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DVDs as a rule can last a long time. However, they are not indestructible. Scars, dents and dings, even slight ones, can render them useless. With movies on DVD costing upwards of $20 per disc, replacing several can be a costly experience. DVD’s, like any portable object, can be lost or misplaced. Then there is the issue of travel. If you are on business trips, travel frequently or have several residences, having more than one copy of a disc can be a real luxury, and a way to avoid loss of a valuable title. The only problem has been finding a way to make a copy.
While there are many solutions, several free, on the Internet, they are not exactly easy solutions. Frequently these applications require some rather sophisticated knowledge on the part of the end user. Copying a DVD is not as simple as drag and drop. The problem is two fold. Commercial DVD film releases are stored on discs that can handle upwards of 9 GB of data. Blank DVD discs that are recordable for sale only store about 4.7 GB of data. The compression used to store data on commercial DVD titles are higher and utilize a dual layer method. So the hurdle of being able to record such massive amounts of information on available blank DVD discs presents yet another problem. Not to mention the fact that ripping DVD titles has never been simple.
Sensing a need for software to make this possible, 321 Studios has created DVD X Copy Gold. Actually two software titles in one, DVD X Copy and DVD X Copy Express, both of these applications make short work of transferring your personal collection of commercially available DVD titles for safe keeping in the event of the unforeseen. DVD X Copy handles the process by splitting large DVD discs literally in half. This system allows you to have a perfect copy of the original, complete with added extras and trailers, without any loss of video quality. The big virtue here, aside from having a perfect copy, is that you can record where you want the DVD split, or allow the program to do this automatically. You can even omit sections that you do not wish to retain.
DVD X Copy Express is an application that allows you to make replicas of DVD releases, but instead of splitting data, it compresses data, or leaves off extras like trailers, so that you only have one single disc to deal with when finished. The advantage here is that of space, and not having to purchase a second blank DVD. There is some loss of information in doing so, but having worked with the application, the results are literally flawless.
The installation was a simple affair. Downloading the roughly five MB set up was simple. After the program installs, you are greeted with an activation screen. The software has to be registered before use. Also, 321 Studios makes a point of spelling out the ethical use of it’s software. After the installation and before use you see a screen pointing out that this software is intended for archival use and that the commercial distribution of reproduced films is in violation of copyright law.
When copying a standard DVD to blank DVD, I tested using a purchased DVD title I owned, to see if it lived up to its claims. Making a duplicate was as simple as 1,2,3. While I have read of complaints about the product, I can state that this program does work without issue. I do strongly suggest that in order to get optimal results you will need a recent PC. The test system that I used was working with a Pentium 4, 256 MB of RAM and a 40 GB hard drive running Windows XP. The entire process took about 40 minutes from ripping to burning using your average DVD release.
As an added benefit, the program can restore a damaged DVD to its former glory. While it cannot rescue the original DVD title, the software is capable of making adjustments to the copy. So if you have a scratched or damaged DVD, this software can help in that department. Also, DVD X Copy Gold is NTSC and PAL compliant. DVD X Copy Gold also has built in protection so that you cannot make a copy of a copy. You can only copy the original source DVD.
The process of transferring is somewhat demanding, so I do suggest that you not run other applications during the process. The software works in a direct way. It copies the source to your hard drive, hence the need for a fairly large hard drive, and then copies that information to the blank DVD. In my tests, the process ran without any problems at all. As you can see by the DVD X Copy Xpress screen, the interface is simple, direct and to the point.
DVD X Copy allows you to omit features, preview what you are copying in Windows XP and a few other details. Unlike the Xpress version, this one will span two discs if needed to replicate a source DVD title. The interface shows what is needed, and should not be a problem for any experienced user.
Point for point, DVD X Copy does exactly what it is supposed to do with few issues. While the Gold version does cost about $100 on the site, and that is a sale price, the ease of use and lack of difficulty make it an exceptional value if you are concerned about protecting your investment in DVD titles. Accidents do happen to DVD releases and having the ability to back them up and repair them makes sense. For those that travel frequently, having a copy for a long trip can be a real luxury, as well as a way to save your self the loss of a title should you lose it in transit.
I cannot imagine a serous movie lover not wanting to have this handy all in one tool around. When you consider the size, convenience and ease of use that this program offers, it is a true stand out that offers excellent results and solid protection.
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