if you want to use it for video DVDs.

    .






    I was under the impression that DVD+ was the standard, and most compatible with home dvd players..
    anyways... i have a pioneer 8x burner for my pc, and i just started useing dvd shrink 3.2 and have made about 6 perfect backups of my kids dvd's, and a few of our movies and they look great.. I had to remove all the menu's and extra's but after all its a backup and i dont need that stuff when i just want to spin the movie.. I picked up a spindle of 25 dvd+ blanks for 10 bucks at best buy this past weekend and been burning like crazy.. I love the program,. I just burned Jurrassic park today and my daughters watching it now,.. looks like the original.. I even used nero's dvd sleeve maker and made a cheap insert for it
    MY HT RIG:
    Sherwood p-965
    Sherwood sd871 dvd
    Rotel 1075 amp x5
    LSI15 mains
    LsiC center
    LSIfx surround backs
    Lsi7 side surrounds
    SVS pb12/plus2

    2 Channel Rig:

    nad 1020 Pre-amp
    Rotel 1080 stereo amp
    Polk sda 2B
    kenwood grunt Tuner
    realistic lab 450 TT
    Signal cable IC
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  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited November 2004
    Originally posted by faster100
    I was under the impression that DVD+ was the standard, and most compatible with home dvd players..

    from http://www.videohelp.com/dvd

    DVD-R and DVD-RW
    DVD-R was the first DVD recording format released that was compatible with standalone DVD Players.
    DVD-R is a non-rewriteable format and it is compatible with about 93% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
    DVD-RW is a rewriteable format and it is compatible with about 80% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
    DVD-R and DVD-RW supports single side 4.37 computer GB* DVDs(called DVD-5) and double sided 8.75 computer GB* DVDs(called DVD-10).
    These formats are supported by DVDForum.

    DVD+R and DVD+RW
    DVD+R is a non-rewritable format and it is compatible with about 89% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
    DVD+RW is a rewritable format and is compatible with about 79% of all DVD Players and most DVD-ROMs.
    DVD+R and DVD+RW supports single side 4.37 computer GB* DVDs(called DVD-5) and double side 8.75 computer GB* DVDs(called DVD-10).
    These formats are supported by the DVD+RW Alliance.
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited November 2004
    Ummmm, thanks for all the info, but you guys are starting to get over my head.

    So basically, I can go to BB/CC and get all the hardware & software I need?
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,842
    edited November 2004
    Originally posted by gmorris
    Ummmm, thanks for all the info, but you guys are starting to get over my head.

    So basically, I can go to BB/CC and get all the hardware & software I need?

    Pretty much.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited November 2004
    Will I need a DVD reader and a DVD burner for the computer? (two seperate pieces of equipment) Or can I do this with one unit, a combo piece if you will?

    Also, faster100, the copies you made, are the audio tracks copied in DD/DTS?
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited November 2004
    Originally posted by gmorris
    Will I need a DVD reader and a DVD burner for the computer? (two seperate pieces of equipment) Or can I do this with one unit, a combo piece if you will?

    The DVD burner also serves as a drive (reader). It obviously can only read or burn one disc at a time.

    I got my DVD+/-RW drive at newegg.com for about $80, much cheaper than you are going to find a comparable one at BB/CC.
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited November 2004
    Originally posted by Shizelbs
    The DVD burner also serves as a drive (reader). It obviously can only read or burn one disc at a time.

    I got my DVD+/-RW drive at newegg.com for about $80, much cheaper than you are going to find a comparable one at BB/CC.

    So how do you make a backup copy with your drive?
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • bobman1235
    bobman1235 Posts: 10,822
    edited November 2004
    Originally posted by gmorris
    So how do you make a backup copy with your drive?

    The software will copy the DVD to your hard drive, shrink it if necessary, and then when you put in the blank DVD, it will take it from your hard drive and put it onto the DVD.
    If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited November 2004
    Originally posted by bobman1235
    The software will copy the DVD to your hard drive, shrink it if necessary, and then when you put in the blank DVD, it will take it from your hard drive and put it onto the DVD.

    O.k. I see. So all I need to buy then is the combo reader/writer & some software program to run the whole mess.

    Can anyone recommend some equipment & software. Shizelbs already mentioned newegg.com, thanks.
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited November 2004
    DVD Shrink has been great for ripping (putting it onto your hard drive). You can get Nero for fairly cheap and thats what I use for my burning needs.

    You'll need at least around 5GB of free hard disc space. I have no idea how much you currently have.
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  • bknauss
    bknauss Posts: 1,441
    edited November 2004
    Here's some tips from someone who just bought a single layer burner:
    1. Go to newegg.com and read the reviews on the DVD burners. You'll notice the dual layer burners aren't getting good reviews. After burning about 20 DVDs, I've found I really don't need over the 4.7GB on the DVD. I don't watch extras or listen to commentary, so take that for what's its worth. I picked up a Plextor... but that's almost only because I've heard wonderful things about them. It cost around $100, but I'm sure there are other reliable drives out there for much less.
    2. Get a copy of Nero burning software. I believe DVD burning capabilities start in version 6, but don't hold me to it.
    3. Download a copy of DVDShrink. It will do a couple things:
    -shows you each part of the DVD, be it audio format, extras, commentary, etc
    -Allows you to "reauthor"... meaning you can strip whatever you want to
    -Compress the video based on how much space is left on the DVD
    -Will burn the DVD using the Nero drivers (don't have to open Nero)
    4. Get a lot of DVD-Rs
    5. Sign up for Netflix
    6. Copy lots of DVDs
    7. Get a huge grin on your face.
    Brian Knauss
    ex-Electrical Engineer for Polk
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  • faster100
    faster100 Posts: 6,124
    edited November 2004
    Yes it plays back in what ever format it defaults to, Dolbly digital thus far on my burns..

    commercial burning software wont let you burn commercial dvd's. its copywrited, you have to rip the original with dvd shrink for instance and then i think you can use nero. The new dvd shrink burns after it rips now though so its a one stop program now..
    MY HT RIG:
    Sherwood p-965
    Sherwood sd871 dvd
    Rotel 1075 amp x5
    LSI15 mains
    LsiC center
    LSIfx surround backs
    Lsi7 side surrounds
    SVS pb12/plus2

    2 Channel Rig:

    nad 1020 Pre-amp
    Rotel 1080 stereo amp
    Polk sda 2B
    kenwood grunt Tuner
    realistic lab 450 TT
    Signal cable IC
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited November 2004
    I have had most success with Pioneer drives so here is one I would recommend:

    http://www.shop4tech.com/user.htm?go=view_item&id=2670&cata=&s_cata=

    For software, get www.dvdshrink.org, it is free. I am not sure if it can burn without Nero being installed but I would recommend getting Nero anyway.

    www.nero.com
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  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited November 2004
    Originally posted by Sami
    I have had most success with Pioneer drives so here is one I would recommend:

    http://www.shop4tech.com/user.htm?go=view_item&id=2670&cata=&s_cata=
    [/url]

    Thats the drive I have and I am very happy with it. There is a firmware update from the Pioneer website available. I am getting pretty good speeds with this drive.
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  • faster100
    faster100 Posts: 6,124
    edited November 2004
    The new DVD shrink burns also now... I have a pioneer 8x i just got several months ago and it works great also... I have heard good things with the pioneer drives..
    MY HT RIG:
    Sherwood p-965
    Sherwood sd871 dvd
    Rotel 1075 amp x5
    LSI15 mains
    LsiC center
    LSIfx surround backs
    Lsi7 side surrounds
    SVS pb12/plus2

    2 Channel Rig:

    nad 1020 Pre-amp
    Rotel 1080 stereo amp
    Polk sda 2B
    kenwood grunt Tuner
    realistic lab 450 TT
    Signal cable IC
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter