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Which Transcoding Tools Produce The Best Picture Quality.
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Senior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 03:54 |
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terrytj...
The DVDCopy2 does offer a trial download period, so I would suggest you try before you buy. As far as any reasons not to buy, I can only think of two off hand. The first is that it (Platinum) handles older movies poorly. For instance, I had one where the facial tones "flickered." DVD2One 1.5 didn't do this.
The second reason has to do with my own preferences for assured quality. DVD-RB/CCE is the only method that seems to work for all movies, and whose results are consistent. Things to watch out for with other transcoders are the obvious picture qulaity, and freeze frames and macroblocking near the end of the movie.
As far as RB-CCE being difficult to use, there is an easy-to-follow guide here at AD that will allow you to set it up in one-click mode just like all the other transcoders. CCE Basic works best. The many problems you may have read about have to do with other versions, including CCE's trialware. There are also complementary programs that allow you to do certain things to "clean up" a video source, but this knowledge isn't needed to begin making backups.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 18. August 2004 @ 04:03
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terrytj
Junior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 04:09 |
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Siber: Thank you also for the welcome. Yes, I have picked up that DVDCopy 2 does not encode encrypted DVDs. Given your recommendation and other comments I recall seeing in this thread about AnyDVD I will check it out.
You've mentioned AnyDVD and Doc 409 mentions DVD2One (I just read his post). C'mon guys, give me a break, I'm trying to shorten the shopping list, not add to it <g>.
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Senior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 04:25 |
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I really wasn't recommending DVD2One. I presumed that being retired, you might have some of the older classics you wanted to back up, and I wanted you to know that DVDCopy2 was a disapointment to me with these. As this thread is about quality, I only recommended RB-CCE. If you want a short list, though, my suggestion would be to start out with the freeware Shrink 3.2 and get the Nero 6 burning software. Shrink is also comparable to other transcoders at the lower compressions.
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terrytj
Junior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 04:39 |
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Doc409: Thanks for your comments. Your point about first trialling DVDCopy is valid and it's something I often do with new programs. However, my initial burning phase is going to be rather scattered, lazy affair and I'll run out of any trial period well before I've tested the capabilities of the software. I haven't got access to any old movies to try anyway.
You said: "The first is that it (Platinum) handles older movies poorly". Silly question I know, but does the 'Gold' version handle old movies any better?
You said: "Things to watch out for with other transcoders are the obvious picture qulaity, and freeze frames and macroblocking near the end of the movie." I understand that except for "macroblocking". That is?
Your comments about CCE's consistent, high quality output and ease-of-operation have now made me stop and re-think. I gotta admit, some postings about getting CCE to work really put me off it.
Guess I'll have to wait for some other posts and then make up my own mind, finally. (I know Sophocles also rates CCE the highest with maybe DVDCopy2 behind it).
I might be waivering but at least I'm not back at square one which is where I was this morning before I started reading this thread and listening to you guys. It's either DVDCopy2 or CCE...not a bad place to be <g>.
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AfterDawn Addict
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18. August 2004 @ 04:45 |
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territj, DVDCopy 2 is a one click app, especially with ANYDVD running in the background as siber mentioned. I would rip with decrypter in file mode if you don't want to buy Anydvd.
It is very easy to edit in also, laid out very nice and you just uncheck what you don't want which you can view with the preview window. I would only use it on newer movies and discs. It's the older ones that seem to get the pixelation problems.
I believe it has a trial period with full functions, why not try it out before you pay? Then you'll know personally how you like it. Anydvd has a 30 day trial also, you could try it out too.
good luck...
edit-man you guys are fast, oh well, I may have repeated what you already heard, just think of it as reiterating, how about this- I love IC 8 used with DVDRemake? It's my 2nd favorite. LOL
 GO VOLS !This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 18. August 2004 @ 04:49
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terrytj
Junior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 04:48 |
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Doc409: I understood your reference to DVD2One wasn't necessarily a recommendation, just a comment about how you found it to work for you on paricular jobs.
I have Shrink 3.2 and I have Nero 6 which is the ultimate CD/DVD burning suite (and I know that for a fact because that's what the box says <g>).
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AfterDawn Addict
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18. August 2004 @ 04:51 |
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Actually, if I could only have one app, it would be Nero Ultra 6, cos it does cover about everything you can do in the audio/video arena, plus a bunch of PC related stuff too!
GO VOLS !
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Senior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 05:11 |
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There is a lot to digest. The other thing is that these are just names now without any experience to tie to them.
I only tried the Platinum download. I suspect Gold would be the same. I see that I may have confused things, however, I think you have a good approach for getting started. Rip with Decrypter, and let DVDCopy2 do the rest. At some point you will likely desire better quality in the higher compression ranges. This might be a good time to try RB-CCE...in which case you will need a burner. DVDCopy2 has its own.
Macroblocking is a large picture distortion. I would tend to call large pixilations macroblocks. I have also seen where the entire picture looks like a fractured mirror, whereas the parts inside the broken pieces are clear, but bordered by fracture lines. This happened to me when I was using Platinum, however, I was able to clear this up by defragging my HD.
I am fairly new to RB-CCE myself, and I was also put off by dialogs about what seemed to be a lot of technical stuff that was over my head. Some of it still is. I can assure you, though, the installation with CCE Basic using the AD guide went flawlessly. And, I have gotten by quite nicely without using the plugins that are for limited situations.
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terrytj
Junior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 05:31 |
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bigorange: thank you for contribution. For some reason I had thought DVDCopy's trial was for 3 movies or 3 minutes or something equally silly so I wasn't fussed about it.
Choices!!! My head is starting to spin again <g>. I've got a Plan and in order it is: (1) I'll check out AnyDVD and see excactly what it is and what it does; (2) I'll download a trial [or buy] AnyDVD if I like it; (3) I'll download a trial of DVDCopy2; (4) I'll find some online user guides for CCE and see how easy it looks to use it; (5) I'll read any more posts from you guys; and (6) I'll buy what I gotta buy and get on with it!! I'm still just leaning a little bit towards DVDCopy2, if only for ease of use, but will keep an open mind.
Re Nero. My IT friend is not a fan. It was he who suggested I get Pinnacle Instant Copy but to first check on the Net for reviews and forums which is how I found you guys.
It's 11.30pm my time (Sydney, Australia) so I'll proceed with my grand Plan tomorrow with a fresh mind.
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terrytj
Junior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 05:45 |
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Doc409: Thanks for clearing up about the platinum version (of DVDCopy2). You haven't really confused me even if I may appear that way (a natural talent of mine).
When I read these posts a second and third time they will help me more.
I don't think at this stage I'll be a big burner of movies but when I do burn I want to do it with quality software (it's the Virgo in me). Hence my interest in buying software say one level up from the usual freeware stuff, though I know you guys value DVDShrink and that's why I downloaded it. If I have to pay the dollars to get quality, I'll pay the dollars.
Thanks for explaining macroblocking. And, I know that whatever program/s I eventually get I will be coming here for advice on some basic 1-2-3 steps on how to blend them effectively and how they all fit together.
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AfterDawn Addict
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18. August 2004 @ 06:06 |
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teerytj, DVDCopy 2 trial is something like 3 days or 2 weeks, etc. It does give you the full version so you can see if you like it. I have several Intervideo products including windvd creator 2 and windvd6(the best software player there is period) and all are quality products.
Let me say one thing about RB/CCE- it is one of the easiest apps to use once you set it up. The set up can seem daunting at first, but with vurbal's guide it is not all that difficult. Please do not use trial versions of CCE, if you decide to try it buy CCE basic for 58.00, problems abound using the TRIAL versions.
The quality is the best, 50% compression looks as good as the original, not kidding! Time is a drawback, if you think IC 8(btw,one of my top 3 apps) is slow, it's a horserace compared to RB/CCE, that's why most of us set it at nite before we go to bed and in the AM all you have to do is burn, about 10 minutes with Nero.
Speaking of Nero, don't know why your buddy doesn't like it, you'll find most in this forum have nothing but good to say about it or own it. Ultra 6 is the best all around package you can buy. Not trying to confuse you, but wanted to clear that up.
Good luck however you go, it's refreshing to see some one actually read the threads before posting questions willy nilly and do a little research.
GO VOLS !
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 19. August 2004 @ 06:59
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terrytj
Junior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 06:36 |
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bigorange: Thank you, between you and the other guys I think I've got the picture:
RB/CCE...a great program at a good price; not too difficult to use once set up; gives arguably the best quality output; does it in the slowest time.
DVDCopy2...a good program at a reasonable price; easy to set up and use; gives good quality output (esp for newer movies); does it in good time.
12.30AM, time for beddies.
Nice talking to you guys
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terrytj
Junior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 06:40 |
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bigorange: Forgot about Nero. I'll talk to my IT friend when he's back from holidays and ask him more about his views on Nero.
Also, I had a quick peek on some stuff about AnyDVD, and will get back to this forum about it.
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64026402
Senior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 07:28 |
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As for direct comments on your choices I think they are a good starting point to back up DVDs. Adding DVDdecrypter for free is also a good pick.
AnyDVD isn't free but it would be ideal to make DVDcopy2 a one click operation. It is free for 30 days. Use it and I think you'll eventually buy it.
If you wish to go up a level later CCE/rebuilder is neither expensive or that difficult.
I was afraid of it being a steep learning curve but the instructions are good and once setup it is one of the easiest programs to use.
We make it sound hard because we like to push the limits an play with things.
I have one machine setup for a lazy rebuild. I stick in the DVD, open the program and hit transcode. I don't even change the directories or locate the DVD.
Then I burn with Nero.
Donald
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brobear
Suspended permanently
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18. August 2004 @ 09:19 |
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terrytj
I'm with Bigorange on the Nero, if you want one good suite, that's it. The free DVD Decrypter is one of my favorite rippers and works good anytime you want a HDD file to work with. I also use the AnyDVD as my choice for a driver type Decrypter.
I have used the DVDCopy2 for quite a while and have had excellent luck with it. It gives a high contrast to the finished product and that exaggerates flaws in the older movies, i.e. flash and spots. The only time I ran into pixelation was not a problem with the program. A bad disc and poor editing was my problem.
I use the Recode2 from the Nero suite to record the older movies. I like the Nero controls and it is faster and easier to use than Shrink. If you're looking to save a few bucks though, Shrink is better than some of the retail products out there.
The learning curve isn't that high for the RB/CCE. You just need to take your time and follow the directions setting it up. Once it's set up, it is just a one button operation unless you get into editing.
So, your initial choice of DVDCopy2 is a good choice. Just realize you will see the flaws in the older movies. It works great for the newer stuff in good condition. If you don't want to purchase a second transcoder for the older stuff, use the Shrink. Me on the older videos, I'm guilty of using the DVDCopy2 on those to. If the flaws are that bad, I'm usually looking for a better version of the movie anyway. On the newer DVDs it's great and the speed is fast and minor editing is easy.
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AfterDawn Addict
1 product review
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18. August 2004 @ 12:45 |
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terrytj
Siber warned you about all the good help! LOL
Like siber, I also have DVDcopy2 and yes what Doc said about old movies being a potential occassional problem is also true. I don't use it as much as I used to since batch processing became available with RB/CCE but it's still in my arsenal and like siber I use AnyDVD with it. You don't need to buy AnyDVD because as bigorange stated DVD Decrypter is free and is just as fast, and you can download DVD Decrypter here at AD also, in fact when I post this it should give you a link.
A big misconception with using RB/CCE is that it has a huge learning curve, but the truth is you only have to set it up once and then it's as easy as the other one click transoders. There is a very well written guide on how to set it up right here on AD. If you're curious then follow the link below but if you think you should just go with your first choices then you go ahead and we'll be happy to assist with those as well.
The link to the guide for RB/CCE is below.
http://www.afterdawn.com/guides/archive/dvd_rebuilder_tutorial.cfm
" Please Read!!! Post your questions only in This Thread or they will go unanswered:
Help with development of BD RB: Donations at: http://www.jdobbs.com/. |
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terrytj
Junior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 15:06 |
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64026402: Hi. Glad you like "my" choices but then I couldn't have gone too far wrong after reading this thread from you guys (as long as it was)...it was basically a no-brainer to work out which programs were the best ones in their own right. <g>)
I note what you (and others here) have said about the RB/CCE learning curve and that, coupled with bigorange's advice to steer clear of the trial version of CCE (and why), has caused me to revise my slanted thinking of RB/CCE.
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terrytj
Junior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 15:33 |
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Brobear...Hi. Well, I've now received advice from all the big guns of this thread, other than Brian100, so how can I go wrong. <g>
I note what you and others have said about Nero generally and Recode in particular so as I already have it I'll play with it. (Like I need some more stuff to get my old head around <g>).
I think your comments and those of the other guys about DVDCopy2 has tilted me towards it as the program that will do what I want, the way I'd like to do it...having being advised here of its strengths and forewarned of its weaknesses.
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AfterDawn Addict
1 product review
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18. August 2004 @ 15:38 |
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terrytj
Keep in touch and let us know how it all works out. We all went through it too, it's become kind of a "rite of passage."
Good Luck!
" Please Read!!! Post your questions only in This Thread or they will go unanswered:
Help with development of BD RB: Donations at: http://www.jdobbs.com/. |
AfterDawn Addict
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18. August 2004 @ 15:39 |
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terrytj, that dang brian went and got a job, said he needed money or something or other. I don't really understand it, isn't burning all there is? LOL
GO VOLS !
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AfterDawn Addict
1 product review
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18. August 2004 @ 15:44 |
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The latest Revision of AD Rules:
Quote:
This is an automated e-mail sent to all active users of the AfterDawn.com forums. It is sent to keep you up to date with recent changes made to the forums and the forum rules. Please read the message all the way through.
We have clarified the rules as far as piracy is concerned. There has been a lot of confusion recently among the members -- mostly due to the lack of clear ground rules. In short: the rules are now less strict than they used to be.
Here are some examples of both permitted and forbidden
postings:
Case: Pirated material, such as serial numbers and direct
links to pirated, copyrighted material (including
direct links to torrent files and ed2k links).
PROHIBITED
Case: Technical, in depth discussion about copy protection
circumvention (i.e. cracking).
PROHIBITED
Case: Discussion about pirated content and piracy, such as
converting (downloaded) video and/or audio files to
DVD/AudioCD/whatever format.
PERMITTED
Case: Discussion about copy protection circumvention in
general (extracting encrypted content, such as DVD
movies, compact discs, copy protected console and
computer software, using existing software).
PERMITTED
Case: Links to sites offering possibly pirated content
(including torrent files and ed2k links).
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In addition to clarifying the rules we have implemented
a feature for reporting a specific post to the moderators.
If you see an offending post, please click on the "Report
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next to the posting time. Please do not post to the thread saying that it is against the rules -- let the moderators take what ever action they see fit.
Please visit
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for more information on the changes. You are more than welcome to post your feelings about the changes there! We appreciate all feedback.
Thank you for your time!
" Please Read!!! Post your questions only in This Thread or they will go unanswered:
Help with development of BD RB: Donations at: http://www.jdobbs.com/. This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 18. August 2004 @ 15:45
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AfterDawn Addict
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18. August 2004 @ 15:45 |
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hey soph, how's school? My wife ain't happy, they have some kind of new verification thing they have to do, all their in services, qualifications, degrees, any subsequent classes, etc. all notarized, she's not a happy camper. She's been teaching for 13 years, since she got outta college. Says how do remember all that stuff, especially in service!
yeah, I saw the new rules the other day, I thought I sent you a PM about it.
GO VOLS !
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 18. August 2004 @ 15:47
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AfterDawn Addict
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18. August 2004 @ 15:52 |
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bigorange
The same stuff here too. It's all because of the new "No child left behind laws," and "Adequatel Yearly Progress." compliments of GWB. It's not enough to be a teacher now you have to be a highly qualified teacher. Example you took your teaching degree directed to teaching math, now to be highly qualified you also have to have bachelors with a major in math to be "highly qualified."
I haven't been in the classroom lately because our school has almost 500 computers and our tech don't know merde (French). So I've been temporarily reasigned to get the labs up and running and to fix what isn't working. Am I ever having fun! LOL
Fixed 11 laptops this week alone.
" Please Read!!! Post your questions only in This Thread or they will go unanswered:
Help with development of BD RB: Donations at: http://www.jdobbs.com/. |
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terrytj
Junior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 15:56 |
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Sophocles...well I did ask for help, and that's exactly what I got and heaps of it. Seriously, at first glance it is a bit overwhelming to a newbie...dvdcopy2, IC v8, rb/cce, Nero recode, DVD2One, shrink, decrypter, anydvd. But at least they are the best (or at least, good) in what they do. With the help of you guys I didn't have to sift through the whole marketplace to find something good to get/buy.
Let's see: I've now already downloaded and installed DVDShrink and DVDDecrypter along with some user guides from this forum. I have Recode with my Nero 6. I've browsed and then bookmarked the dr/cce guides (vurbels: basic and advanced) you mentioned. This morning I'm going to download trials of DVDCopy2 Platinum and AnyDVD.
And, now I'm going to have a cuppa coffee and re-read all the replies I got. Don't think I've missed anything.
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terrytj
Junior Member
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18. August 2004 @ 16:03 |
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sophocles...I certainly will keep in touch, with all this stuff to learn how to drive I know I'll need a navigator at various stages.
bigorange...what a shame about brian100, some people just don't get their priorities right <g>.
That cuppa coffee is definitely calling me...
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