How To Back Up Dvd's

The DVD is a versatile medium as per its name and is useful for storing all types of data including music, and movies.

However, it is a delicate medium and the data can get lost if careless handling damages the disk. To prevent loss of information and priceless memories you must know how to backup DVD so that the information is preserved properly for a long time. How to backup a DVD so that the copy retains the quality of the original is an art.

How to backup a DVD has a simple answer. All you need is software to copy the contents of the DVD, the DVD burner and a computer. This is enough to start your the backup process. You must store the backup copy on DVDs or on the hard disk of the computer.

You must know how to backup DVD of different types. One type is the single layered DVD that can store 4.7 GB of data. The second type is the double-layered DVD with a storage capacity of almost 8.5 GB. Copying a double-layered DVD takes more time and is more difficult since you have to add or delete certain images to retain the original quality of the content.

How to backup DVD that is double layered is a genuine problem since this type of DVD requires a special DVD recorder that is not commonly available. This problem has a solution in the from of a special software combination of decrypter and shrink that permits copying of a double layered DVD on to two single DVDs.

Sometimes one can copy the contents of the double-layered DVD onto a single DVD with some loss of image quality. However, this is acceptable, as one does not require the extra footage available with a most movies. That is how to backup DVD without compromising on the contents of the movies.

How to backup DVD on the hard drive is again a question that depends on the size of the hard disk and the speed of the processor. A large capacity hard disk can store and run the saved information with the same expertise as the original movie on the DVD. This way there is a permanent backup and one can burn another DVD if there is damage to the original one.

How to backup DVD on the computer depends on the software installed on the computer and the format in which one, which one wants to store. Usually MPEG is the best mode for storing backups and one needs DVD player software on the computer to run the copies. Other compression software is available that can reduce the movie into the size suitable for storage on a CD.

Most movies come with security protection that prevents making of unauthorized copies for commercial use. Some DVDs have a special key while others have some distinctive feature incorporated during the manufacture process itself. How to backup DVDs with such a protection mechanism requires some thought on part of the user. The Internet gives access to lots of freeware for decryption of copyright protected DVDs. This makes the process of creating backup of DVDs easier and much cost–effective.

One can create backups of DVDs by utilizing the sub-channels in the disk using the sectors that are blank on the disk. However, this process is cumbersome and takes a lot of time. The following is a stepwise guide on how to backup DVD using software programs like shrink and decrypter. First, one must insert the DVD into the DVD player and then run the DVD shrink to ensure that its contents will come on to a single DVD.

One must then select the folder where the contents will be stored on the hard disk. Then one must place a blank DVD in to the player and copy the contents from the hard disk on to the DVD. The entire procedure takes no more than one hour and then one must encrypt the new DVD. Several software programs are available free to guide a person on how to backup DVD of his favorite movie titles.

One must keep in mind that the hard disk must be large enough to store the movie. There should be no interruption during the procedure; else, one has to repeat it from the beginning. One must choose the format for storage and ensure that one installs all the necessary programs on one’s computer beforehand. These tips come in handy when one anyone asks about how to backup DVD.

Is It Legal To Backup Dvds?

Another question about how to backup DVD is the legal aspect of this entire procedure. It is one thing to make several copies of home movies or TV programs. However, it may not be legal to make copies of movies for exhibition purposes. There are conflicting laws regarding creating copy of movies. The movie industry feels that this is detrimental to their interests and causes a loss of revenue running into millions of dollars every year. They treat this copying at par with piracy and want a ban on all freeware that allows users to create backups of movies at home. However, some people feel that one can create copies, as this is a right to the freedom of expression. Therefore, you must stay within the loop of the law when creating backup copies of DVDs.

Note:  The DVD Copying software we review is for personal backups only. If you don't own the disc that you are backing up, copying them is illegal, we do not condone such activities.