By Shaun Langley

DVD copying explained along with how we rate and review each software found on this site, also the methods used in determining which one is best for the job. Listed are terms, and explanations most commonly associated with dvd copy, dvd ripping, and dvd burning software as well as cd copying and burning.

Our Check List...

DVD Copying Explained...

CSS Decryption

* Does the software allow you to create copies of DVDs that come with CSS encryption built in?

* What does CSS mean?
The CSS (Content Scrambling System) means that DVD manufacturers have converted the data into a code so that it cannot be easily duplicated to combat piracy.

CSS Brief History:
DeCSS, written by Jon Lech Johansen (DVD Jon) and others, made it possible for consumers to copy the contents of a DVD unprotected to a Hard Disk Drive where they could then use proper software to compress the content or simply burn it to a blank DVD disc. The intention of DeCSS was to make it possible to play DVDs on Linux and as a result of this a legal battle ensured which (Johansen won). The work done on DeCSS led to several and many other DVD ripping and copying software being released.

How does it copy DVDs? e.g. (Movies, Other)

The software will copy your movie from your DVDs onto a blank (single layer, 4.36GB) DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW or DVD+RW disc. Copying from a Dual-Layer (DVD-9) disc to a blank single layer (DVD-5) disc may require a lot of compression, and almost all software's have the option to split a larger DVD-9 disc to two single DVD-5 discs with no loss in quality. However, you can avoid using two DVD-5 discs by leaving out the Menu's and Extras, thus your movie will only require minimum compression and will fit direct to a single DVD-5 disc and the quality of the backup should be of a high standard.

Restores damaged or scratched DVDs
Rescue your damaged DVDs and Cd's by creating identical copies of them on a blank DVD disc or CD-Rom.

Episodical DVD copy

Does the product come with the option to copy selected episodes to a blank DVD? (i.e. Lost, Prison Break, Simpsons, Sopranos, Friends, etc.)

How Long Should a DVD Copy Take?

Actual speeds are dependant on system hardware specifications. Today's PCs with their massive storage space and and powerful microprocessors just make it simple. A typical 3GHz P4 computer with a 16X DVD writer will require 10 to 15 minutes for copy and another 5 to 10 minutes to burn the actual DVD. Also take into consideration the length of the movie.

DVD Ripping

What does it mean? DVD Ripping is identical to DVD copying and the terms 'ripping' or 'rip' term are associated with the process of copying a DVD to your hard drive. Once the data from the DVD is on your hard drive (i.e. ISO) you are free to view them instantly on your PC, or copy it to a disc or leave them stored on your computer.

Why won't my DVD fit?

Are you trying to make a copy of your DVD and it won't fit? Here's why. DVD recordable media can only hold 4.7 GB of data. However, most DVDs hold more data! Solution? You can compress the data using a DVD copy software. This is achieved by shrinking the data so that your recordable media (DVD/-+R) can handle it. Alternately, you can (Split) the DVD on to multiple discs. Most DVD copy software applications are masters at this and will complete the task you give it without breaking a sweat.

DVD Media Explained...

DVD(+/-)R Dual Layer: A recordable DVD that stores up to 9 gigabytes of data. Most movies are released on dual Layer discs.

DVD(+/-)R(W) A recordable DVD that stores up to 5 gigabytes of data. A DVD RW disc is a rewritable DVD that can be erased and reused multiple times. The (+/-) is determined by the DVD burner.

CD-R(W) A CD that can be read and burned using a CD burner. A CD RW (recordable/rewritable) is a CD that can be erased, used multiple times.

Choosing the Best quality DVD media for you?

• What is good quality media?
• Which media is best for my writer?
• Why does a media not record well time after time on my writer?
• Which media offers good Price value vs Quality?

We try to explain the differences between the media types, why blank discs manufactured by one company is better in terms of greater copy success rate compared to it's competitor, and we list the most commonly used media types by all. So what would determine between a successful copy and a wasted one? Well you can find out more below.

1st Choice List

Almost flawless burns with 95-100% reliability results. These discs are suitable for just about anything. If searching for the best storage media you can't go wrong with these as they are highly recommended, and popular amongst video masters.

Our 1st choice media listing may come with a high price tag and be sure to take advantage of sales, when available. As the cost of such media is forever decreasing, we can only guess deals are to be found at your local PC World, Staples, or online at Amazon, eBay, eBuyer and other popular U.S.A and UK electrical stores.

Company Media Type What to look for Taiyo Yuden Plextor, Miflop Xtreme Always look for Made In Japan/Taiwan on the packaging. Sony DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW look for Made In Japan/Taiwan on the packaging. Verbatim DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD+R DL, DVD-R DL Might be produced by a different company. Look for made in Japan on the spindle or DVD case for the best in the 8x range. Panasonic look for Made In Japan/Taiwan on the packaging. Plextor Ricoh DVD+R versions only

2nd Choice List

Will record at it's best rated speed with error levels at minimum or none. Proven media and most of these come with money back guarantees.

Some brands mentioned may use different companies to produce their media which in rare cases may effect your ability to backup your DVDs or your writer may not work at optimum with these media but on writers that support the media, expect excellent results. The major advantage is our second choice list offers the end user a great balance in terms of Price Vs Media Quality.

Traxdata Ridata Ridisc Xtreme HP Ricoh Infiniti Philips TDK BeAll BenQ Fujifilm Imation Samsung Optodisc Thats Write 3A Media 4M Media Piodata ToPrint Emtec Daxon Mitsui Maxell MAM-E MAM-A

* Traxdata - Always uses Ritek A grade dyes for best results.
* Ricoh - DVD-R versions only.


The media mentioned here are as good and in some cases equal to our 1st choice listing box, and only your recording device can determine the difference. Big names like Philips, TDK, HP and BenQ, can be considered as 1st choice media types but again this depends on your recording device and if it supports it in the firmware. All the names listing in our 2nd choice may suffer from slight but harmless errors compared to those in 1st choice box, apart from that, you will be able to enjoy endless hours and months of top quality recording.

Read our full media recommendation guide

Output Formats

NTSC (Movies)
NTSC is the media storage format that is used with most televisions in most western countries.

PAL (Movies)
PAL is the media storage format used in most European televisions.

DIVX
DivX is the name of a new video format based on the new MPEG-4 compression standard for video. Once you've installed the DivX codec, you will be able to play DivX movies using Windows Media Player or any other DivX-enabled player.

AVI
AVI stands for Audio Video Interlaced. This format was developed by Microsoft and is one of the oldest media storage formats in use.

Copy Protection and Copyright Law Reminder

It is acceptable in most countries including the United Kingdom and United States to create backup copies of your personally owned DVDs. Having said that, it is illegal to copy DVDs that you do not own (like rental DVDs). Our guides, and information on our website is for "backups of your own DVDs for personal use", our intention is not to educate people on how to pirate DVDs and misuse the laws of their country in any shape of form and nor can we be held accountable if you misuse this information to break the law of your country or territories.

Please read our Is DVD Copying legal page