I used to used Decrypter with Shrink all the time, then started using DVDFab for newer movies, and occassionally VobBlanker. For some reason, they are all crapping out on me lately. Well, Shrink is still working well...it is just getting the DVDs to my HD with the other programs in a format Shrink can handle that is the problem.
First, I started running into more DVDs that Decrypter would rip, but Shrink could not interpret (usually solved by either using VobBlanker or re-ripping with DVDFab). Then Decrypter started just freezing up in mid-process, refusing to close the program, refusing to eject the DVD, refusing task master or restart command from Windows to get me free from the frozen program (I ultimately had to flip the main power switch on the computer).
I gave up on Decrypter, and have been using DVDFab exclusively for the past month, but I'm discovering many of my rips are unreadable by Shrink (the unrecognized VOB error I more often had with newer Sony titles...but I was getting these errors on not so recent titles like MASH Season 3 this week). I tried VobBlanker and it keeps dying in mid-process saying it can't handle an unrecognizable VOB. I'm pretty miffed.
On a happier note, I discovered for the titles that were successfully ripped, that I really can run two Shrink windows simultaneously and burn to my two separate burners. Takes about 4 1/2 hours to process two large DVDs (24 Season 4) simultaneously, but I can set it up before I go to sleep or work (which are sometimes synonymous) to run while I don't need the computer.
Anyhow, I think the time has come to break down and buy AnyDVD. From what I've heard, it removes copy protection and eliminates bad vobs automatically so it is like having a totally unprotected DVD that you can then copy with any program like Shrink. Am I right? As I just validated my curiousity over having two Shrinks run at the same time, I would like to be able to still copy the DVD to the HD before running Shrink if I may. Would AnyDVD allow me to simply use Windows Explorer to copy the DVD to my HD? Would Shrink then recognize and process the HD file or would I still need to either use a ripper/decrypter or run Shrink from the DVD mode instead of file?
Well, if you feel the need to buy AnyDVD, then go for it. Afterall, it's your call, so the choice is yours.
Me, I like it simple and free, both DVDFAB Decrypter and RipIt4Me (DVD Decrypter + FixVTS) has never let me down. If DVDFAB failed to rip, then I'll just fire up RipIt4Me and the rest is history. However, I have never come across a dvd/movie that I can not rip or backup whatsoever. I simply use DVDFAB Decrypter to rip into HD (15 - 18 minutes and it's done) and if I have to go with FixVTS or VobBlanker to get rid of useless junks (i.e. FBI Warnings, Extras/Trailers, Features or tiny bogus VTS/Cell, etc.) then I'll be happy to do so.
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Yep, AnyDVD makes a DVD appear unencrypted to other programs.
You would still have to use a ripping program to process it though. "Open Disk" with Shrink would be correct.
I don't know if you could run two instances at once though. You seem like the type who likes to experiment, so I say go for it! I still make coasters trying different things. Sometimes they work, other times you loose a disc. Maybe learn something cool in the process.
