[steve1341]

If you make a copy of a DVD, like Soporanos, for legal purposes, is Toast the preferred way to do this. Does it copy the DVD which is then useable.

I heard that there is a key on the DVD which prevents this. Is there a workaround.

This will allow me to backup DVD purchases i have made in case they get broken , scratched.

THanks

[discotronic]

You need to use a program that will do away with the encryption. There are a few steps that need to be taken from start to finish. Here is the way that I do it.

I use DVDBackup to clean out the encryption. It is located here:

http://www.wormintheapple.gr/macdvd/DVDbackup.html

Then I use a program called DVD2oneX. It compresses the DVD so you can fit it on a 4.7GB disk. It is located here:

http://www.dvd2one.com/

After that I use a program called DVD Imager to make a disk image for burning. It is located here:

http://lonestar.utsa.edu/llee/apples...dvdimager.html

After all that you can use Toast or the Disk Utility to burn your DVD. There are other ways but I have found this one be work the best. I don't think I have ever had a bad burn. The only program you have to pay for is DVD2oneX but it is worth it. The others are freeware but I'm sure the author would accept a donation.

[Simon]

DVD Backup is certainly the way to get rid of the encryption and region coding. MacTheRipper is another good alternative.

When it comes to DVD2One X I'm not convinced. This program is not free. It's actually rather expensive compared to alternatives on other platforms. And when I pay 50 Euro plus VAT for such an app, I sure as hell want it to do everything from ripping, decrypting, re-compression, right down to burning the DVD all with one click. 50 Euro plus VAT just for re-compression is a rip-off.

Since there seems to be no decent and free DVD re-compressor for the Mac I've turned to HandBrake. It will re-compress your DVD and save it as MPEG4 which is an open, unencrypted standard and can be viewed by QuickTime Player and any other QT capable player. I then burn the MPEG4 movie to DVD-R. It's not quite as comfortable as using a DVD->DVD re-compressor, but it sure works just fine and it's free.

Another way would be to get the do-it-all Pioneer DVR-108 DVD burner (±R, ±RW, and DL) which also does dual layer DVDs. The drive can be found for as cheap as $79. Once you have the drive and a dual-layer disk you can burn the entire original DVD to your disc w/o any re-compression or loss of quality. The downside is that DL disks are still rather expensive compared to DVD±R right now.

[PBG4 User]

Not to mention that dual layer DVD R discs are more expensive than buying another copy of the DVD!

[hldan]

Originally posted by PBG4 User:
Not to mention that dual layer DVD R discs are more expensive than buying another copy of the DVD!

Yeah, it seems like it's too early to buy an external DVD burner soley for dual layer burning or copying due to the discs prices. Sony is trying to capitalize on this by sticking the dual layer burners in their new towers and marketing them as if it's such state of the art having a dual layer burner inside your PC when it's not very cost effective for the customer.

[Simon]

As I already mentioned, DL media is currently very expensive. But, the prices of DL media are bound to come down and eventually it will cost as little as DVD-R today. When that day comes I wouldn't want anything less than a DL burner.

[Cadaver]

Originally posted by discotronic:
You need to use a program that will do away with the encryption. There are a few steps that need to be taken from start to finish. Here is the way that I do it.

I use DVDBackup to clean out the encryption. It is located here:

http://www.wormintheapple.gr/macdvd/DVDbackup.html

Then I use a program called DVD2oneX. It compresses the DVD so you can fit it on a 4.7GB disk. It is located here:

http://www.dvd2one.com/

After that I use a program called DVD Imager to make a disk image for burning. It is located here:

http://lonestar.utsa.edu/llee/apples...dvdimager.html

After all that you can use Toast or the Disk Utility to burn your DVD. There are other ways but I have found this one be work the best. I don't think I have ever had a bad burn. The only program you have to pay for is DVD2oneX but it is worth it. The others are freeware but I'm sure the author would accept a donation.

My solution:

-Mac The Ripper to remove the encryption and store the DVD on the hard drive. MTR is a free program.
-Roxio Popcorn to recompress the DVD (to fit on a single layer 4.7GB disk) and burn the disk. Popcorn uses the Toast disk burning engine (don't need to own Toast to use Popcorn). $50, or $30 if you already own Toast.

Works rather well. I give the kids the DVD copies, since they always tend to destroy the disks with fingerprint and scratches. The originals I keep in a safe place.

[Safari]

Do these options for backing up a DVD preserve features such as commentary tracks, closed caption, or any special features for that matter?

[discotronic]

Originally posted by Safari:
Do these options for backing up a DVD preserve features such as commentary tracks, closed caption, or any special features for that matter?

I usually just do a movie only burn but you can do the whole thing. You will lose more quality when you keep the menus and special features. You have to remember that you are taking 7-9 GB and compressing it down to fit on a 4.7GB disk.