The source disc works fine on both my stand alone DVD plaver and on my desktop. That's why it doesn't make sense to me that DVDFab Platinum (the most recent version) wouldn't be able to recognize the main movie. Either way, your answer suggests that it is not a common problem. That's really what I wanted to know since the problem happened in my first batch of four movies.
About the 80% threshold: are there discernable differences between say 85% and 95%. In layman's terms, how does a file reduction of 15% affect the picture quality?
P.S I really appreciate your input.
1) on a smaller tv 85 % looks like 95%
2) last night I saw on a friends 52" $0ny LCD 1080p a disc of Pirates of Caribbean 2 that I brought over. It was compressed to about 65-70% I believe. He had a $ony upconverting dvd player. Very nice picture. Looked like the origional. So 65% may not hurt when played on a good upconverting player and a good tv ( out of habit I limit my new discs to 80% compression )
Also you can't go wrong with Zoso's advice. The only way to go wrong with Zoso's advice is not to take it.
DVD-Cloner is not that awful as you mentioned. I have used this program for years. It is upgraded frequently. The function of this wonderful software has been improved. And with the latest version 5, you could backup Blu-ray and HD movies. Advancedly, Intelligent Identification Tech -intuitively recognizes the disc's format and automatically provides the appropriate copy modes and options as well as the SmartAnalyser tech. You could try it by yourself not just listion to others.
believe me dvdfab platinum will walk all over the so called dvdcloner and has more features.
backing up HD or blu-ray movies isn't cost effective at this point anyway, it would be less expensive just to buy another store bought copy of the movie
