What is the best free software for copying DVD movies?

[draggoon01]

Originally posted by: Wingznut

Originally posted by: JHoNNy1OoO
If you copy the files on the DVD yes. If you reencode them in anyway they all degrade technically.

Since I've never ripped video, I'm not sure what that means.

Don't you always reencode them? Does any of the typical easy to use software (DVDShrink, DVD XCopy, etc.) copy the files directly, including the HD and surround sound?

movie dvd's are dual layer so hold 9 gigs. current dvd burners write up to 4.3 gigs (although dual layer burners are suppose to come out this year).

in general for retail dvd's 1 gig=30 minutes.

because some people want all the extras and such, they re-encode at lesser bitrate to fit everything on 1 dvd.

but many movies are less than 2 hours, so less than 4 gigs. so what some people do is rip and burn (without re-encoding) just the movie + 1 audio track + 1 subtitle. for many movies you can get exactly the same movie, but without extras or menus, etc

 

[Wingznut]

If a movie is over 2 hours (i.e. LOTR), can you spread it over 2 discs?

 

[GoodToGo]

Originally posted by: Wingznut
If a movie is over 2 hours (i.e. LOTR), can you spread it over 2 discs?

Yes, DVDXCopy can do that. There are otehr bunch of ways to do it as well but they might involve some extra work and knowledge of the software but then they allow you a lot more control of where you want to split the movie. Here is a guide for DVD shrink.

 

[AMCRambler]

DVD Decryptor and then Gordian Knot to convert to div-x

 

[lokiju]

I think the word you mean is "backup" not copy.