DVD-R copy problem

[AlanHo]

I have a home made Video DVD-R which is a compilation of several videos made by friends at our wedding last year.

To produce the compilation I borrowed people's camera memory cards, DVD's, etc and produced a combined video - not without a struggle because of all the different formats.

This DVD plays perfectly in my computer and DVD player and I have been asked for some copies. Unfortunately I do not have any copies of the original videos on my hard drive to fall back on (dont ask...... )

I have tried using Nero and Explorer to copy the DVD onto a blank DVD-R - but part way through it aborts with a message that one of the files is corrupt. I have been able to determine which of the VOB files is the culrit and have tried to copy it onto my hard drive using Explorer, Nero, Windows Movie Maker etc with no joy - they all say the file is corrupt. However - the whole video plays perfectly - meaning that Windows media Player, Nero and other DVD players can play the file - but it cannot be copied.

I found a way of using Windows Movie maker to capture the file and convert it to the wmv format - this file can then be played but part way through it stutters and the sound vanishes for a couple of minutes - evidence of corruption?

Can anyone throw any light on why the file plays OK but cannot be copied...? or even better advise me how to get out of this pickle.

[-pops-]

Have a go with DVD Shrink, Alan.

/>http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/DVD-Shrink.shtml

[AlanHo]

Thanks for the idea pops.

Just gave it a try - but unfortunately I got the same result half way through the process. It really is a bummer that the DVD plays fine despite a corrupted file and refuses to let me copy the DVD as a whole or the one file in particular.

The original disc is - so far as I can see with my old eyes - not scratched or fingerprinted etc. It looks perfect and has always played without problems in my computer, in my HiFi DVD player and has been borrowed by friends who have played it OK in their equipment.

However - DVD shrink looks useful and I will keep it in my tool box anyway.

[Irene]

Alan, I don't have any ideas about the error/corruption in your video, but THIS might possibly help. Very useful for changing formats.

[andsome]

Pops recommended DVD shrink to me a few years ago. It is a great program. I have copied many DVD's with it, and it compresses over long ones a treat with no apparent loss of quality.

[-pops-]

Does your DVD player have an analogue A/V output? If so, you could use that to input to the computer and then use Nero or similar to re-convert to DVD or other digital format.

There will be some loss of quality but, as a first generation analogue copy, it should be OK.

[AlanHo]

Alan, I don't have any ideas about the error/corruption in your video, but THIS might possibly help. Very useful for changing formats.

Irene

Thanks for your contribution. Unfortunately the video converter would not do the trick because I was not able to copy the file onto my hard drive. However - you unwittingly put me onto the path of salvation. Hallelujah.

I noticed when I downloaded AVS Video converter that they also have a program called AVS DVD Copy. I downloaded it and it copied the troublesome DVD fine.

The free copy will only copy 5 DVD's before you have to register and put your hand in your pocket - but I only needed one.

Thanks a bunch.

[Irene]

Happy to be of service. :D

[rong]

No excuse for not having it backed up, after all the prompts from andsome even in the most inappropriate places