321 Studios cranks it up a notch

321 Studios are about to release a new package for DVD copying. Their first product, DVD Copy Plus was intended for copying DVDs on CDs. They are now about to lauch DVD X Copy, which claims to make bit-to-bit copies of DVDs with a regular recordable DVD-drive.

As we reported in April, 321 Studios asked a San Francisco court to rule on the legitimacy of their product. According to DMCA the package, intended solely for backing up DVDs owned by the consumer, is illegal, because it uses a copyright circumvention algorithm to descramble the CSS encryption used on DVDs. However 321 Studios argue that the DMCA in this case is unconstitutional, because it prevents the fair use of a product. Consumers are allowed to make copies of VHS movies for personal use, but thanks to DMCA, it is impossible to do legally with DVDs.

Major movie studios, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice have asked the Californian court to dismiss the case altogether. Clearly a ruling in the case would have noticeable consequences -- if the software is deemed legal, then DMCA is invalid, and if it's ruled to be illegal, the court, in essence, rules that DMCA takes precedence over the United States constitution.

The case still rises quite a few eyebrows in the AfterDawn staff, as I'm sure it does with among our users. 321 Studios is still, at least to my knowledge, selling software and information found and distributed free of charge on the Internet. And we all know that making identical copies of 9 gigabyte DVDs is impossible with current DVD-recordables. Take a look at our discussion forums to get more insight on the matter of DVD-9 backups.

Source:
Yahoo! News

Written by: Jari Ketola @ 4 Oct 2002 14:40

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738 comments

A_Klingon

The blurb is here:

http://www.dvdxcopy.com

They *say* it only takes about an hour for a full backup.

They *say* they use NO freeware or shareware; that the software is totally their own.

They *say* it's virtually a couple-of-mouse-clicks kind of program. (Insert DVD; insert DVD-R or RW. Click some buttons. Come back in an hour.)

They *say* it takes only 1 dvd-r for some movies, but may take 2. (How does that translate in terms of a broken-up movie?)

They *say* we can download it on Oct. 28.

The FAQ is here:

http://www.dvdxcopy.com/faq.htm

Based on their previous (dodgy) offering with CD-Rs, who is going to plunk down $100 US, before (maybe) the US court rules the package to be illegal?

Mostly, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. {sigh}

-- Mike --

4.10.2002 16:04 #1

dejiray

Hope its not as complicated as the older ones

5.10.2002 09:01 #2

seanbyrne

If they do a bit-by-bit copy, then they are doing nothing illegal as no decryption is taking place.

If you want to backup a DVD over 4.7GB, a double sided DVD-R would come useful, although you'll need to flip it over halfway through the movie! I remember the original double sided DVD movies that this had to be done. This was before the time of dual layer. ;-)

5.10.2002 13:38 #3

dRD

AFAIK, bit-by-bit copy without decoding in order to remove CSS is impossible. I might be wrong, but that's my gut feeling -- this would make even the DVD-5 to DVD-R copying identical to the one that we describe in our guide for DVD-5 to DVD-R, using DVD Decrypter. Basically just ripping the full disc to the HDD and burning it back to DVD-R.

And as far as DVD-9 goes, splitting to two discs IS the method that virtually everybody uses nowadays anyway, using IFOEdit. It's cool if they really have produced a software that does this AUTOMATICALLY, but I seriously doubt that anyway due the various methods how original DVD might have been authored.

So, we're probably going to see something like this:

-tool that rips the movie to HDD and if DVD-5, burns it back to DVD-R (as in DVD Decrypter, which is free)
-if movie is DVD-9, it re-encodes the movie weakening the picture quality to fit it on one DVD-R (as in REMpeg2, TMPGEnc and CCE methods.. just wondering whose MPEG-2 encoder they're going to rip off if they use this method)
-if movie is DVD-9, it would ask the splitting point, showing IFO information that 99.9999% of the users don't understand and asking to select splitting point and would use two DVD-Rs (as in common IFOEdit method)

Ah well, we'll see.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

5.10.2002 13:54 #4

A_Klingon

One-click (or 2 or 3 ...) dvd backing-up doesn't seem technically possible despite their positive assurances to the contrary. Those who have been laboriuosly encoding/ripping/burning video for years (us)pretty well know it's impossible.

They make a pretty big deal about warning us of copyright infringement (and well they should with a pending lawsuit staring at them), so I don't know if they'll 'let' us remove the FBI warnings or not, but did you also notice? In order to help protect themselves, their software will also be inserting an additional _mandatory_ warning even in *front* of the usual FBI one! (Non-defeatable, I would assume; oh joy). So CSS will be in full use. They won't be trying to defeat or remove it.

For those of us who probably know better, they really really really need to provide a lot more product info than they do. A detailed FAQ is not something they offer. They don't have to give any trade (software) secrets away, but if their package is to gain any legitamacy or trust among knowledgeable users, they really need to explain HOW their software works. What is does, and how it does it.

(Too much to ask, I know). I wouldn't buy it today, that's for sure. They *say* they're working on a demo version. *That'll* be a telling story.

-- Mike --

6.10.2002 00:51 #5

rhmoore

Your skepticism is understandable. However�

DVDXCOPY DOES work!
DVDXCOPY DOES NOT include any freeware or shareware and is completely proprietary and is the result of 8 months of intensive, internal development
DVDXCOPY will be available for download on or before Oct 28, 2002
DVDXCOPY will be available in a demo/time limited format which will burn 15 minutes of video and audio. You will need to use a DVD/RW so as not to end up with a DVD/R coaster for the demo
DVDXCOPY DOES NOT use DeCSS
DVDXCOPY DOES NOT re-encode or compress video in any way
DVDXCOPY technology IS patentable and is currently underway
THIS HASN'T BEEN EASY, but the results are unbelievable and well worth it!
DVDXCOPY WILL be available in retail in November. Retail orders have already been received that will ship by the end of October, 2002.
Burning DVD to DVDR has been simple, but restructuring Video pointers in IFO and VOB files has not. Proper splitting and common sense behavior have proven to be a most difficult undertaking and are at the core technology of our product

New legislation that would completely eliminate all cloud of illegality has been introduced within the last 3 days by Congressman Rick Boucher. Read all about it at

http://www.house.gov/boucher/internet.htm

This is the DMCRA (Digital Millennium Consumer Rights Act) of which we are a staunch supporter and have been in contact with the Congressmen�s office before this bill was introduced.

Any one of you that post here can receive a FREE PRE-RELEASE BETA by emailing me at Robert@321studios.com This will be available around Oct 16th.

Also, email me with any more questions and I�ll be glad to answer them. Although, DvdCopyPlus has been very popular, I�ve never been completely satisfied with the end product. But�DVDXCOPY delivers on every level.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

6.10.2002 06:24 #6

rhmoore

Also, I must point out the three technology initiatives we incorporate to discourage piracy and encourage fair use only. These are not unbreakable (neither is CSS) but to the extent that we are trying to reach a fair compromise and a sense of balance with the copyright laws, DVDXCOPY will include the following three anti-piracy measures:

1. Disclaimer in front of FBI warning indicating this is a backup/archival copy and is not to be sold or redistributed

2. Anti-copying technology using our software that will prevent a copy of a copy

3. Electronic watermark embedded in video stream. As long as the product is used for its intended purpose there will be no knowledge gained of legitimate copying. However, if a video stream is released into piracy mainstreams, the license of the DVDXCOPY product can be determined from this watermark and potentially, the original infringer could be identified. At the very least, the license will be deactivated for the DVDXCOPY product which will disable the product.

Again, these measures are not hack-proof, but neither is a door lock. It is important though to demonstrate to the community at large that we are willing to be reasonable so long as fair use is acknowledged and protected.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

6.10.2002 07:15 #7

rhmoore

CORRECTION:

Pursuant to my first post, I mistyped and wrote Digital Millenium Consumer Rights Act, when in fact, it is the Digital Media Consumer Rights Act (DMCRA).

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

6.10.2002 08:13 #8

Ketola

Thank you very much for correcting my misbeliefs with facts. =) I tried gathering facts before posting the news article, but had to rely on our old news item for reference because I was unable to access your site (or any other site for that matter) at the time of posting.

I'm very exited about the software, as is everyone here at AfterDawn.com, I'm sure! Let's hope all goes well, and that you'll be able to release the software without delays and problems.

Jari Ketola
Administrator
http://www.AfterDawn.com

6.10.2002 11:34 #9

A_Klingon

Robert, I'd just to add, *thank you* for responding to my questions and skepticisms. Many people's assumptions, whether right or wrong, are often based on lack of information, which is not necessarily their fault when little or no information is available. I tend to be a little cynical when given so many wonderful claims -- one sees that every day, everywhere; when it comes to new software, we're *bombarded* with it.

You've given more detailed, important, necessary, (and positive!) information in your answers above, than in toto on your own website.
I'm impressed with your answers too.

I don't yet have a dvd burner, but it is this kind of software, carefully explained, that will probably convince me to get one sooner rather than later. For now, I will 'sit on the fence' a bit and see how other users fare with your software package. I *do* wish you resounding success!

Thanks too, for choosing A/D to help us sort it all out. According to Petteri/dRD (webmaster), this site is getting something like 1,000,000 hits+ per month, and you can just bet, a lot of those visitors are burning dvds these days. If your package can help simplify the enormous complexity of this task, and give good results, you deserve to WIN.

I'll be able to ask more informed questions after I get my burner.

Best Regards,
Mike Bennett

7.10.2002 16:44 #10

rhmoore

rhmoore

I don't know where this last post came from, but since we haven't even shipped the beta yet, let alone the full version, I have to say this person has no idea what he is talking about. We are accepting PRE-ORDERS on our website at a substantial discount, but will not release it to the public till October 28, 2002. So I assume this is a rogue post.

We'll let our software do the talking!

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

9.10.2002 13:14 #20

dRD

rhmoore: True, accusations of software's capabilities that isn't even launched yet, are kinda pointless. But you must admit that your previous software (and to add the pain of our inboxes, about 3 gazillion other similiar packages from other vendors) have created a _REALLY_ bad image for commercial DVD ripping packages by ripping off freeware software authors and such.

I'm anyway optimist and specially since you decided to comment and clarify things up, it has put some confidence, at least in my eyes, back to your company and I'm anxiously waiting to see your upcoming product in near future.

One thing what I seriously recommend to you in future is that you cut all the dirty details that surround the commercial DVD ripping scene on your part. Few steps to achieve this:

-get rid of your in-house-run affiliate program and use reputable affiliate manager, such as CJ -- I know they cost $$, but they give you much more credibility AND most importantly they will boot automatically all a**holes who promote affiliate links by spamming and other illegal/semi-illegal means.

-use clear website, get rid of all "porn-y" flashy animation crap, too annoying popups, excess advertisement wording (if I visit a site that sells something and uses those hyper-annoying chicks showing software discs and use wording familiar from day-time 1-800-CHEAP-LAWYER advertisements, I leave the site. immediately.), setup a GOOD and FAST customer service, setup a well-moderated discussion forum to help people with your software, show your company's exact contact details clearly on your site and tell people what EXACTLY the software DOES and HOW it does it AND what user needs and can do with the resulting copy. Clearly.

...just some basic stuff I've learned by working _way_ too many years in this biz. Credibility is damn easy to lose, but takes years to get it back.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

9.10.2002 14:26 #21

rhmoore

dRD: Thanks for the confidence and insight. After reading your two suggestions, I have to make a few things clear.

#1: There are plenty of scam outfits that have tried to mimic our success, and to the extent you mention "porn-y" flashy animation crap and scantily clad women advertising in this space, I know to whom you refer, and it is not us.

The only URL's we have ever offered our product is 321studio.com, 321studios.com, copymydvd.com and copysuite.com. All other URL's known or unknown to us do not represent us, even if they appear to look like us. They are cheap rip-offs and imitations.

#2: With respect to affiliates: Our affiliate base has been whittled back from 15,000 to around 600 primarily because of affiliate spam. We continue to take action against those who spam our product, but it has been a tough road. It seems for everyone we find and terminate there are two more to take their place. But we keep persevering.

Also, we have had many others fraud spam our web site in an attempt to take us down and make us look bad. It's exasperating to have to defend yourself for something you had no part in, but it seems to be par for the course and in some measure, the price of our success.

Anyway, we've looked into CJ and though they are more expensive, we would gladly use them if we were assured that they handled the spam problem better than we could. So far, we remain unconvinced, but on your advice, we'll look into them again.

Also, our contact page contains, and has always contained, our address, phone number and fax number. We answer our phones live in tech support, provide online support and maintain an online knowledge base for our customers. That is probably why our return rate is less than 3% on average. We stand behind our product with solid customer service and technical support.

Thanks for your insightful comments.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

9.10.2002 20:31 #22

phil1991

Drd and everyone else. This site is really great and I'm glad there's something like this out here. You guys have made my education at backing up relatively headache free(except 1st few days). I've learned a lot since getting my burner, and keep learning everyday. I was VERY skeptical about the software, via the post in the message board, but reading this board I'm a lit'l bit more relaxed. Robert, your candid responses and willingness to 'prove' your product has eased some of my doubts.
I'm interested in trying out the software myself since anything is easier than the current way of making backup's. Needless to say I've been unsuccessful in getting any DVD9's working using the split process with anything I do, so I'm willing to try 'almost' anything at this point to put my $1100 investment to use. But spending more $$$ and getting ripped off wouldn't be cool either.
Anyway, at work and I'm rambling, but I look forward to trying it out, you'll get an email from me too! I have several friends and co-workers waiting on my success b4 they go out and get a burner, but I'm still a 'newbie' at all of this. If anybody can take a look at my playback issues thread and offer any insight I'd appreciate it *smile*

10.10.2002 04:51 #23

tumbar

Robert,

If your company has created software to address these sometimes complex and sometimes mundane processes, all I can say it "Hat's off" to the 321Studio.Com Team.

Good Luck!

10.10.2002 06:09 #24

A_Klingon

We can all try the beta when it arrives, and make a more informed judgement then. Frankly, I *like* the idea of not having to sit through h-o-u-r-s of compressing/encoding.

-- Mike --

10.10.2002 06:54 #25

phil1991

Robert, can't get thru to your email account but I'll keep trying.
What does your software do about backup's that are bigger than 4.36G?

10.10.2002 07:20 #26

dRD

Phil: the 4.36GB+ issue was adressed above.

Robert: Thanks for the response, again. I'm glad that you guys have a healthy attitude towards marketing, since "this business" -- DVD ripping, whether commercial or publishing -- is full of controversial stuff and as a whole can be compared to "penis enlargement" industry by its advertisement methods, websites and overall sleaziness of the public image.

This can be easily noticed by observing DVD ripping sites over past 2-3 years -- only four of us, "big ones", were left at the end, even though many, many smaller ones tried to squeeze in with various tactics, ad campaigns, flashy sites and such. Only honest and clean approach towards users has paid off -- ddigest, afterdawn, vcdhelp and doom9 are left and pretty much cover 95% of the English-speaking genre, all of which have objected intrusion of porn advertisements, excessive popup bombarding, spamming and other similiar means.

I hope that in future you can distinguish your product from scam artists and that there will be healthy software industry with two-three major players left at the end, to keep the competition and innovation running -- and obviously your biggest challenge is from free software advocates who originally "launched" the whole phenomenom. But as always, I also believe that there's room for commercial software approach as well.

Anyway, all the best and we will definately run couple of in-depth test runs with your software once you guys get it ready :-)

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

10.10.2002 09:51 #27

menmaddi

Robert,

Count me in on the BETA. I shot you an email.

10.10.2002 10:47 #28

dejiray

I found the 321 studio very complex and did not always do what it should.I went to nero and it has not failed me yet.Is the new 321 as easy to use?

10.10.2002 17:18 #29

mechanic

If 321 Studios DVDXcopy lives up to all the hype then it will be a godsend as I have had a few of my dvd's ruined by my 5 yr old grandson. My fault of course for leaving them where he could reach them. The only problem with forking over $80.00 is there is no demo available right now and who knows if the government will stop the sale of this software. People may have a hard time getting their hard earned money back. My 2cents worth.

10.10.2002 23:00 #30

A_Klingon

mechanic:

Be sure to send 321.com (or Robert Moore, right here in this forum with the link under his name), an email requesting the beta which I think you will be able to d/l some time next week.

I am getting very good vibes about this thing. It's automatic. *WAY* automatic. Not quite the same thing as 'one-touch' vhs vcr tape recording perhaps, but damned close. Much closer, perhaps, than we've ever seen before.

In return for the advance beta, I think we should all try to help out in attempting to uncover bugs, or at least reporting our findings, either good or bad.

Finding a bad thing is a *good* thing, because it means that the bug has been identified and can be eliminated. The beta is not the end-all program it's going to be. We can all help to make it better.

Particularly, I'd be interested in seeing reports of any dvds whose menu structure causes problems. That is, specific dvd titles which "fooled" the beta and created a bad or faulty menu. The beta will be attempting to include all menu options incorporated into the original dvd, which frankly, is a courageous and up until now, 'never-before-done' kind of thing.

I suggest we keep a list of dvds whose menus managed to defy the beta (if *any*), and if I can find a local copy of that title, I'll try it out as well.

I think this software is going to generate *huge* threads in here. As I say, although still too early to tell, I *am* getting very good vibes about this thing.

If it works, I urge everyone to visit 321.com and check out the petition found there. (Fact is, even if it *doesn't, that petition makes a hell of a lot of sense).

Enough for now. Get your hands on the beta.

-- Mike --

10.10.2002 23:24 #31

A_Klingon

Oops! I *meant* to say:

www.321Studios.com , <not 321.com?

-- Me --

10.10.2002 23:39 #32

dRD

I think we should probably now cool down the beta requests for 321studios -- they wont be happy to receive 15,000 guys asking for beta ;-)

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

11.10.2002 01:23 #33

rhmoore

Thanks dRD: We already have a huge number of beta requests from this forum alone. We'll continue to honor beta requests until Midnight CST tonight.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

11.10.2002 04:41 #34

gmn17

Robert,

1 question.
Is DVDXCOPY going to be compatible
with DVD-RAM also?

Thx

11.10.2002 05:25 #35

dRD

gmn17: You should know by now that even if you COULD backup your movies to DVD-RAM, there isn't even a single DVD player, AFAIK, in the world that plays DVD-RAM discs.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

11.10.2002 05:28 #36

gmn17

http://www.epinions.com/Panasonic_DMR_E20_Backward_Compatible_DVD_Video_Recorder__Component_DVD_Player_DMRE20

Isn't there? ;)

11.10.2002 05:37 #37

dRD

*Bows and takes the hit*

Ok, convinced. There is this 0.01% of players that do support DVD-RAM. But I'm convinced that it is one of those formats that will very, very soon become just another glossary entry that people who are history freaks, find amusing :-)

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

11.10.2002 05:44 #38

gmn17

Just as I've proven you wrong on the previous
point, I can do the same again.
This is a question of technology
superiority but also numbers.
Matsushita, Toshiba and Hitachi
all produce DVD-RAM drives
and there are technological reasons
for DVD-RAM being superior to other rewritable formats, such as 100,000 times rewritability vs 1,000 on other formats and low seek times.
You can read this at vcdhelp.com
and other good sites. If only more people would
read up before making a decision and not make assumptions like you did.

Cheers

11.10.2002 06:06 #39

rhmoore

Right now, we have no plans to support DVDRAM. Like dRD, I believed there were no players on the market that would support the DVD File Structure in this format. For the time being, we only plan to support +/- R(W).

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

11.10.2002 06:16 #40

dRD

BetaMax was superior to VHS, Amiga was far superior to Wintel-PC, miniDisc is superior to C-cassettes, etc..

Economics, simple economics. I know DVD-RAM's good sides -- it's kinda my job to know those -- and I know that its foremost purpose is to serve as a seriously big floppy, not as a replacement for CDs or for DVD-Video backups. But as its discs cost far more than any other recordable DVD format, its discs can be read (virtually) only with other DVD-RAM drives, you can't backup DVD-Videos and throw the discs into regular, "everybody has three of these" DVD player and not even DVD-ROM drive, my personal opinion is that the format is doomed. I don't seriously care -- and I'm fairly convinced that no one else cares either -- if I can re-record the data 100k times. Blank DVD-R costs �0.40 ($0.60) and is dropping to much lower than that and DVD-RW is going to same way, I can hardly see the reason why this creates ANY cost effectiveness for DVD-RAM.

But this ranting doesn't really belong to this thread anyway :-)

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

11.10.2002 06:17 #41

hula73

A_Klingon...are you planning on using this forum to post bugs and problems w. this new software..or will there be another section on the www site for this... I do agree it would nice if we help them along and try to find the bugs...please post a response in the newsgroup

Brett Nelson

11.10.2002 07:51 #42

Lawman

rhmoore:
All the best for DVDXCOPY, as a Customer in the UK (have pre-ordered) and already paid for DVDXCOPY, just cannot wait to get my mitts, (slang for hands) on it. If you require Beta testers in the UK, Just let us know, roll on the 28th.....

11.10.2002 08:56 #43

A_Klingon

hula73:

No, I don't imagine I'll have to initiate any new beta threads. Everybody will want to comment in the appropriate place(s). For now, we're just here because the beta hasn't rolled around yet. I suggest we use the DVD sections of the forum. Or dRD can open up a new section at his discretion.

I just want the final (first stable) release to be as bug-free as possible. Keeping a list of dvds (any Region code) whose menus the beta 'couldn't figure out' might be a good place to start. It's possible we won't find any. Actually, I've thought a lot about this software and have a_lot of question to ask, but it might be more appropriate if I/we wait.

I just picked up a couple of Hewlett Packard DVD+RW discs - with local taxes, $14.97 Canadian *each*. Absolutely *ridiculous*! Even the DVD-RWs were $11.50. Kinda takes a lot of the fun out of making your own backups, huh? Especially if you have to use two of them for a single movie. I wish I could have found a double-sided one (they exist in the DVD+R/W format), but I bet, even if you could find one, it would be as expensive as two single-sided discs. (I'll have to look around). Eventually, the prices will drop, as will the price of the burners.

These were the *only* two blank DVD offerings in the entire store. The DVD+RWs were, as I say, HP. The DVD-RWs were Verbatums. There were NO write-once DVDs at all, and everything else were just recordable CDs. (And this is supposed to be a high-tech store!)

And only two burners too! The DVD-R/W = $599 + taxes; the DVD+R/W = $699 + taxes.

Evil, evil......

-- Klingy --

11.10.2002 17:44 #44

rhmoore

We've made special arrangements with Tritton Technologies to offer DVD +R Burners at a discount from retail. $299 for internal (retails for $399 in Office Depot and $399 for external (retails for $549 in Office Depot). Also, they will supply our cusomers with media at 50% retail discount. So a DVD+R is 3.00 US each and DVD+RW is 4.00 each.

This special pricing was arranged in exchange for an OEM deal with Tritton for our current product and DVDXCOPY, so they are basically pass-through costs.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

11.10.2002 17:54 #45

A_Klingon

What a weird and sometimes whacky place this Internet is.

With nothing substancially better to do, (I just got off work), I did a rough 'n ready Google web search for "dvdxcopy". What turns up?

"Posted......Message A_Klingon, Senior Member, .....AfterDawn Forums, etc. etc.

Geeze.....of pages and pages and pages of references, *this* is the first google entry that showed up.

Cool!

- mgb -

12.10.2002 21:51 #46

reggyn

DVD X COPY and Sony's newest DVD burner would make an awsome bundle. Check this out!

http://www.sonystyle.com/home/item.jsp?hierc=9683x9714x9715&catid=9715&itemid=50044&type=o

13.10.2002 04:57 #47

MyNameIs

*violation-of-afterdawn's-rules--removed-the-msg-and-the-user*

14.10.2002 04:54 #48

dRD

Bang. One user managed to get his account deactivated and banned.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

14.10.2002 04:57 #49

hula73

OMG where did this guy come from...Nice...hey Jimmie Dean Sausuage...isn't everything in Kazaa track in a log via Ip address...hmmm...nice trail ur leaving...oh well...

Brett Nelson

14.10.2002 05:04 #50

tumbar

Well, today is the "big" day...beta release day!

Anyone heard anything?

regards

you can call me Mr. T

14.10.2002 06:46 #51

newhaven

I see a couple of posts which reference dvd's larger than 4.3GB but have not seen one that actually answers the questions. One post says that the size issue has been dealt with in an earlier post from rhmoore, and another prophesizing about the way dvd's that are larger than 4.3GB are going to be handled.

Can anyone say how this is handled within the software, is it compression (again there was an artical that said the software uses a bit by bit copy so I rule that one out),or is it going to be split onto 2 pieces of DVDR media. I presume that is the way this new software is going to handle the task.

Also are there any hardware restrictions on PC requirements or DVD burners that are going to be supported?

I think there are a lot of questions that remain to be answered, and as they say the proof will be in the pudding!!

If the software professes to do what it says on the box then I take my hat off to the developers as I am fairly new to this game and have spent weeks getting to grips with working methods. I know there will be a lot of interest and a lot of very happy people if this product turns out to be as good as the developers say it is. On the other hand there is a lot of interest and if the product turns out to be a toatl waste of time the developers will find them selves down the swannie without a paddle.

14.10.2002 07:03 #52

rhmoore

DVDXCOPY Beta will be available sometime this week. I never promised it would be available on the 14th. We're shooting for Wed morning release which is the 16th. It's important to me to have it out and in your hands by this weekend. Bear with us, we're working as fast as we can.

Also, I have still been accepting beta requests up till this morning. However, I can no longer honor any more requests. We simply have too many at this point.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

14.10.2002 07:41 #53

tumbar

ATTN RHMOORE and 321studio team.

A thousand pardons. The week of October 14th. I stand corrected and extend sincere apology.

Well just one more mistake I've made! That's it, I'm gonna quit making mistakes and become perfect...lol.

"Oh Lord, it's so hard to be humble
when I'm perfect in everyway!"

Cheers back to ya !

you can call me Mr. T

14.10.2002 08:00 #54

A_Klingon

Those who have dvd-changers at home will be very lucky for those times when it requires 2 blanks for a single, long movie. After the initial disclaimer screen, the second (or even third?) disc will not enter it's menu right away, but pick up directly *with* the movie. This helps to minimize the irritation at the changeover point. The menu will, of course, be available via the remote for those options which appeared but weren't burned on the first disc.

So even if I *could* find a decently-priced source of double-sided discs, it might be better to use separate ones after all.

I do have some questions though... (sorry, I just can't wait for Oct. 16 or thereabouts to ask) - will the software itself be determining the break-point of longer movies? Or will the break-point be user-selectable?

When making videocds, I always manually choose that point. I always seek to make it at a place where there is little or no action taking place, and very quiet. *Then*, I will usually 'recap' a bit - that is - I always make a gentle overlap of perhaps, 5 to 10 seconds or so.

It could be very tricky if the software chooses the break point - it could be at a very inappropriate place. (Middle of an action scene, or cutting someone off in mid-sentence).

Also, it would be nice if the software would flat-out refuse to process all dvds with weak, stupid plots and really crummy acting - you know - the kind of land-fill which Hollywood hypes to the sky and then jams by the truckload into your favourite rental or retail store, only to junk the title a month later to make room for the next "must-have-can't-live-without" title.

(Yes, that last bit was just a joke); I'm just trying to allieviate my impatience as we wait for the beta!

(But it's true, too.) I bet you can't remember 5 of the core, absolutely "necessary" titles of the last year or so. I can't. They dissappear as fast as they show up. Pure trash.

And the ability to eliminate the really annoying, superflous, weak, crappy extra stuff which appears more and more often these days -- will be a definate plus point, even if you *have* the room to fit them all on one disc.

Another question: In the final version(s) to come, can *some* extra material be retained? (Rather than a total *inclusion* of all extras, or a total *elimination* of all extra stuff).

If the extras are individually and selectively delete-able, how will this effect the look of the menu? I may, for example, tire of the 6 billion pieces of extras nonsense included on the "Shrek" dvd. Will those 'links' still be showing up on the menu (even though non-selectable)? I would imagine - just guessing - that those options *would* appear, but just not be selectable.

Being a minimalist in nature I will be looking forward to a version of the program that allows zapping of ALL extra stuff. Fact is, I don't even really require a menu. Some carefully chosen extras ARE certainly worth keeping, but I'd rather burn them to a separate disc anyway.

(But that's just me).

Any thoughts?

-- Klingy --

14.10.2002 11:47 #55

Jake

"off-topic"
Hi, A_Klingon, how you can wrote so long messages? :)

Jake
Please read aD guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

14.10.2002 12:11 #56

ABCman

A_Klingon,

I am with you.....I mainly would just like something to burn *JUST* the movie onto DVD with one mouse click leaving all the extra junk (I dont ever watch) off.

Guess I am just a simple man MMhmmm <Sling Blade>

14.10.2002 12:39 #57

Sorry for the confusion. The beta version will be "fully" (did you see the wink) functional. There will be no limitation on the beta in terms of time limitation.

The demo (time limited version) will be a marketing tool to push the product on download.com and tucows and other download sites.

As far as the screen shot goes of the software, that is it!

Crossing my fingers for tomorrow!

Cheers!

15.10.2002 04:51 #66

cpukiller

I can't wait to see if this works....the 16th...almost here...

15.10.2002 06:30 #67

A_Klingon

Ouuuu..we've got the *good* one, guys, THE BETA. ;-)

October 15th, 5:32 pm Atlantic Time and counting...... 6 hours & 29 mins., 28 mins, 27 mins......

"All systems are GO Houston, we have the green light." "Clear the Pad, People, all systems are committing to final launch!"

(I'm *tho* dramatic). :)

_A_Thilly_Klingon_

15.10.2002 12:23 #68

rhmoore

Probably won't release the beta that quick. Silly Klingon :)

Look for my post and emails tomorrow around this same time. We're *hoping* to get it out tomorrow, but geez, don't have a heart attack if it gets delayed by a day.

I think we'll be fine for tomorrow though. Although, I would expect a newer version of the beta to ship by weeks end as well. In other words, expect problems with the first beta. If you don't have any, then you'll be pleasantly surprised. OK?

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

15.10.2002 12:31 #69

dRD

Geez guys, seriously. No one but 321S has any idea if this tool can somehow perform better than IFOEdit and you guys are already planning a rebellion if the beta doesn't arrive on time.

I suspect that it will give various good aspects and relative easiness to the DVD-9 splitting to two DVD-Rs, but wont surpass IFOEdit in usability for some time -- who knows, maybe ever, but will be the first one to do it commercially and will probably ease things for total newbies.

So, lean back, relax, don't panic and wait for the official release, read couple of reviews, wait them to fix the most obvious bugs and look again when the tool gets into version 1.2 and make up your mind by then.

I respect 321S's attitude and the fact that they're willing to contribute towards the conversation over their not-yet-released-software's abilities. And as a marketing move and such, it works pretty damn nicely as well :-)

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

15.10.2002 12:48 #70

A_Klingon

But ifoedit is *so* scary to look at! I viewed a couple screens'-worth of it over at doomy's, and I thought I'd just seen a ghost.

Althought I haven't *quite* got the burner yet (few more days; fingers crossed), I did, nonetheless, look at your dvd to dvdr article for the first time; borrowed a single-sided disc from the Library; downloaded DVD Decrypter; and made an iso disc image. One nice thing from what I can understand, is that DVD-Decrypter also acts as a burner -- so will be interested in seeing how the disc image turns out in comparison to the beta for the same dvd. (Should I really get a (reasonably-accurate) playable dvd from the iso?). Your guides have never steered me wrong.

Of course, DVD-9 is a *whole* 'nother can of worms, and will be an "acid test" all by itself.

(And yes, all my kidding aside, I would have gladly waited for a beta-2 if it were more appropriate).

Wishing all-the-best for 321Studios !!

-- Mike --

15.10.2002 16:59 #71

Bez002

As a complete novice to the art of backing up even my own PC. I am very scepticle of the claims of this software. Count me in on the BETA version. I sent you an email.

16.10.2002 09:56 #72

rhmoore

Beta news to follow in about an hour. Keep your fingers crossed.

:)

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

16.10.2002 14:02 #73

rhmoore

Engineers say they need another 24 hours. :(
Will post back tomorrow.

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

16.10.2002 14:31 #74

dvd2svcd

Yeah, I want that beta too. imho, once a scam artist always a scam artist, but hey, some alcoholics have quit drinking, so maybe.....

17.10.2002 13:13 #75

magictown

It's the calm before the the storm.....

17.10.2002 14:12 #76

cpukiller

Any updates?

17.10.2002 14:56 #77

tumbar

DVD2SVCD

After a 30 year relationship, I put the smokes down 29 months ago. It's possible!

you can call me Mr. T

17.10.2002 15:07 #78

LIGHT_UK

Quote: DVDXCOPY DOES NOT use DeCSS

Ok, so what does it use then?! When you read the disc, surely you strip out the CSS - dont you? The whole thing is kind of pointless otherwise.

17.10.2002 15:07 #79

321bruno

As I've been following the developments here at 321Studios of the DVDXCOPY product, I thought inquiring minds might want to get the skinny on the latest:

I'm Bruno, Creative Director at 321Studios and have been working in conjunction with our developers in preparing for XCOPY's Beta Release 1.

We are working out last minute bugs that our team feels are necessary to extinguish before releasing *anything*. I realize RHMOORE may have posted an earlier release date, but the technical details are ultimately left up to us to fix. As many of you probably know, things come up that prevent you from meeting specific deadlines. For example, yesterday we were battling a driver issue that squeezed 4 hours out of our day. It's impossible to calculate in those sort of problems, and our beta release is delayed yet another day.

Ok, the good news is I think everyone is going to be really happy with XCOPY. Our team has poured blood sweat and tears in to this project, and have been whipped in the process. Just kidding.

Today I was burning ZOOLANDER (not the greatest movie) to a Memorex DVD+RW disc with a Ricoh RW5125 on Windows XP. I think one of the most impressive aspects of XCOPY is how incredibly easy it is to use. You push over TITLES with a single click and hit a big COPY NOW button.

For extremely novice users we've built-in a Tutorial for those that like things explained before doing anything. For most of you, I doubt you'll even glance at it. It was exciting to see some of our first DVD movies come through in perfect quality. Since so many of you are anxiously awaiting your beta copy, we want to meet your expectations with a release that FEELS like a beta, and not an alpha.

Below is a link to a couple screenshots of the software I took today. Hopefully that will fill your imaginations a little before we wait yet another day to release it to you. Thanks to all of our future beta testers in advance. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Main Screen - http://www.321studios.com/beta-shots/screens.01.gif

DVD Image Building Screen - http://www.321studios.com/beta-shots/screens.02.gif

Burning to DVD R(W) Screen - http://www.321studios.com/beta-shots/screens.03.gif

~Bruno

17.10.2002 15:10 #80

rhmoore

I was unable to post this afternoon, due to a previous engagement so I asked our creative director to keep you posted. I see that he did.

I apologize to you all for the delay. I was sincerely hoping that we could have the beta out today. But it was not to be.

We incorporated some new technology to increase performance and that has apparently broken the burning process. Everything works now as expected with this one exception. The engineers tell me this should be fixed by tomorrow.

As with any development, milestones can be difficult to achieve on time, and apparently this is no exception. But once again, I can tell you, the wait will be worth it.

I know many of you are waiting anxiously for this release, and I assure you we will release the beta just as soon as this last issue is cleared up.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed and a few other things besides ;)

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

17.10.2002 16:38 #81

dvd2svcd

Warning to everybody. DO NOT PRE-PAY THESE GUYS. Don't pay them a daim before you get word from the Beta Testers.

Thess posts "Beta not to day sorry, maybe tomorrow" can continue forever. I don't say they haven't anything I just say keep your money until you're sure you get your values worth.

And in reference to LIGHT_UK's inquiry. I too would like how you circumvent CSS, I mean, you put stuff of your own into the video stream like watermarks and warnings.

Sorry, but this it smells bad.

17.10.2002 23:13 #82

A_Klingon

dvd2svcd;

Patience is a virtue. What are *you* or anyone else _paying_ out for this beta?

It's free. Bottom line. If it doesn't work, you're not out a dime.

If they release a crummy beta because gents like yourself have their knicker's all in-a-twist, then you really *might* have something to bitch about. And I'm sure, if the beta doesn't meet general expectations, we will hear about it soon enough without your help.

*Encourage* this thing, don't diss it just because it hasn't arrived in a timely manner. Sure, I have *lots* of questions too!

321Bruno: Thanks for popping in. My hopes for your project continue to soar high. I appreciate the screen shots. I just got hold of my first-ever dvd burner yesterday, and am eagerly looking forward to using the beta with it.

Nothing like this comes either easily or quickly.

-- You're doing fine. --

-- Mike --

18.10.2002 02:43 #83

dRD

As I always try to sit on a fence and observe things neutrally, I must say that I agree with both parties in here.

Obviously I know that two of the critics in this thread are _highly_ appreciated members of ripping community and I agree with their point of view. Seeing other developers to be ripped off in the past by various companies, you can't expect anything good to come out from a company who has involved in such scam.

But I also agree with dvd2svcd's comment about the fact that it IS possible still that some of the companies clean up their act and release something truly on their own that offers an easy-to-use solution for average users. To be serious, DVDXCopy wont ever -- if I've understood the concept correctly -- replace IFOEdit and similiar tools, since they offer much wider range of options that you can do. But if something like the DVDXCopy that we haven't actually tested yet, but just heard the specs and seen few screenshots, can offer something that average users can use with IQ below 148, then good. Then company actually has a product that's worth to mention -- not necessary to recommend for everybody, but to mention anyway. And if so, I respect the company, playing in a pretty damn big sandbox where 99.99% of the available tools are free and usually open-source.

I also agree several technical issues SVCD.cfm" class="forum_link" target="_blank">DVD2SVCD and lighting_uk (sorry, I know the issue with nick's length ;-) pointed out earlier -- you, 321S, might not use specifically DeCSS to extract the data, but to my mind, you have to use some other methods to strip the video from the DVD and remove the CSS, right? Even if it's not DeCSS or VOBDec. Also, the watermarking issue sounds weird, since -- as SVCD.cfm" class="forum_link" target="_blank">DVD2SVCD pointed out -- how I understand it, you need to re-encode the video in order to add anything to the actual video file. Several copyprotection schemes can be added, but technically I can't see how anything could be added to the physical video without re-encoding the video.

And obviously the delays -- however necessary and urgent -- always destroy credibility. You need to be size of Microsoft so that this kind of things wont matter.

My �0.02.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

18.10.2002 03:00 #84

Lawman

dvd2svcd

As a person who has already pre-paid for a copy of DVDXCOPY, (and willing to do so)
I eagerly await for the beta, I take people on trust, And at the end of the day, if I felt I was ripped off, then I would fight tooth and nail to get my money back, But I find that most companys I have delt with to be honest, and have never had a problem.. So I take 321 at their word, and have put my money where my mouth is...
Please let it be to-day........

18.10.2002 03:05 #85

gmn17

Hey Bruno,

judging from the pics
I can tell that you are
pretty close to nailing this thing!

The interface looks clean and
easy to use.

Nice work!

18.10.2002 03:45 #86

VCDjunkie

I think skepticism is healthy, it brings up valid points as to the "behind the scenes" functionality of the software. BTW, DVD2SVCD, thanks for creating one of the greatest software packages to date.. I have donated via paypal, and I don't do that often, I was seriously impressed. I would like to see what 321 has to say about the questions brought up, CSS and watermarking.. if they don't re-encode the video, the so called watermarking will probably turn out to be a few bytes of data, just enough to pinpoint the serial number of the person who copied the DVD in the first place.. as for CSS, either they have a breakthrough technology or they are using traditional methods, but I agree.. they have to be DeCSS somehow. I don't even have a DVD burner, so chances are I won't be much input yet, until I can afford the investment (hopefully soon).. but still my interest in this is very deep.

Here's hoping 321studios has revolutionized DVD copying, and if not at least it was interesting conversation

;-)

18.10.2002 04:28 #87

rhmoore

dvd2SVCD: When did I ever ask anyone in this forum to go prepay for an order? In fact, when did I ever in this forum ask anyone to lay out one thin dime?

Go back and reread the thread. You will see that I have offered a full version with 5 additional activation codes, FOR FREE, to all beta users. Anyone that is on the beta list NEED NEVER pay for XCOPY.

I accepted everyone that emailed me as a beta tester, even though I clearly stated that I would accept only those who posted here. But I did it anyway until I was inundated with beta requests from this forum. And in fact, still receive beta requests after I closed the opportunity window and now have people sending me very rude email expecting to be put on the Beta list. Saying things like, �I think this is probably crap and another scam, but I�ll give it a fair try�. If you think you will ever be added to the beta list by saying such things, then you are as inept as you are illiterate.

Then I get called a *scam artist* and compared to a recovering alcoholic? I am literally shaking my head in disbelief that some of these same people have requested a beta. I take personal exception to anyone that calls our company a *scam* outfit. We are the ONLY ones who have tried to do it right, and if you don�t believe me, do your own research.

Lawman: Why did you prepay for an order? Because you found this forum AFTER you placed an order? I expect you to call customer service today and have your order cancelled if you are on the beta list. They will gladly refund your money, as they do with every other customer that has requested a refund, since we've been in business.

Any one of you who has PAID for a PRE-ORDER and is now on the beta list. CANCEL YOUR ORDER. Call Customer Service and ASK FOR A REFUND. Your money will be refunded BEFORE you hang up the phone.

dRD: Maybe if we WERE Microsoft, we would just turn out CRAP and let the rest of you debug it for us. Since when are delays that uncommon in development and new product releases?

XCOPY DOES NOT use deCSS in the strictest sense. And our proprietary technology is just that, proprietary. You will be able to read about the technology once the patent is granted.

I'm beginning to think my initial posting here might NOT have been such a good idea after all.

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

18.10.2002 04:37 #88

dRD

rhmoore: Don't get it wrong -- I agree that some of the comments have been rude and probably not good for your company's image, but as I said in way up this thread, that I and others who _RUN_ and _OWN_ this site will definately give your product a fair chance.

__BUT__ you must accept the very high level of skepticism from us and our users -- like I said, I respect you guys a LOT since you are producing your own software and I'm curious to see it. But still, last two years in this business have taught the old-skool guys to be extremely skeptic about commercial entries to this arena.

I still thank you for getting yourself out of the closet and posting to our forums -- obviously you couldn't predict the amount of feedback, nasty comments, praises and overall enthustiasm cause by the comments. Now, before skeptics or the anxious guys can actually say anything further other than building warzones around the opposite sides your product, we just have to sit back and wait for the beta and see how it works.

And about the DeCSS -- this basically didn't refer to DeCSS itself, but I assume everybody used it as a terminology for "piece of software that strips out the CSS from DVD".

And think it like that: I'm fairly certain that the amount of publicity and hype your product has gathered only by posting to this forum, is worth getting couple of rotten eggs towards your face as well. Am I right?-)

Obviously, we (we as in AfterDawn) are pieces of shit for many in DVD ripping scene, since we actually try to make money -- even by selling advertisement space -- from this sector and not go with "pure, ad-free, opensource spirit". But that's life.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

18.10.2002 04:48 #89

VCDjunkie

rhmoore, remember that you will always have obstacles in your path, and people who want to throw sticks in your spokes.. your last post is a testament to how hard you must be working these days considering how much pressure is on you and your team to complete the beta, and how much anguish about the fact that people are skeptical..

I sincerely hope that in the near future you will have no need to respond to skepticism because your software will be so damned good it will speak for itself!! but then again, I have been optomistic about your project so perhaps I am a bit biased.

Those of us who have been in the computer industry for years know how things can come up during development. Your beta and eventually your final release will be your true response to anybody's comments.

I must say that it will be very interesting to find out more about how you get around CSS once your patent has been released. That is a topic of conversation for another day though, for today I can't wait to see if you and your team can kick this projects ass and deliver the product so that our beta testers and critics can see first hand what you have been working so hard on.. (heh.. I said hard on)

All kidding aside, best of luck!!!!

18.10.2002 04:54 #90

VCDjunkie

and dRD was right, I didn't mean to say that you use DeCSS, but rather some method to remove the CSS from the DVD.. again, a topic for another day after your patents are released of course!

18.10.2002 04:59 #91

rhmoore

dRD: I never posted to this forum for marketing reasons. I posted to this forum to help clear up confusion. After the beta has proven itself and the product has been released, AfterDawn may prove to be a very worthwhile marketing venue. But until then, I am putting my neck in the noose, presumably with some of the toughest critics around. If the beta doesn't perform, this forum and the product will be of no use to 321Studios and we will have lost significant credibility.

However, skepticism is a word, best reserved for deliberation of a business transaction. Since I have asked for nothing in return from any of you, skepticism might be better defined in this case as extreme curiosity, especially when pondering how we might defeat CSS without using deCSS. Since blank media will not accept disc keys, this was a problem we had to face and solve right up front.

We will deliver the beta. It will work or it won't, and we will let the product stand or NOT stand on its own. For those of you on the beta list, we will notify by email and then start addressing any problems.

It makes very little sense to me to attack a company who is *trying* to cooperate with you, before the beta has even been released. If you want to blast and attack us after the beta has failed miserably, how could I stop you?

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

18.10.2002 05:17 #92

Lawman

rhmoore
Thanks, Have sent you a private email.
Stand by what I said, I take people on trust..

18.10.2002 05:29 #93

dRD

rhmoore: Yes, I agree that your messages weren't marketing the product, but actually clearing the confusion and the original skepticism we raised in the news item.

But you probably agree with me that your post has caused huge hype that has driven significant interest towards your product and if your product succeeds to deliver with the first beta versions, your online store counter can probably be used as a high-powered fan after that. And I DON'T mean that your messages have been marketing, but instead fact-feeding to the audience, but I mean by this that the whole discussion makes me seriously smile :-) Just think about it, everybody. Take off your stress for a minute and think about it.. We posted a skeptical article, the guy behind the company replies and clarifies facts. People get interested and within two weeks, the mushroom effect has caused a situation where posting 3 links to pre-beta screenshots managed to cause "This site has reached its user limit." messages appearing on 321Studios' server last night. Power of Internet is sweet :-)

But obviously the fuss and hype has also raised the expectations level to so high that you really _HAVE TO_ deliver a working product, otherwise the "community" will crusify your product, probably permanently.

Stakes are high, but when the stakes are high, the possible rewards are very high as well.

And yes -- nailing product beforehand is premature and I hope that I personally -- or any of aD's members -- haven't given you a false image that I object or have anything against the product.

Also, obviously one of the beautiful things with the Internet is this now-diminishing basic right for free speech. And I assume every soul who have participated in this discussion, must agree that in this particular case, every opinion has been allowed to go through (if not using offensive language) to allow free-flowing discussion and speculation.

Peace and such for everyone. We will wait for beta and hope to release some news about the product once guys at 321Studios get something launched.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

18.10.2002 05:35 #94

dvd2svcd

I gotta say that this statement from you: "XCOPY DOES NOT use deCSS in the strictest sense. And our proprietary technology is just that, proprietary. You will be able to read about the technology once the patent is granted."

Is a load of bull, there is no such thing as "NOT use deCSS in the strictest sense" either you decrypt it or you don't! And we know what you call "proprietary technology" like you did with DVDx, that is before you change your homepage to let people know that it was infact just DVDx you used which was freely downloadable anywhere.

If any of you doubt my word you can read this thread which is prior to 321studios chaning their politic about being public using DVDx:

http://www.vcdhelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88142&highlight=321studios

And I never said you had said anything of pre-paying. I just saw on your homepage that you sold dvdxcopy cheaper when pre-ordered, and that's what I warned people about.

18.10.2002 05:44 #95

rhmoore

ABCman

I think we need to give this program a chance before anyone starts blasting it.....After you try it and if you dont like it.....YOU ARE NOT OUT ANY MONEY! This guy was nice enough to let us beta test, and for the help give us a free copy plus 5 free keys for friends....I mean damn people. I am going to wait untill I try the thing before I make a comment either way. This type of "knee jerk" reaction seems to happen with a lot of new software when it doesnt come out the minute developers say it will. I have develope several programs and can tell you that major bugs CAN tend to pop up at the last second.

Put yourself in this guys shoes a minute......
Would you want to send out something with a MAJOR bug for the VULTURES to pick apart and say "told ya so". Hell no and he is not going to either.

Just rip a few movies while you wait and lets give this thing a chance when it comes out.

18.10.2002 15:58 #116

A_Klingon

rhm>> I may have good news about the beta tonight. Check back soon. <<

Oh poo....I was just getting ready to head out to work, but now I'll have to wait around for an hour or so.

I wonder if dRD couldn't put up a few 'flashy-porny-ads' with pretty girls or something to keep us entertained while we're waiting........

Dum-de-dum......[whistle, hum-hum], shuffling shoes, checking watch.......

By the way, dvd2svcd, I meant absolutely no disrespect to you in my post (about 100 yards up). I checked your link and read *every single post*. (Thank you). I was already aware of most of it, but that was *quite* a body of distrust, to see it all spelled out in front of me at once.

God, I hope that beta gets here soon.

Regards, all.

-- Mike --

P.S. Have we set a new a/D world record now for all-time longest thread? It might not be Guinness Book material, but it certainly is just as interesting!

===

18.10.2002 15:58 #117

dRD

ABCman: Exactly -- like I said earlier, rhmoore kinda put himself in seriously weird position (not avail even on those glossy upper-shelf mags) with this one. Now the hype is SO big that it better be good or they will get lynched -- or they make a blockbuster. Either way, stakes are high.

And A_Klingon, totally off-topic, but it will still take a while to beat this: http://keskustelu.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/3137 ;-)

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

18.10.2002 16:09 #118

tumbar

I guess if the reveiws are decent 321 can say "endorsed by 8 out of 10 rippers" at....picture of a hacker banging on a keyboard infront of a computer, smoldering cigarette in the ashtray, smoke rising...no I foprgot wrong image, going for the efficient, clean, cut and dry 1 button solution crowd....just kidding lol

18.10.2002 16:31 #119

A_Klingon

ROTFLMAO !!!! :-)

Ok,ok, how did you put it? *bows and takes the hit* (?)

277 posts vs. 120 posts - well, we're *getting* there! The night is still young you know, and I it might be 277 vs. 835 by the time the beta arrives!

(Just joking, RHM) :-)

- Geeze, I gotta go to work, I just gotta..... -

-- Mike --

18.10.2002 17:07 #120

gmn17

Bruno, what's your status? Over.

18.10.2002 17:25 #121

Dela

Holy Christ, the size of this thread. I never noticed it got this big in so little time!

18.10.2002 17:32 #122

gmn17

Copies Are Red,
DVDs Are Blue,
DVDXCOPY,
Where Are You?

18.10.2002 18:11 #123

mikemary

to vcd junkie - certainly 321 has to be able to stand up to criticism, but how about we not judge something that we have not even seen yet. When a company says they are coming out with a new product to make a task better and easier and a bunch clowns tell them what it's not going to do or that it can't possible work (this all before they even see it) and at the same time want a free copy to test it, well that just sounds to me like a bunch of sour grapes from people who are jealous that they could not come up with the program themselves.

to light_uk - i will gladly leave the "hard core" rippers behind. you guys can play with your rippers and editors all you want, i have better things to do with my time (like enjoy movies made with dvdxcopy) even if you don't.
Good luck 321 and dvdxcopy.

18.10.2002 19:07 #124

rhmoore

Engineers just left. Good news and bad. We now have disc 1 completely working from end to end. Disc 2 is still not burning the disclaimer. The IFO files are quite complicated and fixing this problem on disc 2, I am told, is a known solution but will still take another day possibly through the weekend to fix.

I've put a lot on the line and I'm pushing the engineers to get the beta out ASAP, but I'm not going to let this thing go out an alpha. That would create more problems than I've got now. We will work through the weekend and hopefully get it out over the weekend.

Hang in there, I believe the wait will be worth it.

Cheers!

18.10.2002 21:33 #125

LIGHT_UK

Disc 2 disclaimer not working you say....well I've got a simple fix for that. Dont waste your time with it. Nobody wants it there anyway! Im sure one per disc set is plenty although I understand that you want to cover your backs.
BTW, since when have programmers been called engineers?!

18.10.2002 23:30 #126

Floyd

My first post & I openly declare my ignorance. Doing my little bit to get past the 277 mark ;o)

I share the hopes of most here that this software does what it says on the tin. Having only learned (through this expert site) how to do a simple(?) conversion from DVD to VCD some weeks ago, I don't understand half the stuff enthusiasts mention in this thread. However I do identify the attraction of understanding most if not all the complexities around backing up a DVD and, god & this site willing, I probably will over time. Having a one click backup tool would (will?) be great, however I look forward to continue to learn from the enthusiasts on this site.

It is perhaps best if I sit in quiet anticipation from now on & be thought an idiot than to continue to post & remove all doubt ;o)

Thanks to all that contribute to the site & good luck 123Studios.

19.10.2002 04:03 #127

Floyd

oh, & good luck 321Studios as well ;)

19.10.2002 05:05 #128

VCDjunkie

don't want to sound ignorant, but has the California Supreme Court made a ruling on the Digital Media Consumer Rights Act (DMCRA)???

I think with all the hype and excitement (add my excitement to the rest), I can't recall any mention to the fact of whether or not this was passed by law yet to be legal..

Any thoughts?

19.10.2002 06:26 #129

ABCman

I cant really see a problem backing up your own DVDs and I dont think the police are going to care if you do either......I mean think about it.........As long as you are not out there mass copying rentals and selling them for a profit they are noting going to care or know.

19.10.2002 06:38 #130

A_Klingon

Rolling Out The Red Carpet....

Hello Floyd! May I be the first to extend my hand in welcoming you to our Merry Little Band Of MisFits. :-)

You may never be the same. This *may* be your last chance for escape though! Don't forget, I *did* warn you. :)

If you've already made a VideoCD, then you are "one of us" so-to-speak. Most people don't even know what a VCD *is*, so you see? You're a 'veteran' already ! :)

Thank you for contributing to our magic goal of 277 posts, a daunting number of single-thread posts established by those crummy Finns over in the Finnish AfterDawn Site.

I ask you: Are WE gonna stand for this?

Are WE, the English-Speaking members, (who, after all, are *much* smarter than those guys), going to let our (treasured-but-upstart) Finnish counterparts show us UP like this? Are we going to have to cringe in embarrassment every time someone looks us in the eye? Are we, dear membership, to be the laughing stock of all the other A/V websites???

N-O F-R-E-E-K-I-N-G W-A-Y.

(Ouuuuuu..... it's just to *horrible* to even contemplate)....

Therefore, I urge all of you to send in your posts today. With your help, we should be approaching the 150 or 160-mark by, perhaps, next mention of the beta. (Beta? What beta?)

Thanks For Your Support.

--- A_Klingon of your acquaintance ---

19.10.2002 06:40 #131

VCDjunkie

you may not see the problem with this ABCman, but if you follow the letter of the law..

QUOTE:

"321 Studios asked a San Francisco court to rule on the legitimacy of their product. According to DMCA the package, intended solely for backing up DVDs owned by the consumer, is illegal, because it uses a copyright circumvention algorithm to descramble the CSS encryption used on DVDs. However 321 Studios argue that the DMCA in this case is unconstitutional, because it prevents the fair use of a product. Consumers are allowed to make copies of VHS movies for personal use, but thanks to DMCA, it is impossible to do legally with DVDs."

"Major movie studios, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice have asked the Californian court to dismiss the case altogether. Clearly a ruling in the case would have noticeable consequences -- if the software is deemed legal, then DMCA is invalid, and if it's ruled to be illegal, the court, in essence, rules that DMCA takes precedence over the United States constitution."

If you are not sure where this quote came from, please re-read the original News Article titled "321 Studios cranks it up a notch"

19.10.2002 06:49 #132

rhmoore

And that is exactly why we filed the DRA in California to begin with. If you haven't done so, please read and sign the petition at 321Studios website.

http://www.321studios.com/Petition.asp

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

19.10.2002 06:52 #133

A_Klingon

Good morning Robert!

Ho! Ho ! HO! Well, bless-my-whiskers.

Hope you slept well. Last night there were visions of 'Fairies And Sugar Plums' dancing in my head. Looking forward to a beta for Christmas!

[[wink wink]]

-- Mike --

19.10.2002 07:00 #134

VCDjunkie

when trying to submit a petition, receiving "page cannot be displayed"

19.10.2002 07:42 #135

I for one would like the chance to help testing this product if it makes life easier for DVD ripping. I am not sure about the current legal arguments, surely dRD would know more on the legal issues, but i used to run a (small) public domain software company called electra in the UK for Amiga 500 software (remember those??!!) and there were never any issues about the charges for distributing the software, although credit always went to the source and the software was unaltered. Even so, anyone with key software in this arena would be hard pressed to find a better way of getting the product in the right hands than through Afterdawn.

Paul.

19.10.2002 14:50 #151

dRD

Ok, as you can see, I'm definately not an expert with licesing issues :-) But I think the biggest issue has been the permission -- whether required or not, but asking it beforehand would be appropriate. With SmartRipper this is obviously more than impossible -- at least I don't know where Tron can be contacted. But then again, there are several alternatives for this kind of situations -- and to add the problematic issues, SmartRipper is NOT GPL'd software, but closed source instead. Alternatives would include using other rippers, such as lightning_uk's DVD Decrypter as lightning_uk is easily contactable author.

So, legal or not, immoral or not -- the blur surrounding your previous product is one of the biggest issues that has spiralled this thread to what it is now and has contributed 100% of the skeptic comments. And you probably agree to this, am I right?

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

19.10.2002 14:57 #152

rhmoore

We never altered any of the freeware applications in any way, including the installation packages. All freeware was always distributed with all licenses and documents intact. In addition, these tools were left unencumbered in our installation package and were never restricted in their use or installation by our application.

DEFINITION OF FREEWARE: (Like SmartRipper)
Freeware refers to programs or databases for an individual to use without payment of money to the author. Commonly the author will copyright his work as a way of legally insisting no one change it prior to getting his approval. Commonly he will issue a License defining the terms under which his program may be used. With Freeware there is no charge for the license. In the 90s the term Copyleft arose to describe this.

Since there is no such license in SmartRipper prohibiting redistribution, and as long as we redistribute the software in exactly the same original condition as we found it, there is apparently no special permission needed for such redistribution.

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

19.10.2002 14:59 #153

rhmoore

dRD: I agree with your conclusion that this has led to skeptical perceptions, but if anyone has ever used the DCP application, they would clearly see the benefit of our application, and it is NOT in the area of distributing freeware.

The DCP application is MUCH MORE than a guide. It is an interactive application and tutorial that guides the user through each step from end to end. Included in the application are clear paths to technical support and help. Our tech support department is the largest department in our organization, in terms of personnel. I definitely believe we return significant value for money.

And I should add that we have never once refused a refund or a return of our product, whether 30 days out or 130 days out, even though our 30 day policy is clearly stated on our web site. We still have less than 5% total returns and literally thousands of customer testimonials, primarily a testament to our support department.

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

19.10.2002 15:01 #154

tumbar

Not to change the subject, but how goes the beta? ;-)

19.10.2002 15:21 #155

rhmoore

dRD: At any rate, I've already admitted in a previous message, that I'm basically dissatisfied with DCP and always have been. This was truly a product that succeeded in spite of itself.

DvdXCopy has the ability to redeem us, even in the skeptics eyes. I hope :)

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

19.10.2002 15:22 #156

rhmoore

tumbar: I got so caught up in this conversation, that I forgot to post the GREAT NEWS!

We have resolved the problem with disc 2! The beta should be distributed tomorrow after we finally finish the packaging for dvd drivers. We have them, we just need to refine the installation a bit.

Hey Mike: "All systems are GO Houston, we have the green light." "Clear the Pad, People, all systems are committing to final launch!"

:)

Cheers everyone!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

19.10.2002 15:25 #157

dRD

rhmoore: Congrats for cracking the problems. My sympathy is with your developers -- being myself a developer in "real life" as well, I know exactly what they must have gone through in the past couple of days (LOL, boss amounting 10-fold pressure by discussing openly about the product that guys are desperately trying to get to work and now they also need to meet high expectations :-)).

And I want to clarify things from my side as well -- if I've seemed hostile, I apologize, I haven't tried to be (ask any of our forum regulars and you know that I've been extremely nice actually ;-)). My position is obviously -- as "the face of AfterDawn.com", a title that I haven't asked, but it has fallen to me -- to try to balance between different sides on the debate, while trying to squeeze people to admit their faults AND also to encourage people to work together in order to get this thing that we all love (well, helloz to all MPAA readers out there, I know that you visit our site as well ;-) even better.

I have always taken somekinda non-personal pride from the fact, that for some weird reason, DVD ripping scene has been the ONLY "big thing" where there are several big sites, several big software authors and virtually NO conflicts. Ever. I've seen the rise and fall of "MP3 scene" from websites' point of view and if sites get their kicks by telling in their headlines how badly other websites within same genre suck, I can't feel anything but sorry for them. And if you're into hardware sites, you know what I mean. I can't imagine situation of AfterDawn.com blasting stupid accusations about ddigest, doom9 or vcdhelp -- or vice versa.

So, by pushing you "to the edge", I've tried to get skeptics to hear your point of view and you to understand why skeptics exist. Hopefully we've succeeded and we can see a future where freeware and commercial development can work hand-in-hand and (other than annoy MPAA :-) produce even better software tools.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

19.10.2002 16:07 #158

VCDjunkie

I myself have tried to bundle software licensed under the GPL with a little software package I created that never sold a single copy, mostly due to my non existing marketing strategy, anyhow I do know that you have to bundle an entire copy of the General Public License along with the software.

I kept these sites bookmarked in case I ever wanted to try again to repackage and sell my little project..

http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html#SEC3

http://www.redhat.com/about/corporate/trademark/page6.html

In case anybody cares, using BASH scripting I was able to create a way to have a Linux RDP only operating system using Red Hat Linux.. RDP - Remote Desktop Protocol, allowing the system to boot either directly to a terminal server session for Microsoft Windows 2000 terminal server, or boot to a menu allowing you to choose which Terminal Server you wanted to log into.

To make this incredibly long story short, as long as the software that 321studios was packaging was licensed under the GPL, they were legally allowed to re-distribute and charge for this software so long as you follow the GPL license (link above)

I personally never purchased DVD Copy Plus, so I wouldn't know if it came with all the licenses and that it followed the GPL license to the "T", I will just have to take Robert Moore's word that it did.

Robert, glad to hear that your project is finally complete and I can't wait to see first hand how well it works!

19.10.2002 17:24 #159

rhmoore

dRD: I never took you as hostile at all. Your messages were never rude and were never attacking. You did as you said, encouraged debate and maintained an objective attitude. Thank you!

I don't mind tough questions either, but I do mind people being rude with a keyboard, when I know in real life, they would never be that way in person.

Skepticism, as I said before, is a term best used in a business transaction. If I were trying to sell our products in here, I could understand. I know you might think what I'm doing is marketing, but to be honest, we have so many people coming to our website now, DvdXCopy will sell plenty just by redirecting the traffic.

Of course, your subscribers will help us flesh out the beta (very quickly I hope) and they'll get something in return as well. And hopefully, we'll win a few converts in the process, but I'm not assuming a whole lot of A/D users will buy our product. However, I might try to leverage your subscriber base by providing *free* copies to all their friends. And that is marketing :)

Anyway, thanks for the objective words and the willingness to evaluate first, judge later approach. I very much appreciate it. And thanks for providing this forum to help me explain our side of the story.

Cheers!

19.10.2002 17:26 #160

rhmoore

dRD: I'm not sure why, but my signature has dissapeared from my messages. I tried to edit my account settings, but could not. I apologize for posting off topic, but I wanted to assure everyone that it was indeed still me who was posting. Can you advise?

Now it's back. I must have unchecked the signature box, sorry!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

19.10.2002 18:07 #161

0_kewl

Hi again!

To rhmoore,

With my previous post i wasn't assuming you are cheaters nor was i making any personal statements about your software - just wanted to inform people who read this thread about different opinions that exist to help them make a better decision.

To everyone,

As i understand, this software will make EXACT copy of DVD on 1 DVDR (that is what is claimed in this article http://www.xp-erience.org/comments.php?id=760) - this claim can't possibly be true because of the current DVDR making technology. To better understand the implications, please read this page http://www.vcdhelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=116313

Regards

19.10.2002 19:23 #162

gmn17

Hey Robert.

Nice to hear about your company succeeding.

As for marketing,
You can bet the sweet thing
the software will be on Kazaa
before you can say
"I just emailed the beta copies!"

^_^

19.10.2002 21:23 #163

dRD

gmn17: Unfortunately I must agree with this -- P2P networks will cannibalize any given product pretty damn well, but I assume one point of the software is to offer support facilities and many newbies are willing to buy the software just for this reason. And I believe that there are people, like myself, who test the software -- by whatever means, is it P2P or beta or trial -- and if they like it, they buy it.

rhmoore: Cool, we're on the same page with this one. And slightly surprisingly -- or not -- a/D's userbase is actually much more commercial software-friendly than probably most of the other sites. My assumption is that this is due our quite high average age, around 29yrs (generally speaking 29 year-olds have higher disposable income than 17-year-olds :-).

And yes, I know the bug with signatures -- the sig doesn't get used if you log in when you write the post, but if you log in before you go to post writing page, it works. Stupid bug, I will hopefully take care of it at some point..

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

20.10.2002 00:11 #164

A_Klingon

Well, I'm sure we all needed to hear that one gym17. Nice of you to tell us. Good luck on finding keys there.

rhmoore: <heh-heh> Just got your message, thanx. Green light it is. I'm all set up to run the beta. But I can't *tell* you what a delight it will be to finally, in later versions, be able to strip things out. I could write you a novel on that one, and maybe I will, but right now I know you have a lot of pokers in the fire so it can wait.

Of course, you will notice how 'conveniently' & tactfully I sidestepped all that legal stuff, and didn't comment because I know little about it. In fact, I just don't know nothin' about nothin'. Just ask anybody in here, they'll tell you.

And yeah, dRD sure is a cranky ol' codger, that's for sure. He's never happy, always whining and moaning about something-or-other. It it wasn't you, it'd be someone else. Yells at me constantly in private messages and stuff, but you get used to it after a while.

(He's got a nice smile). :-)

Am patiently awaiting the good news.

-- Mike --

20.10.2002 00:18 #165

Lawman

Anyone Notice, how quite I've become lately, Blood pressure rising, in anticpation.(or was that due to the Viagra)
I'm waiting, waiting,
good luck 321.

20.10.2002 01:10 #166

CHL

I have been keeping a close eye on this forum since around the 5th october and have just plucked up enough courage to join ( i aint done this sort of thing b4 im quite shy for a scotch guy )

Anyways i just wanted to thank all ( youve been a great source of information and help) and would especially like to wish Rhmoore, 321bruno and all there team the very best of luck with there software .

p.s i tried to e-mail you guys for a beta but no reply :( no worrys though im sure itll b great.

20.10.2002 01:39 #167

dragongdz

well i have have to set some things straight here and make a (reasonable) request.

the request first. can 321studios please rename there upcoming product (dvdxcopy) to something else. why ? beause it could be considered to be playing on (and thus using the recognition of) DVDx. it cannot be claimed that 321studios doesnt know of DVDx either since it was used in there previous package. yes the 2 softwares do different jobs (in the end) but they both deal with dvds so are in the same field.

now on to some corrections.
the claim that the auther of DVDx was unknown and unreachable is rubbish. why ? because the readme.txt that comes with DVDx clearly says the (main) programmer is Jean Luc Pons. it also says that DVDx's homepage is labdv.com . so the claim that permission wasnt possible for the reason stated is ridiculous. it would have taken 2 minutes reading a txt file to get the information. labdv has gone membership based now because of costs of running the site. that has nothing to do with any of the authers who dont get 1 cent. also the forums are free to read and you can find the email of me (dragongodz) there with a bit of searching. since i am 1 of the programmers (junior) i could have easily been contacted. all this required again was a bit of effort.
the claim by rhmoore that the GPL allows you to sell software is wrong. yes it allows you to charge for downloading and support etc. it does not allow you to sell the program though. even if it did its of questionable morals to sell someone else hard work for your own enrichment without them being contacted. i wonder how long it would take 321studios to sick their lawyers on me if i decided to give away software that they wrote ? that of course is a flip side analogy but the point is you should at least respect others hard work when it is truly theirs and companies making money from other peoples free software isnt.

i truly do hope that 321studios new program is all that they claim and totally their own work. hopefully it will give some understanding to how us free programmers feel to see our hard work constanly used (by several companies now days) for the enrichment of people who had nothing to do with it to see something you have worked on until your eyes start to go square (from staring at the moniter) used like that is maddening.

20.10.2002 03:01 #168

rhmoore

dragongdz: Again, we still claim that we have NEVER sold anyone else�s software, GPL or otherwise. I was simply making a point that the GPL gives you permission to redistribute GPL software for a charge or not. This is quite clear from the excerpt to the GPL FAQ I listed above. Regardless, in our case, it is NOT for a charge. We don't add to, take away from or modify this GPL software in any way. And at the time we started bundling DVDx, there was no contact information listed. If the contact information is there now, that is news to me.

I should also point out that we have NEVER ONCE received a complaint from Labdv or any of the Dvdx authors during this entire time.

Also, the similarity with dvdx to dvdxcopy is purely coincidental. I'm sure someone in the forum here can back me up. The product name is DVD XCOPY. XCopy was an old Dos based tool that would allow you to make a copy of a folder and all subfolders. This utility was quite often used to back up a computers hard drive to another hard drive when upgrading a computer. I'm sure you can see now why we picked that name.

That is one of the primary reasons behind our naming the product. I can positively assure you, the similarity between the names is purely coincidental and is not part of a larger conspiratorial plan to leverage the success of dvdx.

Cheers!

20.10.2002 04:55 #169

Lawman

rhmoore: Hi, just a matter as of interest.
Their was also a another piece of software/Hardware called XCopy during the late 80's early 90' used to backup Games, although I think it was used more on the Amiga. Just goes to show how many times a name is varied, Just like gone in 60 Seconds (1974) ver. is compleatly different to the Gone in 60 seconds (Nicholas Cage Crap) or home alone / home alone 2 if you get my drift.

20.10.2002 05:32 #170

ABCman

rhmoore,

Have you been sending out messages to the beta testers? Are you going to email us a link when it is out?

Just making sure I was still on the list.

-Heath Jones

20.10.2002 05:52 #171

rhmoore

As I posted yesterday, it appears as though the beta will finally ship today, although I am reluctant to absolutely commit because as you know, we were supposed to release the beta on Wednesday.

At any rate, I will be emailing all those on the beta list and providing a download link. I expect the file to be around 16mb.

A couple of caveats:

There are some titles in house that this is failing on. So do not expect this beta to work with every dvd title. For some reason it is failing on Zoolander and The Beach. The Beach appears to be a badly authored dvd. At any rate, it may fail on some titles, and we need to know about those right away.

Also, when using the beta, use DVD RW's. DO NOT USE DVD R's unless you have the money to waste on coasters.

Also, in addition to any posts you may make, please forward a copy of all bugs to bugs@dvdxcopy.com

I would not expect our beta testers to begin posting negative and counterproductive messages on A/D or anywhere else if they have problems. That's why it's a beta.

I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't post bug reports in A/D, I am just suggesting that you keep your remarks factual and objective if possible.

As I mentioned yesterday, the final step in preparing the beta is the package. The two engineers responsible for this packaging will be at the office at 3pm CST today to hopefully wrap this up. I will be there as well, and as soon as they give me the nod, I will post the download link and send the email.

Cheers!

p.s. One more thing. This version of the beta will absolutely expire and cease functioning at 30 days, but my guess is that it will be updated many times between now and then.

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

20.10.2002 06:46 #172

rhmoore

One more thing. If you requested to be a beta tester, and you received a reply email back from me, you are already on the list. If you did not receive a reply, then you are not.

This was not a personal choice, but a business choice, as we were getting so many beta requests that we had to cut it off at some point. I actually extended the deadline twice.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

20.10.2002 06:49 #173

Close to 1000 people now visiting a/D. Updates sluggish, page slow to materialize for us modem users. Think I'll stay connected for an hour or two.

Probably not necessary to check for new messages re: forum posts; -- just press browser's 'Refresh' button.

Provide beta link toot suite s'il vous plait.

-- Le Klingy --

20.10.2002 10:08 #180

dRD

Klingy: The performance issue is known and not only due this thread, but overall forum traffic -- I mentioned this earlier this week in here: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/9283

Solution will come within next couple of days, although it means that site might/will be unaccessible for hour or so (and might bring up weird errors for couple of hours after that).

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

20.10.2002 10:23 #181

A_Klingon

Not a problem dRD, it was just an observation.

BTW, as a PAL-only-beta, this will affect you as a UK resident, won't it?

I know schedules are tight over @ 321, but a week to Pre-Order is cutting it kind of fine.

Beta testing will have to serve (primarily) for after-the-fact release.

Random Point: Crappily-mastered dvds are no reflection on dvdxcopy. If the masters are full of errors, how could any software automatically anticipate or correct them? Right now, I'm watching Monty Python's Holy Grail *re-issue* movie, and English subtitles are occassionally showing up at different points throughout the film, even though I have specifically requested NO subtitles. This poorly mastered re-issue could easily dupe people into thinking the beta is flawed.

Would suggest people try dvds they are quite familiar with.

Will be interesting to test beta's copy-protection out on backed-up copies. (Straight one-to-one disc copies possible of backups possible? Not supposed to be. Are disc's macrovision flags removed?, ie, are backups directly copyable to vhs?).

Al sorts of questions - am DYING to see where dvdxcopy 'thinks' a film break ought to occur! (Roughly an even 50-50 break, or most of movie on disc 1 with remainder on disc 2?). Nothing like having 15 mins of movie burned to disc 2 at $15.00 Canadian for dvd blank.

These 'extra' _boner_ tracks (bonus)-- have got to GO in future releases. There is more trash recorded in these boner tracks than the accumulated weight of garbage bags left for curbside pickup on our local garbage day.

(How much time you got?)

DVDXCOPY's forte will have to remain with dvd-9s, because your article on dvd5 to dvdr has got DVD5 discs covered *totally*. _Perfect_ replicas afforded by DVD-Decrypter and your article.

(Hello, 321?) My ass is getting numb from sitting here. :-)

-- mgb --

20.10.2002 11:14 #182

Lawman

A_Klingon: Hi

I know your Question was not to me, (I am in the UK) but I thought all DVD' Burners capable of running Pal & NTSC, I know mine are, surely the software allows you to choose what format, and the same for play back it's upto software and monitor.
only asked, theirs no need to send the B52's over

20.10.2002 12:02 #183

dRD

Lawman: Obviously the issue is with the actual testing, since PC can't be used as a reference player (heck, it views Word docs as well -- my stand-alone DVD player doesn't).

But what is different from US in Europe is that 95% of the players are perfectly capable of playing NTSC movies and as region code removal is perfectly legal within EU, virtually all players are regionfree anyway. So, you just need to have R1 movies and otherwise most of us are good to go.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

20.10.2002 12:50 #184

Lawman

dRD: got that, just did'nt find the correct way of putting it, hence my comment about sending over the B52, make's a change for us Limey's to have one up on the Yanks!!!!
I did read in some Mag, that the EU, was better served to do both format's, My apoligies, did not mean to sound patronising..

20.10.2002 13:29 #185

Floyd

OK, sorry, here's my ignorance showing again. I have signed up to be a beta tester (just ordered a DVD+ burner) and I'm in Scotland.
Can I get R1 movies here in the UK?
Would I be able to convert Pal into NTSC & then test the Beta?
Will I have to wait until the PAL beta is released?
Will I get away with telling my wife the burner only cost me �90 ;o)

Cheers

20.10.2002 14:17 #186

rhmoore

Finally,
We are releasing the beta version of DvdXCopy.

There are a few things to bear in mind:

1. This is a beta and some of you will likely have trouble installing, running, burning and/or playback.
2. For this reason, DO NOT USE DVDR�s unless you have money to throw away on DVDR coasters.
3. USE DVDRW�s ONLY
4. XP users may experience problems when installing or running the program
5. The shortcuts created on the desktop and in the startup menu will not launch the program correctly. Please run the program directly from the Program Files\321Studios directory or create a new shortcut on your desktop from this exe
6. After downloading, please run the exe and DO NOT CHANGE ANY OF THE DEFAULTS, including directory location
7. When you have run through the first step in the installation, then proceed to the following directory C:\Program Files\321Studios\DVDXCopy_Beta\driver_install and run the setup.exe program
8. This program will install the necessary drivers on your computer
9. If you receive an error during this process, ignore it for the time being
10. YOU MUST RESTART YOUR COMPUTER at this point
11. After restarting, again launch the program directly from the Program Files\321Studios Directory or create a new shortcut on your desktop from this exe.
12. If when you start the program, you get a page cannot be displayed in the left side of the screen, you have not followed step 11
13. It is a good idea to go ahead and have an original DVD Movie in your DVD Rom when starting the program
14. This beta version will expire in 30 days
15. Please report bugs, suggestions, comments to bugs@dvdxcopy.com
16. The rest should be self explanatory

This beta software and all accompanying documentation has been copyrighted by and is the property of

321Studios
720 Spirit 40 Park
Chesterfield, MO 63005
636 728 0100

THE USE OF THIS BETA IS STRICTLY AT YOUR OWN RISK
321STUDIOS WILL ASSUME NO LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE USE
OR MISUSE OF THIS SOFTWARE

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

20.10.2002 15:21 #187

rhmoore

Some more instructions from our engineers:

DVDXCopy Beta 1 (20OCT2002)

Please read through these release notes.

* Before running the DVDXCopy other drivers need to be installed.

Driver Installation Instructions:

Method 1:

1) Go to the DVDXCopy Beta 1 Program group on the windows start menu.
2) Select the "Drivers" short cut. This will run the driver installation program.
3) Reboot your PC after the drivers install.

Method 2:

1) Open the directory where DVDXCopyWasInstalled (Default is \\Program Files\321 Studios\DVDXCopy\).
2) Change to the "driver_install" directory
3) run SETUP.exe
4) Reboot your PC after the drivers install

Notes:
1) You MUST reboot your PC after the driver installation. Not doing so can cause problems with reading and writing DVD's.

2) When the SETUP.exe is run under windows XP it will, on occasion, report a "Missing file: -1" error. This error can be ignored, and the drivers will install correctly. We are searching for the source of this error.

* Other Known Issues

These are currently known issues with the software; please remember that this is BETA software, so all functionality is not yet enabled, and some functionality might not preform as expected.

1) Dr. Watson Errors under Windows XP - the software has been known to cause Dr. Watson Errors in isolated cases. Please report this behavior if it is seen because we are having a difficult time reproducing these errors.

* Reporting Bugs

Please report all bugs to bugs@dvdxcopy.com.

Please include as much information as possible, including:

- Operating System Version and any Service Packs
- Amount of physical memory
- Amount of free disk space on the installation and temporary drives
- Brand name of DVD (R) and/or DVD(RW) drives
- The Type and Frequency of Error
- The severity of the Error
- Name Brand and Model Number of your Home DVD Player (if used)
- Name of the DVD that caused the problems
- Which Title sets were being copied at the time of the problem
- Which Disk was being created/burned at the time of the problem
- Any other information that might be helpful in recreating or diagnosing the problem

Thank you,

The DVDXCopy Team.

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

20.10.2002 15:39 #188

MPUCoder

Just got the email with the link to dl the beta, but instead of the 2 beta files, the link takes me to a whole bunch of folders and files. In there is DVDx_2_0.zip, so I thought, maybe that's it and dl'd it. That turned out to be DVDx, so what gives? Was the link wrong? Files not there yet?

20.10.2002 16:24 #189

rhmoore

The reason you are getting the primary anonymous FTP site is because you are not entering the username and password in IE.

You cannot use Internet Explorer as your ftp client unless you are familiar with putting the username and password in the URL. So you would do something like this

ftp://username:password@ftp.321studios.com

For security reasons, I did not include the username and password that was emailed earlier to the beta list.

However, if you lack a basic FTP client, like WSFTP or CUTEFTP (I would recommend getting one of these, at least the trial versions) you can also get to the FTP site by using a command prompt and typing

ftp ftp.321studios.com (at a command prompt)

This will prompt you for username and password and you will see the two files in the directory.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

20.10.2002 16:29 #190

hula73

Any one else get a server not found when trying to register program?

20.10.2002 16:55 #191

rhmoore

We're having some firewall issues. It's back up at the moment. Please try to register again.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

20.10.2002 17:30 #192

At this point, I have to bow out of the technical process. Our engineers will be monitoring this thread and answering emails to bugs@dvdxcopy.com. Remember, it's a beta, and it may take a few days to get everything running smoothly.

Cheers Everyone! Thanks for helping us test this product.

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

20.10.2002 18:58 #199

cpukiller

Robert, on behalf of everybody, I'd like to say "thanks" for getting us the beta as promised and best of luck to you and 321 studios with this product.

20.10.2002 19:10 #200

Marino13

Yes Robert, Thank you!! You have gone above and beyond the call of duty. I cannot get the software to write to my Sony DRU-500A recorder, but I have sent an e-mail to bugs@dvdcopy.com with all the information needed to help out. Again, thank you.

20.10.2002 19:34 #201

dragongdz

well hopefully you will read this thread at least once more rhmoore.
i was civil in my first post but it seems some people need it spelled out to them in blunter terms.
now lets get things straight since obviously some people cant read.
i never said 321studios sold DVDx. i corrected the statement by rhmoore that the GPL allowed selling of programs. it does not. its allows charging for downloading etc. go back and read my post again.
the authers name and homepage have always been in the guide that comes with DVDx so to claim it as "news" means you obviously didnt bother to read the guide in the first place.
since 321studios werent breaking the law or GPL by giving away the software and charging for theirs guides etc how exactly could we complain ? yes we could have said we dont like it and then been told to get stuffed. since 321studios was the one that decided to use that software then it was up to it to do the contacting if only on moral grounds.
yes i know all about xcopy, both the dos and amiga versions. to say though that its obvious thats whats reffered to is wrong. when you see dvdxcopy you are saying that people will only see dvd xcopy (or dvd-xcopy). bull. hows this look then, dvdx copy (dvdx-copy) ? to say that no one would/could confuse the 2 is plain ignorant.
yes both programs have a different end result as i said in the first post but both deal with dvds. so as i said, you are trying to say that no one would/could confuse them ? a simply name change to dvd-xcopy would solve that i would think but you do not seem to want to even consider it. says something of your respect of free software.

20.10.2002 19:34 #202

A_Klingon

I am a real neophyte when it comes to ftp. I currently have a dos command-line window running and have successfully logged in TO the ftp site.

The command "dir" identified the two files I must download, and gave me their filesizes in bytes.

Does *anybody* know what I should *now* type-in to get these files? I'll stay online for awhile in hopes someone can reply to this. I'll leave the dos window open. I don't have any ftp software installed, but if no reply is to come this evening, will install an ftp client sometime tomorrow, like cuteftp or whatever, and try again.

(Grrrrrr.......)

-- Mike --

20.10.2002 20:03 #203

cpukiller

did you try get, or copy? Those are some somewhat dossy commands that may work.

20.10.2002 20:13 #204

hula73

why dont u use ie...

goto link
then goto file..then login as
and input correct info the 2 files will automatically appear because of the login info u provided

20.10.2002 20:22 #205

VCDjunkie

you should have an FTP> prompt..
type this command:
get dvdxcopybeta.exe <hit enter>

that should do it ;-)

20.10.2002 20:27 #206

A_Klingon

cpukiller:

You're going to go to heaven someday for that! :-) :-)

Downloading the beta as we speak. (thank you!) I used the 'get' command as you suggested and got the readme file. Now doing the same for the beta. It says I'm receiving it in "ASCII mode". (Well, the readme is obviously ascii, so no problem), but the beta binary (which I won't completely receive for some time as I'm using a dialup modem), well, will IT be in some 'ascii' form? Or does 'ascii mode' just refer to some download protocol like x-modem or y-modem?

(I can't believe I just asked so many dumb questions). Anyway cpukiller, will reply again as soon as the beta fully arrives over the modem.

*Much* obliged !!!

-- Mike --

20.10.2002 20:34 #207

MPUCoder

Boy, do I feel stupid. The end of a long day - I saw a link and without thinking clicked on it, not realizing it was ftp. btw, I don't use MSIE, but that's another story. For FTP I use Windows Commander (Norton's Commander clone), dl with no problems.

20.10.2002 20:38 #208

hula73

as long as u got it...=p

now start burning!!!!

Brett Nelson

20.10.2002 20:42 #209

A_Klingon

<heh-heh> :)

hula73 and VCDjunkie, thank you both.

(still seem to be receiving the beta ok - something's definately coming through).

Using just "get", and ftp asked for a filename.
Typed "dvdxcopybeta.exe", and ftp said "Local File?", and I typed "c:\download\dvdxcopybeta.exe".

(Perhaps I could have got it in the shorter way you suggested vcdjunkie, ie, "get dvdxcopybeta.exe".

Regardless, something's coming through.

Thanks, guys.

-- Mike --

P.S. Hmmmmm.... approx 25 megs @ 56k - should take about 16 hours right? (just joking) :-)

20.10.2002 20:45 #210

mechanic

Just backed up Liar_Liar and at least on this backup everything went smooth. Using a Pioneer A04 DVD recorder and using windows xp pro. One thing is that this software is really easy to use. I will try other discs tomorrow. This copy plays on my panasonic rp56 and toshiba 4800 with no problems. My many thanks to 321studios and rhmoore for allowing us to d/l the beta. So far I think that 321studios has bent over backwards to get this out.

20.10.2002 22:11 #211

A_Klingon

Beta Received.

Took 1 Hr. 50 Mins.

Shut-eye time.

Nite.

-- mgb --

20.10.2002 22:20 #212

Lawman

Hi.
No Problems with Install,
but when reading dvd, I get the following error message,
( Cannot read Archive.txt) this happens at the end of the read ie:100%, the films tried so far are - Junkman / region1 / NTSC & - Godzilla / region1 / NTSC
equipment used WindowsXP home edition, 512meg 333ddr - Asus gforce4 4600i / Athlon 1900xp CPU - Pioneer 106 multi region DVD Rom - Philips 228 DVD Writer, but did not get too write stage, as when you acknowledge above error is proceeds to close down the DVDX COPY, will keep trying with other Films and try to work out what the error means. any Ideas anyone.
copy of error sent to (bugs@dvdxcopy.com)

21.10.2002 02:44 #213

ABCman

Only one small bug that seems to be in most DVD copy stuff.....

I had to get another program to start the movie before DVDxCopy would pick up the movie. Most all the programs out do that from time to time. Great software and VERY EASY to use!!!

I was using Rush Hour 2.
WinXP Pro
p4 1.8g
1024MB Rambus
Asus P4T 523 (motherboard)
Pioneer DVR-A04
Generic Sony DVD drive (OEM)

21.10.2002 03:41 #214

dragongdz

from memory a_klingon to download in binary use the command MODE B before using get. you should see a "mode set to binary" or something similar. been a long time since i did ftp that way. :)

real reason for this post. notice what lawman just called the program ? DVDX COPY. note the space between DVDX and COPY ? that was why i asked for the name change. so now maybe those that said it wouldnt/couldnt be confused with DVDx should think again. ok it was probably a simple typo by lawman but it does illustrate the point.
since dvdxcopy hasnt been released (except the betas of course) then it should be easy for them to make a small change to the name (as i already suggested dvd-xcopy) to save confusion. if they are unwilling to then what other conclusion can i come to except they dont mind and are willing to use any name recognition (from DVDx) they get.

21.10.2002 03:46 #215

rhmoore

Just to let everyone know, I haven't left the thread as might be interpreted from my last post. I will continue to monitor and reply, but I am going to let the software engineers work through the bugs and issues.

Also, if you remember, we put off the beta for 24 hours because of the dvd drivers. I'm not entirely sure they are right, because the alpha version worked fine on my laptop and now the beta doesn't. So I think we probably, for the most part, have a driver installation issue in a lot of cases. At least that's my theory. We'll try to get at least those issues resolved today.

Also, I don't mind anyone sending me personal email, but if it's a bug, send it to bugs@dvdxcopy.com since I am also on that recipient list. That way the appropriate parties will also see it.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

21.10.2002 03:50 #216

rhmoore

dragondz: Actually, we cannot change the name at this point. You might think we have very little in it at this point, but that couldn't be farther from the truth.

We are already in mass production for retail boxes, dvd cases, inserts, marketing material and the like. So changing our name at this point, is simply not doable.

I've explained why we chose the name, it had nothing to do with DVDx, but you apparently cannot accept my answer. So, why don't we try and work together? Perhaps we could give labdv some banner space on our web page and do some cross promotion to help differentiate our products? What do you think?

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

21.10.2002 03:57 #217

darryl

where can i download the betaversion of dvdxcopy
can anyone help me please

21.10.2002 04:07 #218

dRD

darryl: Isn't it clear based on the 100+ messages above? You wont be able to download it unless you have participated in beta program -- and you can't join the beta program anymore.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

21.10.2002 04:10 #219

darryl

dRD ; ok sorry buth i had not read all the posts ;my english is not that good ; i am from belgium and i am searching the net for a programm that makes it easy to copy my movies

21.10.2002 04:18 #220

Lawman

DragonDZ: Yes it was a typo, its a bit perdantic to jump on though, if you look at the way I typed the message, I put a lot of spaces between quite a few names, but every one reading it new I meant DVDxcopy, as that is the one we are all beta testing and disscussing on this forum.. Sorry RHMOORE, for giving someone more ammo to have a dig..

21.10.2002 04:32 #221

rhmoore

Lawman: NP! But I want to assure everyone, that our choice of names had absolutely nothing to do with DVDx. The similarity is purely coincidental. I just hope MS isn't the next one to claim some type of product name infringement! :)

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

21.10.2002 04:38 #222

dragongdz

rhmoore, actually i do understand the difficulties of changing things once you have started printing and so yes i understand that. it is possible to also insert a slip with each package clearing any possible confusion by stating that any confusion people may have between the 2 programs names (being similar) was unintentional and stating where dvdxcopy got its name from. if this is not acceptable then something similar on the dvdxcopy website would be something at least.
i never said the naming was intentional at any time. i simply said that there is the potential for confusion because the names are so similar. it only take a single step from dvdx to dvdxcopy, its just copy on the end.
as for labdv, i nor Jean Luc Pons have anything to do with the running of it. labdv hosts the website, initial distribution and forum of DVDx. we have no say in how they run it or what they do or do not advertise. as such i can not speak for labdv. after dvdxcopy goes on sale they may to do a do review or not. it will have nothing to do with me one way or the other.
the thing i do find hard to believe is that you say you couldnt find the name or webpage of DVDx. as i said before, its always been in the guide that comes with DVDx and so the only way you couldnt have seen it is that you didnt read the guide. if you didnt read the documentation that comes with DVDx then you could hardly say you made every effort to find out can you ?
none of this has been said with malice i hope you will note. as i also said before, i do hope dvdxcopy turns out to be as good as it sounds. ok i will never use it as i dont have a dvd burner and wont for the forseeable future (unless i win lotto :) ) but it always interesting to hear about these types of things.

21.10.2002 04:46 #223

dragongdz

actually lawman it was meant to illustrate a point and i fully acknowledged it was probably a typo. the fact that this forum knows the difference is not true of the rest of the people out there.
take this scenario. joe wants to backup his dvds. bill tells him he should get DVDx as he has seen it mentioned on many dvd/video related web sites (as it is). joe finds dvdxcopy and buys that thinking thats what bill was talking about. does that actually sound impossible to you ? it shouldnt as it would be a simple mistake to make by joe public. yes joe may be happy with dvdxcopy and good luck to him if so. again though, thats not the point. the point is that dvdxcopy would have sold from DVDx name recognition. the reverse could happen aswell of course. the difference being we (the programmers of DVDx) dont actually sell or make any money from DVDx. that isnt DVDx's intent.

21.10.2002 04:59 #224

Lawman

Dragongdz: Point taken! and yes you did say it was probaly a typo, but again how far do you take the it, do you (don't mean you personally) argue that MS would confuse people, Bill says to jack buy at MS, now is that Marks & Spencers Or Microsoft, Surely Joe, would ask Bill, Which was the right Web Site, if he was confused. I do not know what Country you are from, but MS in the UK is often used for Marks & Spencer.
(Marks&Sparks)Their must be 1000's of Sample's and yes could be confusing, but at the end of the day. the Purchaser also has a responsibility....

21.10.2002 05:34 #225

SnapFu

Ok, Enough of this Name Game !!
I freaking don't care what it's call, as long as it works. Now that the Beta is out and some of you have installed it, lets hear some results. From the threads above, I saw only 1 confirmation of backup success.

Anyone else have good/bad results?

:My Gerbil Own Your Gerbil !

21.10.2002 05:35 #226

hula73

Lawman

No its not, mine is, heh,heh

21.10.2002 09:35 #239

dRD

mechanic

rhmoore do you recommend uninstalling the 1st beta and installing the updated one? I am running windows xp pro with sp1 and so far have backed up Dirty Dancing and Liar_Liar with no problems. My burner is a Pioneer A04. Thanks in advance for anyfeedback!

21.10.2002 10:48 #249

rhmoore

mechanic: If it's working, leave it alone. We may need your help in determining why.

All others: Please sign up for listserv if you haven't done so already. You should have received an email from me with instructions, if not, please goto http://www.dvdxcopybeta.tridentlist.com and sign up.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

21.10.2002 10:52 #250

rhmoore

BTW, the file name for the beta is no longer dvdxcopybeta.exe. It is dvdxcopy_beta_1.exe.

Floyd: Maybe you were looking for the wrong file before.

321dev: Out of curiosity, what's that different in PAL and NTSC, since -- AFAIHU (as far as I have understood) -- you don't actually process the video at all, but instead cut the movies based on the IFO data in order to split them over two 4.7GB discs?

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

21.10.2002 11:40 #259

hiGh-5

ok, more beta-reports:
backup went well under xp with pioneer a03 (ext. firewire) using a princo dvd-rw
it took 44 mins for the backup (4.4 gb) and about 25 mins to burn
movie was cheech&chong 'up in smoke' - PAL
dvd-player mustek 562S recognizes the dvd and plays up to the menu, after selecting main movie it freezes - guess it's because it's a pal-dvd

burning a dvd-r now, lets see how it works

21.10.2002 11:41 #260

dvd-tech

Robert

I have been reading this thread all day and have had to grit my teeth at times as I am sure that you have. May I say that I think 321 studios have preformed superbly under extreme pressure from the public out there.

My hat goes off to your software developers

I also spoke to Mike today and is arranging all the info that I require to sucessfuly launch DVD XCOPY in the UK.

Keep up the good work

21.10.2002 11:44 #261

Lawman

hiGH-5: RTFM - does that mean retry film?

after 13 hrs my brain is dead....

21.10.2002 12:15 #262

rhmoore

Everyone: Please understand, we are aware of the XP problems. I don't mind you emailing your results, but if you are using XP and it is not working, don't freak out! If you haven't done so already, please subscribe to the ListServ so that you can be notified as soon as the new beta addressing the XP problems is released.

Thanks for trying and thanks for your patience. We will resolve these problems.

Cheers!

dvd-tech: Thanks Kieron. We appreciate your support and patience.

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

21.10.2002 12:22 #263

ABCman

dRD,

Is there anyway I can change my response to getting updates on this thread. I check this forum about 2-3 times a day already but I am getting 25-30 emails about updates.

Also since a lot of the replies are dealing with the beta how about just a topic for people that are beta testing and people who want to read about the test. This may make things a little easier for some people just getting on board to follow without reading all these post (and many more to come I am sure).

Just a suggestion.....

Keep up the good work.......This site is really making things come together for DVD backups.

21.10.2002 13:17 #264

reggyn

321 Studios releases DVDXCOPY!?!

http://www.cdfreaks.com/news2.php3?ID=4957

You guys are starting to get write ups already. LOL.

21.10.2002 13:36 #265

LIGHT_UK

lol, glad im not the only one who is getting a tad annoyed by this! Normally boards only email once no matter how many replys the thread gets. Then once you've visited the board again, it resets itself and then emails once more before again waiting for you to visit.

Even posting again and unchecking the little notification box doesnt work :-(

Still...I guess if the board is made in-house, you have to expect these short-comings.
Stick InvisionBoard on! It rules! ;)

21.10.2002 13:36 #266

Lawman

starting program from program folder solved the problem of the (Cannot read Archive.txt) error.
reads ConAir in 7mins 40 seconds. then the gear windows pops up, and shows what cd / dvd drives I have. but cannot choose the Philips 228 DVD Writer, only allows me to choose my Asus CD writer.

Windows XP Home Ed. Athlon 1900+XP 512meg mem.
Asus48/16a / Pioneer 106 DVD Rom region free / Philips 228 DVD Writer region free.

21.10.2002 13:38 #267

LIGHT_UK

Does it support dvd+r/+rw drives?
Im guessing its looking for the dvdr bit in the cd capabilites page. The +r drives probably wont have this set and so it doesnt think its a burner.
Of course I could just be speaking out of my butt...Im not sure exactly how they've implemented the burning stuff. I hope they're having as much fun as I am!
Well, 321 people, if you're not checking the features and profiles, I suggest you look into it. :)

21.10.2002 14:19 #268

rhmoore

Actually, that's a bit of a bug and an improper implementation. If you choose the drop down for the burner, it may only show your CDR, but you should notice there are some smaller scroll buttons in that drop down where you can choose your DVD Burner. Small bug that is being fixed as we speak.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

21.10.2002 14:26 #269

rhmoore

For those of you experiencing trouble downloading the beta, you CANNOT access the ftp folder by simply using IE or Netscape to goto ftp.321studios.com. That will only log you into the anonymous ftp site, where you will see a couple dozen files.

You need to use an ftp client OR using IE or Netscape you can use the following link AFTER replacing the username:password with the username and password I sent you by email.

ftp://username:password@ftp.321studios.com

It was my mistake in the first place by assuming you would use an ftp client, hence the original link that I sent by email.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

21.10.2002 14:32 #270

dRD

Hi guys, now this thing _SHOULD_ send a reminder message that also includes an URL that you can click in order to unsubscribe from this thread.

And yes, the whole thing is built in-house -- it allows much, MUCH better integration with news articles and such :-) But obviously it doesn't have all the c00l features yet.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

21.10.2002 14:38 #271

Lawman

well it's midnight now in the UK, have been at it since 07:30 this morning, been a great learning experiance, never been involved in beta testing before. will be up again in 7 hours to continue, My two Cats are feeling a bit left out though, still a cuddle and a bit of steak will put them right. goodnight one and all. keep up the good work.

21.10.2002 14:49 #272

magictown

I've been beta testing for the last 10 years for MS (New Technologly & MSN et all) but I'm yet to download this one successfully!!!:(

21.10.2002 15:21 #273

phil1991

Can you use a dvd rom drive with this software to burn.. Basically, friend wants to know can you backup your movies w/o having a burner.

21.10.2002 15:35 #274

dRD

phil1991: Can your stand-alone DVD player record music from FM radio? No, it can't :-) So, DVD burner is needed for DVD burning.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

21.10.2002 15:43 #275

magictown

I think phil1991 means: can DVDXCOPY back up a movie to hard disk if one does not own a DVD recorder.

Pioneer DVDR
Philips 890

21.10.2002 15:49 #276

phil1991

rhmoore.... using the link in your previous post.... ur saying that will put us on the list for those of us running XP??

Everyone: Please understand, we are aware of the XP problems. I don't mind you emailing your results, but if you are using XP and it is not working, don't freak out! If you haven't done so already, please subscribe to the ListServ so that you can be notified as soon as the new beta addressing the XP problems is released.

Thanks for trying and thanks for your patience. We will resolve these problems.

Cheers!

dvd-tech: Thanks Kieron. We appreciate your support and patience.

21.10.2002 15:53 #277

rhmoore

Newhaven: sorry it took awhile to answer, for ConAir I used Philips DVD+RW, I forgot to put that in...
Have Just done Junkman on Verbatim, Strange one this (not the film) it needs 2 Disk, although the film is only on 1, but lot's of extra's.
1st part read in 20mins, took 18mins to burn. ---- 2nd part read in 19mins, but only took 6 mins to burn ----- Then the strange bit, put it into, Philips 985 started but could not run the extra's as they were proberly on second disk, but not really sure.
Choose play movie film played but only with directores Commentry, even though chose dolby 5.1 or DTS in sound menu. (time to kick the cat).
Put disk into computer, useing PowerDVD same thing, but in the on screen video consol, you can change commentry setting without stopping film, great worked fine.
So decided to try Philips 985 again, and on investigateing, manage to bring up a small menue whilst the film was playing, and choose dolby 5.1 and everything was fine....
Said sorry to the Cat, gave her saucer of milk..
On Junkman their are 4 english sound tracks, No1 being dolby 5.1 and No4 being directors commentry, for some reason after copying, it defaults to option 4. A small fault, but one that could cause confusion, But if you are into ripping and the such should have the know-how to sort out, but as for Joe Public????

22.10.2002 04:44 #299

Lawman

Is'nt it funny how after you have posted, you notice all the spelling mistake's.

22.10.2002 04:49 #300

gmn17

Hello 321Studios team,

Great work you guys!

The program worked like a charm
(after reading the email
and program instructions)

The best news is
I was able to copy a movie onto DVD-RAM.
So here is some unexpected functionality ;)

In fact I was able to do
a DVD-9 movie pretty easily
onto 2 discs.

Did it in a bit over 2 hrs with
ripping + burn.

The movie was Night of The Living Dead.

A few small bugs did come up,
like the 321 warning keeps playing
unless i specifically point to the
root menu, but then it plays
like a normal DVD with same
quality as original.

Thx 321Studios

Can't wait for full version!

22.10.2002 04:58 #301

Lawman

dRD: have you seen the Review on the AO5 yet. at DVDwriters.co.uk. I used to own the A03 but change sold it and purchased the Philips 228, only so I could have compatibilty, with my Stand Alone philips 985, So I could record of the TV then edit on my PC using Uleads DVDWORKSHOP.

22.10.2002 05:04 #302

dRD

Lawman: Yes, I have. And I'm one of the many "minus" guys, disgusted with the price of "plus" discs and also I have this individual vigilantism towards IT mammoths who try to force people to pick their format (namely Dell, HP and MS).

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

22.10.2002 05:27 #303

dRD

cpukiller

I don't think you should post the link to the beta out in the open like that...You could ruin it for the rest of us beta testers when everyone decides to clog the server up and the true beta testers can't get the file. Just a thought.

22.10.2002 11:32 #327

rhmoore

Now you've done it. I'm going to have to kill the beta ftp site and start a new one.

dRD: Where are you when I need you? :)

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

22.10.2002 11:35 #328

rhmoore

Password reset on FTP site.

Beta testers: Please do not post username, password info on this forum. A new beta fixing a lot of the problems we've seen in XP (and elsewhere) will be posted this afternoon. I'll email the beta list and give them the new password information when it becomes available.

Also, if you are having trouble accessing the FTP site, then please download a FTP client like CuteFTP.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

22.10.2002 11:40 #329

threepeat

messed up again this will be my last post

22.10.2002 11:41 #330

rhmoore

threepeat: Don't worry about it, no harm done. Just don't do it again, ok? :)

Thanks,
Robert

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

22.10.2002 11:50 #331

-LD

how can so many "beta-testers" not know anything about how FTP works? http://smartftp.com to make it easy

22.10.2002 11:52 #332

newhaven

Lawman:

What software are you using to format your DVD +rw's. I have a Phillips +RW and a Pioneer A04 -RW, have tried using _RW and getting some form of error. Tried Xmen to -R and that burn't to 2 diskd no prob or so I thought. Tried disk 1 and all seemed well, disclaimer and then main menu, then the film played ok. Test 2 for disk 2, disclaimer showed as did main menu, but nothing you selected from the main menu seemed to want to play. Anyone else had problems playing from 2nd disk? Maybe splitting is not quite right yet. Will have to do a bit more work and see what has actually been burn't to the 2nd disk.

22.10.2002 11:54 #333

menmaddi

Sorry threepeat, don't want to get us banned. Thanks for trying. I'm getting an error message using cuteftp.

I don't know what the hell I'm doing wrong.

22.10.2002 11:55 #334

Lawman

dRD : just received your email posted at 00:58 on the 22oct. did you send it by Royal Mail..lol

22.10.2002 11:56 #335

Lawman

newhaven, Using DirectCD 5 quick format if its a new DVD+RW or The erase button on DirectCD 5 if I have already Used thr DVD before.

22.10.2002 11:59 #336

dRD

Ok, the ***khead who posted the link to beta site is deactivated and banned from our site and the message deleted.

Some respect towards these guys, PLEASE. I _can_ shut down the whole thread if this happens again.

Sorry rhmoore about this -- if you - or anyone else - find something like this again, send us feedback immediately.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

22.10.2002 12:00 #337

-LD

menmaddi, robert just posted that they had to change the username and password because it was publically posted...of course FTP won't work until 321 has updated it and sent the new info to beta testers

22.10.2002 12:04 #338

menmaddi

-LD,

I realize that. Before the deal went down, I was having a problem. I am using an ftp client. I also tried clicking on the link directly. I wondered if anyone else was having a similar problem. I was looking for some insight, not an ...insult.

22.10.2002 12:11 #339

-LD

it wasn't an insult, it was a comment...your post said you were currently having a problem and i explained why

22.10.2002 12:14 #340

menmaddi

Sorry,

Just a little testy. (being left out of the fun)

22.10.2002 12:19 #341

rhmoore

dRD: No need to ban the user. It was probably an innocent mistake. Anyway, users still need the license id and password to activate beta, but I just can't let our ftp server become overrun with everyone trying to download the beta.

The FTP server will NOT work right now as I have changed the password. We will be posting the newest beta there very soon and I will alert everyone on the beta list just as soon as it is available.

In the meantime, get an FTP client if you were having trouble accessing the FTP beforehand.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

22.10.2002 12:21 #342

dRD

psamanie

actually i had to use Nero to burn the files with the old one - and i am still having the same problem with the new one - it failed at the burning stage again - it burned like half the disk then stopped, saying it had completed? I guess this is a little better then the first one, cause that one didnt even start burning - hopefully this trend continues, cause at this rate it should working by the next update:)

22.10.2002 19:28 #355

hula73

ok guys i still get a an error when trying to burn w/ my philips dvdrw228 drive..so i did what people suggested and used nero...the burn says successful, but when played in powerdvd the disclaimer keeps recycling over and over and no movie...ne ideas?

Brett Nelson

22.10.2002 21:08 #356

dRD

But then again, DVD-5 can be backed up with no-brainer method by using DVD Decrypter as well, the issue in here is definately with the DVD-9 movies, where so far IFOEdit has been the only real method for doing it.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

23.10.2002 04:34 #363

newhaven

Plus DVD Decrypter tends to be a lot quicker if backing up a DVD-5.

23.10.2002 04:40 #364

Lawman

US Marshals - r1 failed at read, windows error.....

The Office - R2 copied and Burnt OK

23.10.2002 05:19 #365

MPUCoder

Not so lucky for me. I tried many combinations of source drive, DVD, and temp folder, but kept getting a page fault error.
I have a read-only drive, and a HP200i, Athlon, 256M, 4 disk channels (DVD writer on secondary master, reader on secondary slave, 5 HD on other channels)

23.10.2002 05:23 #366

hula73

hey Lawman....how did u fix ur burning issues w/ the PhilipsDVDRW 228? I am having same problems..

Brett Nelson

23.10.2002 07:38 #367

Lawman

hula73: I did, scroll up the thread, and U can see what I did..

23.10.2002 08:34 #368

MPUCoder

I don't see any little link to unsubscribe, and the emails are annoying. Maybe a new post with the checkbox unchecked will stop this.

23.10.2002 08:38 #369

dRD

Ah, I forgot to add it to the ones that are sent through the news article itself (as you can also post messages through our forums). Well, now you should see the little link in all reminders.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

23.10.2002 08:55 #370

rhmoore

dragongdz: We are taking your suggestion under advisement and will let you know soon.

Everyone else: The DVD9 is proving to be more of a problem because of the disclaimer and watermarking that we are doing. We are working fast and furious on this fix and should be able to provide more updates tonight. Apparently this is causing some unexpected results when reauthoring the IFO on the second disk.

Also, we continue to work on the burning issues and hope to have more fixes tonight in that regard as well.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

23.10.2002 10:26 #371

rhmoore

Also, we've made some enhancements to performance and expect to see some significant speed improvement with the next release.

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

23.10.2002 10:28 #372

menmaddi

Windows XP user.
Region 1. Failed to burn Phantom Menace, either disc.
No error on 1st disc, just froze. 2nd disc received error message. Main movie only. Already backed up (the other way) just wanted to see what it would do with the angles.

23.10.2002 11:43 #373

-LD

anyone tried a disc that has PC Friendly on it? i just tried the Matrix, R1, and it craps out DVDXCOPY whenever i attempt to select a title

23.10.2002 13:03 #374

Lawman

No new Beta, yet then...this forum has gone quite over the last couple of days...... see now.. all hunched over their keyboards, sweating when the counter reads, 99%, power fail's, !%*+!ng hell... 1% 2%

24.10.2002 01:01 #375

axelavoro

I would like to receive the beta release so i can try it.
and post here my result
thanks.

24.10.2002 03:05 #376

rhmoore

I just found out the new beta didn't go out last night as planned. Although I don't know for sure, I imagine they had a *good* reason. ;)

I will check with the engineers and post back here today or send the beta list an email indicating the status. I apologize that you were not updated last night as I expected.

Cheers!

24.10.2002 04:32 #377

mikemary

I just ordered my dvdxcopy online, hopefully most of the bugs will be out by the 28th or so. Just wanted to know if anyone has tried copying a disk with multi episodes, like the X-Files or The Simpsons. Also, I have an HP 100i and an HP 200i, anyone had any experience with them?

24.10.2002 10:39 #378

TAFFYDUCK

Whats up with this DVDX v DVDXCOPY.
RHMOOR V DRAGONDDZ. JUST SORT IT ALL OUT BETWWEN YOU...Lets get back too backing up
dvd meadia. Lets be honest here no one gives a shit about hows software is whos,
most of us come from the AMIGA Days and ps1
sceen. weve done Audio and now DVD`s. Most of you say OH, i just want to back up my dvd set. come off it i know a lot of these
login Names and some have been around for years.90% of us just do it for the fun of it. Untill the next new media comes out.Here
today gone tomorrow sort of thing...
dvdxcopy will be hacked cracked and everyone
will have acopy or clone by Xmas.A 250,000 hits a week. Welldone AfterDawn..UNtill we move on to something New too do on our PC
. ANYWAY lets keep the posts about using the software and not about whos making the money from it........................

24.10.2002 15:31 #379

LtDan

Hello rhmoore,

I have paid for a copy of this DVD X Copy on 10/18/02. I see my American Express is already charged.

I was just wanting to know if this is going to be ready for download on 10/28/02.

I see that you are having some problems.

I wish you and your team well on getting this out on time.

Also are you posting to any other forum somewhere else. I like to read about how things are going.

Thanks for taking the time to post here.

Lt Dan

24.10.2002 15:58 #380

Floyd

Lawman

I note that you are like me in the UK. can you tell me if the PAL DVD's you are using play ok in the "preview" window? mine are B&W and offset to the left by a third. I have put this down to PAL (beta not ready yet) the other stuff I'm experiencing, down to XP.

24.10.2002 16:15 #381

rhmoore

LtDan: It will either be available on the 28th or you'll be given the option of a full refund. I would expect that it is NOT going to be ready on the 28th, but rather a week later now. However, we will continue the pre-order price of 79.99 until the full version is released, but we have no intention of keeping any ones money, if they simply want it back and to forget it.

We will be contacting everyone by email on the 28th one way or the other though.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

24.10.2002 17:24 #382

cpukiller

Out of curiosity, when are we going to see the next Beta?

24.10.2002 18:01 #383

A_Klingon

{sigh......}

This *has* been aggravating. 3 betas sitting on my hdd, and in each case Win98 gives me a fatal "cannot run" type of error. The beta(s) is/are not at fault. Later today I will finally put in the 256 meg SyncDRAM memory. Can't do squat with the 96 megs I had. (Rob did warn me).

Hope to give this thing a try very soon.

There's been quite a slowdown in posts here, the longest-running thread in a/D history. Is everyone relatively satisfied with their 2-disc backups?

-- mgb --

24.10.2002 22:40 #384

Lawman

A_Klingon: I put the quiteness down too, everybody slugging it out over teir PC, (how come U got 3 beta') againgst my two, (jelousy)
I have just been fireing, my reports straight to bugs@, as I felt their was no one on the forums to read them.
Have had trouble in the last couple of day's doing some disk 2 backups, even reformatted my H/D in the end to get rid of all the Junk, had a right slow down on my computer, but I put that down to MS SP1 for WinXP. so took it off did a RF. and back to my old speed now, The only thing is I am running out of Region 1 films to try, as out of my collection of 150 DVD's, 120 are region 2 PAl.
Floyd: never tried the pal copies in the viewier, but they played in colour on my Stand alone DVD. also still getting a few XP problems, well I hope its XP problems..
As well stated, if the copy only requires 1 disk, then can't fault DVDXCOPY at all, few prob' when doing the second, disk..
Still early day's

24.10.2002 23:55 #385

A_Klingon

Hi Lawman.

Well, there was the original beta, then an update the very next day I believe, and then just an .exe update (downloaded as a .zip) to replace the .exe in your c:\Progra~1\321Studios folder.

So, of the approx. 30 ntsc's that you have Lawman, how many of those are dvd-9s? (I see little point in using dvdxcopy for dvd-5s; because DVD-Decrypter (free) already makes perfect replicas of those).

And of the dvd-9s, how many of your backups would you say you are satisfied with? (I mean, enough to justify paying the price of two blank discs?).

Hollywood has gone absolutely out of its way to manufacture dual-layer discs, even when they are clearly not necessary, by dumping in worthless extras, specifically designed to bloat the disc past dvd-5 status, and in the process, make it a difficult and expensive process for us to consider.

For example, *many* dvds previously released on single-layer discs are now only being made as dual-layer replacements. ("New! Remastered! WoW! Collector's Edition!") Dirty Harry, Groundhog Day, & Monty Python's Holy Grail are but three examples.

Dvdxcopy will at least, put back a bit of consumer fairness in the balance.

-- Mike --

25.10.2002 00:23 #386

CHL

Any Beta testers out there using a Ricoh dvd+rw MP125 ?
If so what burning probs are you having as everytime i goto burn i get the following error message " UNABLE TO GET SCSI DRIVER , SEVERITY : 3 , ERROR CODE : 100 , SCSI CODE : 0 "
I have been instructed by programers to reinstall drivers which i have done, however i still get same errors .I have also tried to uninstall / reinstall .

Windows XP
service pack 1
Amd 1600+
512 ddr

Any thoughts on this ?

-- CHL --

25.10.2002 01:09 #387

newhaven

CHL: I am also getting this error and I am using a Pioneer A04. This error only started happening with the updated .exe that
supplied. Program seems to still rip ok to hard drive, so had to burn using Nero as a workaround till a fix found. Logged with bugs@ a few days ago.

25.10.2002 01:24 #388

Floyd

CHL .. I know this sounds stupid, but is your drive SCSI? I just bought a dvd burner - sony DRU-120A - and had no IDE bus for it. Used a promise 100 PCI IDE card and all seemed well. However the same error message came up on the screen when trying to burn. The drive is IDE not SCSI. Checked the system (XP PRO) which showed the drive as an SCSI!!? Moved the burner to a Motherboard IDE and the system correctly identified it as IDE.

However, now I can't get the software to even read the movie. I still can't get DVDXCOPY to burn & await the XP fix from Robert & his crew before trying to identify if this is an XP issue or a bug.

25.10.2002 01:42 #389

midas

I received that SCSI error also and my drive is IDE. I do have a SCSI card attached to an external tape drive.

I've had lots of troubles, but didn't bother to send a bug report this time since by the time I got the errors there was already talk of another beta release.

But one thing I want to mention that makes this a very hard beta to test. It takes more than seeing the dvd get burned and popping it in the player and seeing it start to play. I've been doing all my testing on one concert DVD. The chapters, as you'd expect are broken down by songs. The burned DVD played fine for the first 6 songs but froze on the 7th song. Skipping from the main menu directly to any chapter after that shows the same thing. It plays for a few seconds (between 5 and 30) but then freezes solid.

This makes it very hard to test this software. It's difficult enough to invest the time to do the rip and burn, but to then invest 2 hours to watch the movie completely looking for glitches makes for a long test cycle. I would advise those that THINK they are getting good results to watch the whole movie to be sure.

25.10.2002 02:33 #390

Mach3

CHL: I have 3 systems running this beta - All Identical at this point . Win 2000 Pro (originally XP PRO but reinstalled Win 2000 Pro for these tests ) All Athlon XP 2200+ CPU /w 1GB DDR - 1 /w Pioneer 104 DVD-R/RW and 2 with Toshiba SD-R5002 DVD-R/RW all set as masters on secondary IDE channel.

First I rip with DVD Decrypter then mount the "drive" with Virtual Daemon manager 3.23 ( It rips five times faster than DVDXCOPY )then I can mount the "DVD" with DVDXCOPY ... Then I hit COPY and DVDXCOPY goes to work re-ripping the "DVD"..when it's done I hit the BURN button and I get DVD Write failure followed by the same SCSI errors you are getting....so I burn /w Nero.....DVDXCOPY works Great!..except for DVD-9 where it messes em all up and usually can't find a suitable break point (can't do the math)..hmmm Hey wait a minute...What's wrong with this picture ??

On the XP system I did get a DVD-5 burn from start to finish ONE TIME, ... and never again,.. using DVDXCOPY "as directed".

I have used both betas with the same results.

One week before a target release date is a helluva time to start a beta program. I am crossing my fingers that it will be totally functional Before December hits though, because I can really see this product boosting my DVD Burner sales for Christmas.

25.10.2002 02:57 #391

CHL: Now that is interesting, Since my last post, I tried a couple of more times, same result, So coverted back to FAT32 * thank god for Partition Magic* tried again, and their we are, Suggested time 23mins faster,

25.10.2002 14:18 #404

rhmoore

Noone is going to get ripped off. You will either receive a product that you like and want or you will get your money back, simple, end of statement.

Ok, here's what I will do. If you have Pre-Ordered the product, and you read this post and send me an email to robert@321studios.com, I will add you to the next beta release and you can start testing it out. But remember, IT'S A BETA!

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

25.10.2002 14:34 #405

LtDan

Thanks rhmoore.

I'll send a email right now.

LtDan

25.10.2002 17:20 #406

Lawman

To any of you doubters, out there, 321 has lived up to their promise, and given me a full refund, it appeared within my bank account, within two days of asking,
well done 321,

25.10.2002 23:04 #407

mikemary

Mr. Moore
Stop being pushed around by these whiny little kids. Anyone who cannot wait for the beta or for the first release date, then don't pre order. Wait until next month and order it then. Stop badgering Mr. Moore because his company does not want to release a product that is not 100% ready yet. Grow the hell up allready!

26.10.2002 06:51 #408

hula73

26.10.2002 13:57 #423

CHL

Lawman : thanks for trying . Dont suppose you tried viewing it in power dvd before you closed down dvdxcopy ? I did and found that even if the burn was successful it will play the computer generated helicopter scene over and over and over........ again ,then when you eventually get the menu after around 10 mins you cant do nothing with it.

26.10.2002 14:02 #424

Lawman

Just done A Civil Action (NTSC R1)
dvdxcopy states 2 disk required, Took 48mins to preprare disk 1 Of 2, Took over 1hr to Burn, Normal message please reinsert film. 4mins to read remainder, then failed to burn, noticed that the second DVD disk had a mark, on it proberly why it failed.

Put the first disk in my Stand alone, a perfect copy of the film, went to menue.
the clicked on theatrical Trailer up came the message please insert disk two, So was that a success or not???

26.10.2002 15:31 #425

Lawman

chl: Sorry, did not think of that.. I take it your expensive, mistake was to burn the disk to DVD+R........ OOOOOOps.

26.10.2002 15:35 #426

rhmoore

To those of you trying this in PAL, please understand this is for NTSC testing only. PAL will be rolled into version 1.1 which will be the first enhancement to the final release.

Hi Bill: Congrats and Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

26.10.2002 16:23 #427

JohnODon

You guys are killing me! I just ran out today and bought a DVDRW228. I had been putting off buying a DVD-R until I could do What I catually wanted to do...backup my dvd collection.

Robert, I hope you come thru for us! So far it seems like a promising application. I would love to be on the beta testing team, but I won't nag you about that. I know you have enough to worry about! ;)

Anyways, good luck and I will keep my eyes open for the final product.

John

26.10.2002 16:52 #428

Achilles

Hello everybody

I've been on the beta testing and reading this thread from day 1, but I decided to add my input. Since I am from New York, all my DVDs are region1. System: winxppro, NTFS, Sony drx120 firewire. I finally managed to copy and BURN dvd5 with nary problem. DVD9 is another story. Please try Eyes Wide Shut and let know if you can even select it to be copied. I burned Mulholland drive with DVDXcopy: disk2 was ok, but disk1 cannot be fast forwarded or rwinded, the picture freezes. The movie blow freezes at chapter 8, and disk2 cannot load, but i get a message of a serious system error and whether i would like to send the info to Microsoft.
I would like to add that i have total confidence in RHMoore and his crew, and all those bugs will be ironed out in the end. Even though he offered us, the beta testers free activation codes, i have placed a preorder as a contribution to the uphill battle he is up against, and for having the guts to do it.

So there!

AM

26.10.2002 17:05 #429

LtDan

27.10.2002 03:57 #438

dRD

rhmoore: You hired Derrow?-) Anyway, good to hear that you are getting the stuff together, I think that everybody in here are anxiously waiting for the final -- or at least almost fully functional -- version of the program.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

27.10.2002 05:19 #439

brisance0

Well, I have followed quite a bit of betas in my time. It looks like 321 Studios is in panic mode. It takes probably a good month or 2 for any large company to work out driver, OS, hardware compatibility issues. 321 looks like they are feverishly flying out an "expert" to help with these issues. I would recommend anyone who wants to use this product wait awhile to see how it plays out in the short term. They could probably get it down. But I imagine it will take a few more months before it is actually usable by the general public. I find something incredibly hilarious: I just read the whole forum top to bottom and vaguely remember rhmoore stating something in regards to not releasing beta-ware to the public, and like Microsoft, expecting the public to troubleshoot it for them. Well, I can't say for sure, but it looks like they are going to have a REALLY hard time delivering any kind of quality software on the Nov. 4th gold date. Lastly, if I may make a suggestion: rhmoore should spend less time surfing and posting long messages on the internet, and more time on getting ready to release a quality product to the general public........

27.10.2002 06:45 #440

rhmoore

How could I possibly respond to such well thought out logic? I guess in the end, it just goes to show you, that no matter the best of intentions there will always be someone waiting to point out the flaw of optimism and good faith.

[door opens, developer walks in. Asks if I'm surfing the net again...]

Gotta go. Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

27.10.2002 08:58 #441

-LD

i don't think brisance0 has ever worked on the development of a product...he clearly has little to no understanding of what happens during the development and beta process

27.10.2002 09:09 #442

brisance0

I have beta tested a few products, but primarily I am an end user. I am an enthusiast. I buy, and have used, literally 1000's of software products. Friends have told me that there are groups for people like me. My issue is this: The downfall of most developers is that they rush the product to the streets. The survivors, the one's who prosper, will understand that 1st impressions are lasting. The best developers have the discipline to hold their product until it passes their own internal standards in regards to operability. The other 70% are out of business or serving lattes at Starbucks. I would much rather see this potetialy awesome product held back for 2,3, or 4 months to insure its stability. From what I can gather from the current beta testers, DVDXCOPY needs quite a bit more work before it should be released to an unsuspecting public. I really wish the guys at 321 studios the best. In fact, I personally believe that if their product is "relatively" bug free it will help their legal cause immeasurably. I believe there is going to be an irrefutable correlation between the quality of this software and the amount of support for the legal issue by the public. There has been much press about this product, but if it is good, Napster could be a sidenote in the history of copy protection. I honestly want a ground swelling of public support for this. These are my motives.

27.10.2002 09:41 #443

brisance0

27.10.2002 09:41 #444

brisance0

oops, sorry bout' that :)

27.10.2002 09:42 #445

Ketola

Just tried copying a PAL DVD-9 disc (The Usual Suspects Special Edition) with DVD X Copy and it worked beautifully (even though PAL isn't supported). Now I didn't actually burn the discs, since I don't have a DVD recordable, but the logical structure seemed to work without a glitch on a software DVD player.

Jari Ketola
Administrator
http://www.AfterDawn.com

27.10.2002 10:17 #446

midas

Here's one problem that I'm not sure is fixable. Recorded a Benny Hill Greatest Hits DVD. Hitting PLAY from the main menu takes you to a sub menu where you choose between 3 different programs on the disk.

It appears programs 2 and 3 ended up on disk 2. Program 1 and the special features ended up on disk 1. But because 2&3 are on the 2nd disk, there is no way at all to play them. Choosing either one just locks up the player and eventually takes me back to the menu.

27.10.2002 10:44 #447

Achilles

Midas:

That's what happened to me exactly, which is why i believe simple copying of the dvd isn't the answer unless you have a dual layer recorder. And this is where IfoEdit comes in, where you can split the vobs files in 2 video-ts folders and let the program create new ifo/chapters for them. If dvdxcopy can do that on the fly(maybe with a little assistance from Derrow), then we will have a truly great product.

27.10.2002 10:55 #448

Derrow

Just to make it clear.
It's not me, who was hired to help developing DVDXCopy.
I'm not involved in any kind to this project.

I'm even not a beta-tester of this tool, so I can't tell, if it will work properly.

27.10.2002 13:32 #449

dRD

Derrow: Ah, my stupid remark was meant to be somekinda joke -- as I assume everybody in this "industry" knows your reputation with DVD authoring, etc. Sorry if I caused confusion :-)

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

27.10.2002 13:53 #450

Derrow

No prob at at all dRD.
It was not your post that confused me or others.
It was this one posted by 'rhmoore':

One of the resources we used for this product is an absolute expert in Dvd Authoring, splitting and IFO editing on the fly. Apparently after reviewing our code, he suggested we were implementing several key components incorrectly. He is flying to St Louis today and promised to stay until XCopy is totally complete and working across the board. He also doesn't expect to stay more than a few days, so I believe we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

27.10.2002 14:13 #451

rhmoore

Excuse me, but I don't think my post was confusing at all. We do have an expert flying in tonight that we have used in the past. I never mentioned a name. I'm sorry I didn't correct dRD before, but was unable to until now.

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

27.10.2002 14:19 #452

Floyd

well Derrow, it WAS dRD's joke that caused the confusion. rhmoore never mentioned you once, simply explaining the fact that he was getting assistance.

Its just a small misunderstanding, i.e. just a joke! lets not get paranoid :o)

27.10.2002 14:29 #453

A_Klingon

He said that we said that they said something or other vaguely similar to what someone else was supposed to have said in regards to what was or was not actually said by whoever it was that was supposed to have said it in the first place.

Oh what the hell, let's all *sue* each other!

-- mgb --

27.10.2002 14:44 #454

rhmoore

Mike: I always look forward to your posts. You crack me up... LOL! Sorry if I caused any confusion...

And just to clear up any other confusion, we're not in a panic. This is a resource that has been here before and has been extremely helpful. He's simply coming back into town to help us finish this up. The only reason I posted this information was to reassure this group that we were taking proactive action to clear up the remaining problems with DVD9's. In addtion, we are switching out the SDK from Gear with another SDK that will eliminate all the burning problems we've been having as well.

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

27.10.2002 15:02 #455

dRD

Quote:Oh what the hell, let's all *sue* each other!LOL! A very American approach from a Canadian guy, you're definately learning from your neighbours :-D

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

27.10.2002 15:13 #456

-LD

robert, how DARE you keep us up to date with your development process!

27.10.2002 15:17 #457

mikemary

FYI: A lot of people have been complaining about the costs of disks. I live in NJ and I just bought 5 memorex DVD+R for 9.99 (after rebate) at Best Buy, so you can see, the prices of the DVDs are coming down!!

27.10.2002 17:18 #458

-LD

you can buy bulk DVD-Rs for next to nothing...only 64 cents

27.10.2002 17:27 #459

tumbar

In addtion, we are switching out the SDK from Gear with another SDK that will eliminate all the burning problems we've been having as well.

That sounds like Nero to me?

you can call me Mr. T

27.10.2002 17:29 #460

Lawman

Mr T: Hope Not!!!!!

27.10.2002 22:02 #461

tumbar

Well I wonder which it could be...Roxio, Nero, Stomp-RecordNow-Prassi-Veritas, Bee's, Gear,Instant CD...who else is there that makes burning programs, widely accepted?

you can call me Mr. T

28.10.2002 03:30 #462

sleepy

Wondering if anyone has obtained the beta per rhmores offer for those who prepaid and responded to his post via email.
Perhaps he is waiting to post us on this matter until things settle?
Sure wish I would have made the beta test window in the first place on this one.
Oh well...(sigh)

Sleepy

2sleepy@email.com

28.10.2002 07:03 #463

LtDan

Sleepy4
I'm in the same boat as you. I missed the window too. But I did send a email per rhmores post saying that he would add us to the next BETA. I have not gotten a reply from rhmores yet.

rhmores
when do you thing we will get the BETA ?

I would like to help in any way to see this software make it BIG......
I have 2 kids that are constantly destroying there original DVD's.

Lt Dan

28.10.2002 13:10 #464

rhmoore

LtDan: We are working feverishly to implement all of the bug fixes. I won't release the current beta due to the DVD9 splitting errors with other titles. But we do plan to release a new beta by weeks end and if all goes well, we will probably release the final version next Tuesday or Wednesday.

We've already made tremendous strides today and our engineers and DVD authoring expert will be burning the midnight oil all week long. Stay tuned, it's going to be GREAT!

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

28.10.2002 13:34 #465

dRD

OK, I'm gonna waste one possible news blurp (sh*t, it's quiet in digivideo news nowadays, everybody is too depressed because of the weather, or..?) and post this here anyway:

http://www.sunspot.net/technology/bal-dvd1028,0,4663142.story?coll=bal-technology-headlines

...interview with rhmoore by LA Times (their main site requires registration :-) Have fun.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

28.10.2002 13:42 #466

darksaint

rhmoore your getting to be real popular and man i cant wait for dvdxcopy to come out good luck 321

28.10.2002 13:51 #467

brisance0

Yea, the other software was no big deal. DVDXCOPY is a bombshell. Things are starting to warm up. This is going to be a big one..

28.10.2002 15:49 #468

A_Klingon

When this thing hits the masses, I think it's imperative that we do whatever we can to support dvdxcopy's continued survival by more than just backing up our dvds -- we need to back up 321 Studios in their legal fight with the MPAA !!!

Don't let Hollywood and their legions of highly-paid weasels (lawyers) take away what 321 is struggling to give us!!!

(Hell, I was never really a "rebel", but I believe in this one).

Use the software! Spread the word!

"Extree, Extree, Read All About It! 321 Studios Kicks Ass In Tinsel Town !!"

-- (ok, I'll go back to sleep now). --

-- Mike --

29.10.2002 00:47 #469

Lawman

Amen to that.

29.10.2002 01:01 #470

Ketola

Achilles: _Very_ strange.. You might want to check the temp dir DVDXCopy uses to see if there's anything there that might mess things up.. But I don't see how that could happen, either. Still, that's the best explanation I can come up with.

Jari Ketola
Administrator
http://www.AfterDawn.com

29.10.2002 09:09 #487

Achilles

Ketola: I am a step ahead of you. The temp directory gets cleared after the burn process is over, but if you check dvdxcopy's program directory, all kinds of files pertaining to all previous movies you burned are sitting there, like a huge recycle bin. I am glad that 321studios are changing the gear driver they are using. I've used it in the past, very problematic, and doesn't offer widerange support to consumer recorders like nero.

29.10.2002 09:21 #488

A_Klingon

I don't think there's anything going on behind the scenes with dvdxcopy that doesn't conform to standard industry specs.

A couple of times, when making dvd5s with DVD-Decrypter, the program refused to burn an ISO image, because I hadn't erased an earlier burn. (I hadn't created a new, empty TOC). Always, in these cases, a quick format (with Primo-DVD) solved the problem right away, and DVD-Decrypter proceeded to write a perfect dvd.

I think Ketola is right (Hi Jari!) - a quick format just wipes out the info from the earlier TOC - effectively, the disc *should* be treated as empty regardless of what was on it earlier. In other words, the newly-written TOC is simply empty.

Nope, "leftover video" is something that should never happen! I think your experience in this regard is novel and unique. And yes, the +rw system allows for 'on the fly' formatting, performing the function on an 'as-is-needed' basis. Saves a lot of time.

Maybe 321 could comment.

And to further muddy the already murky water, is there a distinction between "formatting" and "erasing"? Are they one and the same thing?

I thought formatting simply created sectors on the disc where data will eventually be written, <like formatting your hard disc drive> whereas erasing actually deletes the data while leaving the sectors intact. The various recorded sectors are where the TOC points to.

(Oh, my poor head). :-) Gimme an aspirin!

-- Mike --

29.10.2002 09:26 #489

Ketola

Achilles: Okay. So I guess the proble isn't with the discs but with Gear burning something it shouldn't burn. I guess you can safely wipe out temporary files from DVDXCopy-folder as well.

Hi Mike! =) You got formatting right. And like you said, a quick format just erases the TOC, which makes the disc effectively empty to the operating system. There's no need to do a full format, since the sectors are already there.

Erasing/wiping is also like you said. When you wipe a file (ie. not just delete it) the system looks up the sectors/blocks occupied by the file (from TOC, FAT, NTFS table, or whatever) and writes random data on those blocks.

A bit off topic, I suppose.. =)

Jari Ketola
Administrator
http://www.AfterDawn.com

29.10.2002 09:59 #490

Achilles

Mike: Good question, I would like to know the answer to that myself. I know that quick erase will remove the old TOC, but the old recorded data will remain on the disk, though not visible, while full erase will take all data out. When I take fresh disk out of the jewel case the first time and insert it in the recoder, nothing happens. But when you erase it the first time, whether quick or full, a blank explorer window opens up. So I must assume the formatting takes place once, and remains that way, and the rest is simply erasing. And with the +rw system, you don't have to erase, you just copy over it. But dvdxcopy is turning it into a vhs tape.

Hopefully, by the next beta release, we'll all be laughing at this. In the meantime, the aspirins please!

29.10.2002 10:02 #491

Lawman

A-Klingon: Achilles: I see the English sense of Humour, does not travel well across the water, It was intended as a Joke, you know a quickie takes a minute and full takes 90min.s, * I have never known a man to last that long*, are well never mind!! beam me up scottie

29.10.2002 10:10 #492

hessel

Is a DVD-9 copied on 2 DVD±R(W)'s ?

Is there an option to leave out some of the extra's to fit the end result on one disk ?

Can the bit-rate of the av stream be lowered to fit all on one disk ?

Are superbit DVD's or DVD's containing DTS streams harder to copy ?

Best regards,
Hessel.

Beta please . . .

29.10.2002 10:36 #493

-LD

apparently you haven't read the thread or the product's website...

29.10.2002 11:58 #494

hessel

I read it over and over again and I have some experience with IFOedit.

The four DVD's I tested didn't fit on a single DVD�R(W)'s because they contained from 200MB up until 4GB more for the main movie alone.

so i would say:
Q. How many discs are required to burn one DVD?
A. Some DVD movies will fit onto one DVD disk, but in most cases, you will need to split the DVD onto two DVD+R disks.

Maybe this is only the case for Region 2 disks because they contain audio tracks and subtitles for many (4+) languages.

29.10.2002 13:57 #495

Floyd

apparently you haven't read the thread or the product's website...

29.10.2002 15:11 #496

Sven

The app automatically splits long movies over 2
dvd-r's.

29.10.2002 16:56 #497

brisance0

Brains. Brains. BRAINS! I must have more brains!

29.10.2002 19:30 #498

rhmoore

UPDATE: We continue to make progress towards eliminating all of the unwanted *features* (uh, that's bugs in technospeak) in DvdXCopy and believe we have identified all of the major problems. We are anticipating a new beta release on Friday that will quite frankly make previous betas look like an early alpha.

Also, my previous announcement regarding Gear SDK was premature. Apparently they came through with the Sony DRU500 support today and cleaned up two other issues that we had problems with. So far all burning on XP and 2k have proved to work without fail in all tests.

We have also incorporated PAL logic although our testing on this is quite limited and we will be relying on the PAL beta community to give us quick feedback on testing once the new version is released.

Hopefully, all will go well with your testing this weekend and we can quickly release the final version to Pre-Orders early next week. I know that's a bit optimistic, but our internal testing seems to indicate all lights are green and the beta group should experience very few, if any problems with the new version. This of course is subject to change without notice :)

One other minor detail that might please everyone: We have moved all special features and trailers to disc 2 when 2 discs are required. This improves the likelihood of getting the entire *movie* onto the first disc without splitting the actual movie. The split is still required technically for all menus to function on the second disc, but when possible we will fit the complete movie on the first disc, meaning the likelihood of burning only one disc for DVD9's has increased substantially!

One more feature being added is quick/full format and quick/full erase.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

29.10.2002 19:39 #499

Lawman

rhmoore: Fanastic news, its going to be a real winner!!!

29.10.2002 22:02 #500

Rurik

Woot!

Glad I Pre ordered

29.10.2002 23:43 #501

-LD

I still cannot copy DVDs with PCFriendly or InterActual on them. Specifically I have tried The Matrix (PCFriendly) and Eight Legged Freaks (InterActual). It crashes as soon as I attempt to choose a title. Anyone else been seeing the same thing with these types of DVDs? I want to know if it's just me or what. Sent report to bugs@

29.10.2002 23:53 #502

dRD

rhmoore: Excellent, specially the change in logic of the program. Obviously I'm curious to know what you're planning to do with annoying discs where there are tons of extras and movie still takes more than one disc? Or discs that are nothing but extras, such as the upcoming LOTR 4-disc combos additional discs.

Ahwell, probably the logic will improve in time, although it would be a neat idea -- although privacy maniacs will get me sued over this -- to implement a helluvabig IFO database in your servers and would allow users to choose "Use program logic" or "Use pre-defined cutting points, pulled from our servers".

Also, all kinds of minor little tweaks, such as disabling the menu selections for extras on discs that don't have extras, etc need to be implemented at some point (if you don't have those yet -- haven't tried it seriously, due lack of DVD-R at the moment).

Anyway, best of luck to you.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

30.10.2002 00:49 #503

Lawman

LD: You are not alone, with these problem's.

30.10.2002 01:19 #504

A_Klingon

This latest news update is *phenomenal* !Relegating most and/or all of the extra BONER materials to the second disc is a *quantum* leap forward ! This brings dvdxcopy closer to the IDEAL than ever before!

The odds of getting a full movie to fit on Disc # 1 should remain a priority (provided, of course, the movie itself is physically capable of *fitting* onto 1 disc. Many are not, and that is no fault of dvdxcopy's).

And dRD raises a question I have often thought about myself. When we choose to delete a given boner track (say, a trailer for example), it would look sort of weird still having the main menu *show* that particular option as being a possible choice, when it is, in fact, not anymore. (Because it has been stripped out).

Will a message pop up in these cases, saying, perhaps "That option is not available on this disc." ??

What if *all* the extra boner stuff was successfully stripped out? The only workable link in the main menu would then be, "Play The Movie". Frankly, you wouldn't even NEED a menu -- ideally, I'd like to see *all* menus, main and sub, flushed down the toilet anyway.

SmartRipper can easily choose *just* the main movie vobs -- it's one of it's default ripping modes in fact. I would love to see dvdxcopy incorporate a similar function.

But your latest news is *great* news, Robert. If the main movie will fit on disc #1, and the remaining Boner stuff can be booted off completely to disc # 2, - then I simply won't be burning disc #2, what can I say?

Good Work !!! :-)

An afterthought: The ability of dvdxcopy to ignore (not copy over) unnecessary language tracks would go a *long* way in helping to ensure that a movie would fit on one disc, but yes, I know, I'm getting very wishful here.

Time, time, I'll give it Time! <fingers crossed>

-- Mike --

30.10.2002 04:01 #505

-LD

just a side note, i am really surprised and siappointed to see so many people ragging on extra materials...as a movie fan that is one of the best things about DVD, not just the better picture and sound...if all you want is the movie and care nothing for DVD features then just copy to a VCR that doesn't have macrovision or continue ripping as you have

30.10.2002 06:54 #506

darksaint

who really looks at the extra crap that they put on dvd i just want to watch the movie who wants to listen to the actors talk about the movie and crap like that

30.10.2002 07:18 #507

harryk

Rhmoore: I'm brand new to this site, but find the discussion about your software to be very interesting. Are you still looking for beta testers? My DVD recorder isn't getting much use yet.....

Harry

30.10.2002 07:19 #508

-LD

darksaint, that's what movie fans do...which, sad to say, very few people on this forum are it seems

30.10.2002 07:31 #509

dRD

-LD: I agree with you, but you know as well as I know that there are tons of discs that contain below-even-loosest-standards "extras" that are there just for the sake of it and no one cares about. Some extras on the other hand, are just great -- sometimes even better than the movie itself :-)

But for the first case scenario, getting rid of the extras at will would be nice -- but then again, we have IFOEdit for that and DVDXCopy's purpose doesn't seem to be to replace IFOEdit, but create a newbie-friendly tool instead.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

30.10.2002 07:33 #510

ratdog43

I looked on the dvdxcopy website and didn't find the panasonic LF-D311 DVD burner as compatible. Could Mr. Moore or one of the developers tell me if it is? I would love to place an order as this software sounds incredible but I don't want the headaches of a incompatible burner.

30.10.2002 08:11 #511

SciFer

rhmoore, looks like you have an excellent product. I have emailed you for a beta but never got a response. One of the things that I wanted to test was a movie called "Rose Red". There have been problems backing this up even in the IFOEDIT world. Since I'm not able to contribute as a beta tester I would at least like to present this challenge to 321 Studios and their beta testers. More detailed information about the Rose Red issue can be found here.
http://forum.doom9.org/search.php?s=&action=showresults&searchid=388551&sortby=&sortorder=
Keep up the good work.
If I can still help, let me know. LuisGutierrez@Adelphia.net

30.10.2002 08:14 #512

rhmoore

We have found that there are titles authored in such a way that DvdXCopy will NOT be able to copy them right now. This has to do with titles that will be split across two DVDR's and are sequenced in such a way that the chapters would have to jump across the disc when played normally.

In order to fix this will require *walking* the program chain and reauthoring the chapters. This is difficult but not impossible. Version one will, we estimate, copy approx 90-95% of all titles. Version 2 will address this issue.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

30.10.2002 08:29 #513

Lawman

rhmoore: In this day of copy protections, i would say 90-95% approx is a figure which makes dvdxcopy a program well worth having.
Just look at the games area, even with programs like Clone, Acholol, BR/BW, one still cannot get 100%, So hats off to 321..

30.10.2002 09:06 #514

ratdog43

Sorry to be a pest but have any beta testers used the panasonic lf-d311 0r 321 to burn with dvdxcopy? and if so did it work? This morning I checked the dvdxcopy website and it said the final version would be available for download on Nov 4th, I checked back later and it now is Nov 8th. I can't complain as this gives me more time to find a burner. Besides the panasonic ($170)does anyone have a suggestion for an affordable dvd burner that works with dvdxcopy? Thanks

30.10.2002 10:19 #515

Sven

321: There are a lot of imacs with superdrives out
there, do you plan a mac os version down the
road?

30.10.2002 10:31 #516

Floyd

Really pleased the PAL code is in the new Beta. Got 6 new DVD+RW's today and my pile of PAL DVD's waiting for the weekend - Boy, I'm gonna be busy!

Can't wait :)

30.10.2002 10:43 #517

darksaint

rhmoore: i order dvdxcopy on 10/18/02 and now on your web site it says the 8th man you got to let me try the beta because im getting dvd copy fever lol

30.10.2002 10:53 #518

CHL

Rhmoore: Since you will be incoparating PAL into next BETA,it should be fairly safe to try a recordable disc as opposed to a RW .
Would this assumption be correct ?

30.10.2002 11:16 #519

rhmoore

CHL: No, that is incorrect! Even when the full version is released, it will always be recommended to use RW first and if everything works as intended, only then to use R.

Cheers!

30.10.2002 11:20 #520

Derek1234

I have been reading a lot of these posts about DVD X Copy, and have a question. I have a DVD-Ram burner (matshita DVD-Ram LF D311, to be specific) i know DVD-Ram's wont work with this program, but my burner also burns to normal DVD-R's. Would my burner work for this program? If enyone has any input on this please let me know, thanks

30.10.2002 11:27 #521

CHL

Rhmoore: Thanks for that .

30.10.2002 11:39 #522

-LD

Derek1234, i am in the same boat, i have a vivastar rs-111...it's a DVD-RAM and DVD-R...it does not work directly with dvdxcopy...i have to use Nero as a workaround after dvdxcopy has copied the movie to my HDD...that has worked fine for me so far, a little clunky but no biggie...maybe the next beta or final release 1.0 will resolve the issue for folks like us

CHL and rhmoore, i have actually only used DVD-R discs...they just aren't as expensive as people seem to think, only 64 cents in bulk...i have screwed up only 1 DVD-R in the testing as well...usually, if the rip is good then burning is successful for me (using Nero)

30.10.2002 11:59 #523

Derek1234

LD, thanks for the response. a few question though. Is the quality of the copy the same as the original DVD? and also do the copies work in standalone players?

30.10.2002 12:18 #524

-LD

it's a digital copy, it's precisely the same...and the copies won't necessarily work in all players, but mine works in my Sony (main player) just fine, though not my toshiba (first model they put out SD-3006 so no surprise) or my sanyo

check here to see if yours should be compatible with DVD-R - http://www.vcdhelp.com/dvdplayers

30.10.2002 12:35 #525

Derek1234

Thanks -LD for your response, it has helped a lot

30.10.2002 13:48 #526

LtDan

Way to go rhmoore and team.

I have faith that you are going to get this to market soon and make $$$$$$$$$$$$.

I have been telling EVERYONE I know about DVDXCOPY and where to get it.

Lt Dan

30.10.2002 14:02 #527

Derek1234

Does anyone know if DVD X Copy would work with DVD PS2 games without a mod chip. I have a few games that dont work too well because they are badly scratched.

30.10.2002 14:35 #528

dRD

Derek1234: Even if I'm not an expert with DVDXCopy's capabilities or future versions by any means, I can assure you that the answer is _NO_, just by knowing the technical facts.

30.10.2002 14:41 #529

CGo

Rhmoore: I have read through most of the thread and was wondering (since I did not see any mention of it) whether the lawsuit that your company has filed will hinder the release of your software in any way?

CGo

30.10.2002 15:18 #530

rhmoore

CGo: The short answer is no. The long answer is we expect that DvdXCopy will significantly raise the hackles of Hollywood and will no doubt focus their attention on us. We will need significant grass roots public support to weather the storm and already have plans of launching national advocacy campaigns directed at getting Boucher's OR Lofgren's legislation passed.

So we will have one eye on the market and the other on our PR and PA strategies. We're going to need a lot of help, and I don't mean financial. Just raw constituency support.

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

30.10.2002 15:46 #531

JohnODon

Sorry to jump off topic for a second guys. I have seen a few of you are using the Philips DVDRW228. I just bought one of these. Can someone provide a link to a source of cheap (but good) media for this drive (DVD+R)? US companies only please.

Thanks,

John

30.10.2002 15:53 #532

JohnODon

30.10.2002 15:53 #533

JohnODon

Sorry for the double post...my browser burped! ;)

30.10.2002 15:54 #534

LtDan

I also need advice on what DVD+R media to buy and where to buy from for DVDXCOPY and my new Sony DRU500A.

Thanks

Lt Dan

30.10.2002 16:16 #535

RhMoore: You are really becoming famous!

Read this:

http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.asp?RelatedID=2968

30.10.2002 17:28 #542

dicky29

hi all new to this can any one help spent many days and ntys on this. iv got dvd decrypter latest 1 and also instant cd and dvd same as a freind has and he can do the larger dvds like 7gb onto 4.7 gb but i keep getting a I/o ERROR device[2;1;0]pioneer dvd-rw dvr-104{f)
scsistatus 0x02
interpretation check condition

cdb:53 00 00 00 00 00 31 6e 59 00
interpretation reserve track

sence area 70 00 05 00 00 00 00 0e 00 00 00 00 21 00
interpretation logical block adress out of range.

can any one understand that and please help me out.

thanks r.d

r davies

30.10.2002 17:46 #543

brisance0

MESSAGE TO RHMOORE:

This is the alien force which is about to attack your planet. Give us the beta of DVDXCOPY now. Do not try and withhold the beta from us. Do not make us us our mind control ray on you rhmoore. Do not make us send our agents (RIAA). Resistance is futile. Surrender..................now.

Seriously though. I wanted to get an idea of which DVD burner you are using as your "reference" burner. In other words, which burner do you believe will have the least compatibility issues, which one have you been using the most for your test burns. Also, any media you particularly prefer at 321 Studios? One other thing. I understand that you have primarily, or at least initially, been using Windows 2000 as your OS. I'm sure you know that most end users will probably be of the XP variety?

30.10.2002 18:05 #544

dRD

dicky29: Congrats, you got yourself banned.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

31.10.2002 02:44 #545

Leeloff

Hello everyone,

I just bought a cenDyne CDICD00106
DVD-RW drive. I wanted to know if anyone has it, and are they happy with it, and if it is compatable with dvdxcopy. I am also waiting for the beta to come out, has there been a set date, or is it still being moved around?

Thanks

31.10.2002 05:01 #546

sleepy

LtDan, do you get the feeling that many of us are like kids at Christmas? I for one am anxious for this program and have told all I know about it as well. It will surely put 321 Studios on the map!
Great work rhmore and all of your hard working
techs. I trust you will be rewarded with lots of $ for your program.

Sleepy

2sleepy@email.com

31.10.2002 06:37 #547

JohnODon

rhmoore: I am strating to think it might be a good idea to put a "News" section on one/all of your websites. I apologize to the moderators if you think this will hurt your visibility, however, I think it would be beneficial for potential customers to have a centralized location for up-to-date news regarding the beta and expected release date. I find myself constantly coming back to this page looking for beta news from you. I would prefer to not have to wade through a lot of the rhetoric.

Just a suggestion.

John

31.10.2002 08:10 #548

Derrow

@rhmoore

I wonder you didn't hire me, for developing your product, Having my name in your developer info, your tool would be going to be a top-seller.

I also wonder, who is this guy, that is an expert in modifing/editing IFO files on the fly.
I thought I've been the only one around the world? :)

31.10.2002 12:27 #549

KYasui

JohnODon
I agree with you.
But, I will never preorder DVDXCOPY again unless the program has been released actually. And after reading tons of favorable opinions from tha actual users not from betatesters. Delay after delay made me highly pesimistic.

31.10.2002 13:38 #550

A_Klingon

I will say this, Derrow -- I was *blown away* from the sheer size and incredible detail of your fantastic guides; I can't imagine any dvd 'escaping' you for a moment. :-)

You're an expert - no doubt about it.

I particularly like your guide for producing *just the movie*, although I have to admit, most of the necessary procedures in any of your guides, as carefully explained as they are, are just 'too much' for me to casually figure out. I think a lot of people are like me in that regard, and I believe dvdxcopy will help folks in considerably simplifing the process.

And oh *yes*, if I were developing a project of this magnitute, I would have considered it a privilege to have you on my team.

(My god, Derrow, IFOEdit is *so* hard to figure out. Or is it just the dvds?).

Best Regards to an acknowledged dvd master.

-- Mike --

31.10.2002 14:39 #551

LtDan

Sleepy4
I am a 38 year old waiting for this like it's Christmas Eve to a 5 year old.

rhmoore
What brand of DVD+R and DVD+RW are your tech's using????

Thanks

Lt Dan

31.10.2002 15:34 #552

LtDan

Sleepy4
I am a 38 and waiting for this like a 5 year old on Chrismas Eve.

rhmoore
Could you please tell me what brand of DVD+R And DVD+RW are your tech's using????

Lt Dan

31.10.2002 15:38 #553

menmaddi

I just backed up Resident Evil.

I used Ifoedit to strip out extra audio and subs. The movie then fit nicely on 1 DVD-R.

I then used DVDXCOPY. It wanted to use 2 DVD-R/RWs for just the movie.

Will DVDXCOPY make an attempt to fit similar movies on 1 disc or will it require 2 discs whenever the files are more that 4.37G?

31.10.2002 15:53 #554

sfc63t

beta??????Please????????Soon????????

31.10.2002 16:42 #555

sfc63t

beta????????????soon?????????????please?????????????????

31.10.2002 16:42 #556

phil1991

I kno this isn't the place, but how to do u stop the instant notify to your emaiL????

31.10.2002 17:23 #557

-LD

i'm not sure what all the "beta soon please" type of requests are for...there is a beta, it is being tested, there have been updates, the next is hopefully going to be released tomorrow to the beta testers

31.10.2002 17:35 #558

ktaylor

Hey, I just found the page and it has been truly enlightening. I am definately a newbie to the process of burning DVD's and don't really ever want to become an expert. I want some smart SOB's such as yourselves to make a program to do it for me. I have paid already because I understand that developing software costs money; however, there has been a new release date of Nov 8th published and I would either like the President to assure me that this is a firm release date.

31.10.2002 19:08 #559

WrongHole

Ktaylor.

I.ll say it again give them abit of slack..Id rather wait for a full copy,rather than buy something like Xp which i bought on the release day only to find over 15megs of patch's waiting online.

Now stop hassling 321Studio's or I'll be noting all your names and writting to Father Christmas and telling him you have all been naughty :P

EVERYTHING COMES TO HE WHO WAITS

1.11.2002 00:20 #560

tumbar

ktaylor.....ex-president Bill Clinton says "No Problem" on the Nov 8th release date. Monica sends her regards....

you can call me Mr. T

1.11.2002 04:40 #561

herc

So does anyone know when i can download full version online??? because 321 have not replied to my mail ive sent them.

Xp 1900 AMD
win xp pro
512 ddr 2700
blueyonder 1mb

1.11.2002 06:07 #562

hessel

ktaylor: Please check back next friday and you'll know.

menmaddy: I'm glad that you shared your experiences using dvdxcopy v.s. IFOedit with us. I was already afraid that promises where made that are hard to realise, like putting 2 gallons of orange juice in a 1 gallon bottle.

1.11.2002 06:51 #563

321Dev

Hello again. Another note from the developers @ 321Studios.

We've been quiet because we've been working hard and long wrapping this thing up into a complete product.

Some status info: The earlier beta's had a lot of reliability problems -- a few caused by differences between operating systems, but most of them were DVD authoring techniques that we hadn't seen yet and therefore hadn't coped with. It's amazing how creative some DVD authors can be (grin). {Oh yeah, there were also a few stupid-programmer-tricks.}

The good news is our beta testers found a lot of these and we've been knocking them off as fast as we find 'em. We were expecting this and we built a solid framework that we can easily adapt to a wide variety of authoring styles.

A new beta/release candidate will go out today that should really please the testers.

On the SONY 500A front, we got a drive in (it wasn't easy -- these things are *hot*!) and have been testing with it successfully. Gearworks produced a new release with support for the drive and we had to adapt our code to add some "what type of media is in the drive, configure things appropriately." logic.

The one remaining issue we've encountered is the drive seems to be exceptionally sensitive to the media -- some brands of disks don't seem work at all. We'll publish more info on our web site once we're confident that we know what works and what doesn't.

Hang in there... It's coming.

1.11.2002 07:02 #564

SciFer

Rhmoore, Derrow is right. His name carries a lot clout. Many more people, like myself, would have already pre-ordered but due to previous reputation and the skepticism discussed in other forums, I've chosen to wait. Having Derrow on your team will grant your company instant creditability and higher success.

1.11.2002 09:18 #565

brisance0

Thanks 321Dev. Nice that the developers are showing up here in regards to technical issues. Looking at bulk media: There is quite a bit out there. Ritek, Optodisc, DVD Pro, Primedisc just to name a few. Personally, I am just looking for a good combo. For instance, if the Sony 500A is your new "reference" burner, what specific media is a good match for DVDXCOPY on that specific drive? I'm not sure if the compatibility charts on afterdawns web site will neceessarily equate to stable performance with DVDXCOPY. So, a suggestion (not necessarily an endorsement) from your team for a drive/media combo would be super! Thanks again! BTW, I wish rhmoore the best of luck with his upcoming PR campaign and legal battle. It is going to be a tough one. If the software is good, there will be a ton of people stepping up to the plate in support of your efforts.

1.11.2002 10:09 #566

junkjunk

"A new beta/release candidate will go out today that should really please the testers"

Ok I have payed for the release...I have a sony DRU500 and tons of media....I WANT THE BETA

1.11.2002 10:33 #567

Lawman

Scifer: If reputation did indeed go before, then Once dvdxcopy is released, and lives up to its, promise, then the new reputation will surely follow, So who? needs who? if anyone!!!!!

1.11.2002 11:12 #568

Derek1234

hey, i was wondering if DVD X Copy could burn movies that i have ripped to my hard drive with Smart Ripper, or will the original DVD be required?

1.11.2002 11:27 #569

dRD

junkjunk: How difficult it is to understand? Beta participation period has closed long time ago, no more beta testers are accepted.

1.11.2002 11:58 #570

junkjunk

No reason to be rude Drd..its not nice

Check Moore's post from Oct 25th...

"Ok, here's what I will do. If you have Pre-Ordered the product, and you read this post and send me an email to robert@321studios.com, I will add you to the next beta release and you can start testing it out. But remember, IT'S A BETA!

Cheers!"

1.11.2002 12:10 #571

A_Klingon

Hi. I want to sit on my fat a-- and have everyone else do it all for me. I want to drink beer all day instead of working, and watch movies instead. I don't want to have to think. I want everyone else to do it for me. I want .08c blank dvds. I want a million $ and a pretty blonde-haired woman.

A buddy of mine is developing a machine he calls the "Kloner", and it goes something like this:

* runs off mains power or 4 'D' size batteries

* has 2 slots - 1 for the retail dvd, and the other for the .08c dvd blank.

* it has a great big 'Klone Now' button.

Operation couldn't be simpler:

The unit analyzes the retail dvd, and strips out all menus, submenus, extraneous unnecessary language tracks (all selectable via a remote), dumps all upcoming trailer videos from Disney, nukes the FBI screens, , fries all the 'making-of' and 'behind-the-scenes' stuff, scrubs out all the actors' & actresses' film bios', obliterates the full-movie-length director's commentary tracks -- then looks at the remaining movie length itself.

If still over dvd5 status, it re-encodes at whatever slightly-less bit-rate necessary to fit film on 1 8-cent blank dvd. The resulting 'Klone' is region-free and macrovision-free. It'll play on any machine, PAL or NTSC, and most 4-slice toasters.

It does all this kloning in about 10 minutes.

The MPAA has already got their mitts on a pre-production model, and it has the Hollywood lawyers all sobbing into their martinis. One weasel already complained he won't be able to entertain as many guests on his luxury yaught. Business is slow this time of year in Tinsel Town, so the weasels are looking for someone, *anyone* to sue over this, but approx. 5,000 workable units have already slipped into the mainstream, and in the confusion, the weasels have inadvertantly begun to sue *each other* by mistake.

Radio shack hopes to be selling these units for about $19.95 retail, batteries not included.

(It's time for another beer now). <hic!>

And like Rob says, "Cheers!"

-- Mike --

1.11.2002 12:13 #572

-LD

well, send an email, it doesn't say post here and yell...seems simple enough to me

1.11.2002 12:20 #573

junkjunk

I did.

AND: "Beta participation period has closed long time ago, no more beta testers are accepted"
is just not correct.

1.11.2002 12:24 #574

dRD

junkjunk: You never mentioned that you preordered the copy. And even if you did, this is definately _NOT_ the place to whine about the beta -- AfterDawn.com is NOT 321Studios.com, their staff just seems to like our site enough to post news to this thread pretty often.

Like -LD said -- send email. If you don't get answer, too bad, it's highly likely that their inbox has slightly more than gazillion emails already. I don't come to shout at your living room when my newspaper doesn't come to my doorsteps on time, now do I?

And yes, I tend to be rude every now and then when people annoy me -- after all, this is _OUR_ (as in dRD, Ketola & others) site, like it or not ;-)

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

1.11.2002 12:44 #575

-LD

if you knew the answer, why'd you ask the question?

1.11.2002 12:47 #576

junkjunk

1- I posted before I searched back into the thread.
2- It is too bad you were incorrect it is not my fault.
3- I should not have posted that entry here.
4- Since this is your board do you believe you have control over what people say, think write...I feel sorry for you.
5- Feel free to ban me If you feel the need.

1.11.2002 12:53 #577

ozgal

A_Klingon (Mike). You and I both seem to want the same program!!! Your post had me LMAO! What a sense of humour you have...loved the post. Are you a writer by profession? (Just curious).

ozgal

1.11.2002 12:55 #578

dRD

Kilngy: Dennis Leary and you have definately something in common ;-)

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

1.11.2002 13:03 #579

tumbar

A_Klingon...just wondering what brand of brews create such great stories....lol!

PS. I got my $25 rebate from Circuit City for the "Kloner" unit. Too bad I have to use the $5 dollar winfall on the batteries. Maybe I'll get rechargeable!

you can call me Mr. T

1.11.2002 14:06 #580

LtDan

BETA please.........

HAS ANYONE GOTTEN IT????

1.11.2002 14:38 #581

KYasui

"EVERYTHING COMES TO HE WHO WAITS"

"EVERYTHING COMES TO HE WHO BELIEVES"
　　∧_∧　
　ヽ(･∀･)ノ　　
　　/　 /　　　
　ノ￣ゝ

1.11.2002 14:39 #582

brisance0

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!

1.11.2002 14:48 #583

-LD

i love when people post a huge string of nonsense characters that stretch the screen

LtDan, this means you

1.11.2002 19:18 #584

A_Klingon

Ozgal / dRD / tumbar : Thanks guys. No, I'm not a professional writer or anything, just a professional 'whiner' I guess. I like to bitch and whine about things I have little or no control over (like reliably making one-disc backups of dvds). As you can see from (slighty above, <junk-junk>), you can't bitch and whine too much without dRD getting after you, and so to get around him, you have to invent all sorts of nonsense stories in order to sneak your bitching through.

(This is known as the dRD "patch", or "fix", or "workaround"). dRD's a nice guy really; he can be tactfully coerced into letting you bitch all you want, you just have to know how to handle him -- keep him 'confused'. If he doesn't have a clue what you're talking about, chances are he can't in all good conscience ban you.

This is the diplomatic way of bitching your heart out on the forums, and getting away with it.

<At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it>.

(And really), I'm just a bit impatient waiting for the (final) post-beta release of dvdxcopy. I hope I can run it, because up till now, none of the betas will run on my system.

If I *could* have run the betas, I'd be (tactfully) bitching to the good lads at bugs321, and then you'd miss all the fun in *here*. :-)

-- Mike --

P.S. Brisance0 : I agree -- this is one of the best forums *anywhere*.

2.11.2002 01:20 #585

ozgal

Hi guys (gals?),

Can anyone tell me how to view the posts with text wrapped. They were wrapped for a day or so, but now they have reverted to stretched out text, so I have to zig zag back and forth using the cursor.

Hope someone can help me out.

Thanks.

ozgal

2.11.2002 02:06 #586

ozgal

Well Klingy,

The covert whining is keeping me amused while waiting for the next beta from the lads at 321. Oh, and BTW...maybe you should consider writing as a career - you have talent.

ozgal

2.11.2002 02:10 #587

dRD

ozgal: That one helluva long line with too many question marks messed up the wrapping, I'll edit the line now.

A_Klingon ;-)

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

2.11.2002 02:44 #588

Achilles

Hey Mike:

Have you noticed RHMoore posting a couple of days ago? We gonna have quick/full erase and quick/full format!

Oh my head....

2.11.2002 02:48 #589

texm

had a call from a friend, DVDXCOPY pre-orderer.($80)
Received a refund,because he is a skeptic.
Said he better not have to pay $100 when he has to reorder upon release of DVDXCOPY.
Anyone that requested a refund and receives it, be ready to pay the $100.
If you don't have enough common sense to realize that putting off a launch date a week or 2 to make sure the product will do what they promised, you deserve to pay the xtra $20.

I would wait 30 days and have something that performs perfectly, then have something released prematurely that is a piece of crap.

Please no posts on having to pay the xtra $$
after you received a refund

2.11.2002 03:15 #590

Floyd

Mike: I am whiling away the hours here waiting for news on the Beta release, so I reread the entire thread.

I notice I never thanked you for your gracious welcome way back near the start and your warning that I would become addicted (too late)- sorry about that but I thank you now :)

Someone made the analogy of kids waiting for christmas. I woke yesterday and kept refreshing this page and checking my mailbox all day. I stayed up way into the small hours waiting for Santa Moore to drop the Beta down my virtual chimney. I woke this morning and guess what I'm doing all day today? yup, exactly the same. You were right - I have become addicted, there is no way back :)

As a matter of interest. I was kidding on that I was making my small contribution to beating the 277 posts mark held by the *other* site. I know that we have beaten that by a mile now, but just how many posts are we at to date?

2.11.2002 05:21 #591

darksaint

rhmoore are you still here come out come out were ever you are just kidding lol

2.11.2002 06:10 #592

brisance0

TEXM:

I am so 100% behind this perspective. I believe that they could get away with putting out average semi-buggy software if they were any of the other 1000's of developers out there. However, this is not your average piece of software, particularly in reagrds to what it claims it can do. True audio and videophiles(and there are a few influential ones out there) scowl with derision at the concept of compression. Full on duplication is what they seek. There are a lot of, as yet, unheard voices in regards to the battle brewing over the impact of this product. There is going to be a convergence focused around this. DVDXCOPY is going to be used as the new poster child by the MPAA & RIAA. The media is going to have a party with this one. If the software is crap, no one is going to step up to the plate to defend it. 321 will be unceremoniously crushed under the rather large boot of the recording industry. If it is usable by Joe six-pack, we will have a flag to rally around. I say let 321 take as long as it takes to get it right. Impatience could be the killing blow to this newborn infant.

2.11.2002 06:48 #593

sleepy

Floyd
While I am waiting as anxious as you are, (maybe more). I have to reflect back a couple of months to my getting broadband. I was told it would be here in May..then June, then after asking many times was told July 15th for SURE.
Well, it was the end of August and it was worth the wait. I'm not suggesting DVDXCOPY will be so long in coming, not at all. I'm just letting you know your not alone and, the ol "anything worth having is worth waiting for".
I trust rhmore will drop the beta down our chimneys when he feels we will be satisfied with the outcome. After all, it would be a bummer to be dissatisfied right?
I'm with ya all the way and my hopes are along with yours. Believe me. Lt Dan is in our boat too!

Cheers,

Sleepy

2sleepy@email.com

2.11.2002 09:10 #594

Floyd

Thanks Sleepy

The wait will definately be worth it. At least I have/am getting the Beta & I should count my blessings.

I would kill for broadband but there seems little likelihood of it being available in my area anytime in the near future. Like waiting for the next Beta, or indeed the final product, I shall just have to wait in trembling antici...........
......
......
......
...pation.

Ach well, I'm off for a beer.
I'll toast your good health!

Floyd :)

2.11.2002 10:02 #595

WrongHole

Well let me have your details of dvdxcopy and i'll download it for u both

;)

Err no thanks

2.11.2002 10:19 #596

junkjunk

Can anyone get dvdxcopy to copy from:
1- an iso of the DVD on the hardrive?
2- an image mouted containing all of the DVD materials?

Thanks...I would like to hear from the beta testers.

2.11.2002 11:58 #597

LtDan

well, its 01:30 here in PAL testing land (UK) and the sandman has beaten rhmoore :)

c u tomorrow, I mean later today. g'night all

2.11.2002 15:31 #610

LtDan

rhmoore
No email here either........

Please please please...............

I need a BETA fix like a junkie needs a drug fix.

Lt Dan

2.11.2002 16:34 #611

LtDan

Sleepy4

Any luck?

Lt Dan

2.11.2002 16:36 #612

agouti

Did anyone go to this site: www.dvd-cloner.com?
They let you download and try it (15" only.)

2.11.2002 16:50 #613

junkjunk

I am trying it now...how are your results?

2.11.2002 17:07 #614

darksaint

it only works with dvd-r not dvd+rw media

2.11.2002 17:36 #615

sleepy

Lt Dan

Nothing from here either. Be sure to let you know of any news. Good or bad.

Sleepy

2sleepy@email.com

2.11.2002 18:45 #616

rhmoore

Never Fear...

Beta's Here!

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

2.11.2002 19:07 #617

rhmoore

This time, if you experience trouble, more than likely it will be with either bad media OR it will be with a specific title we haven't been able to test yet.

When emailing bugs, make sure and include the title of the dvd. It would also help if you attach (as they are small files) the IFO files in the temp directory. ONLY THE IFO FILES PLEASE. Any other file would be useless to us.

Cheers!

p.s. Pre ORDERS are NEXT!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

2.11.2002 19:21 #618

MPUCoder

The email announcing the new beta says "MATRIX and other similarly authored titles may only be copied with DVDXCOPY when running the XP operating system."
What exactly does this mean? What authoring feature or trick, of which The Matrix contains many, requires XP?

2.11.2002 19:39 #619

rhmoore

Floyd

either do a system restore to remove dvdxcopy..

Or get something like regcleaner..and go in yourself and clean out..but be very careful..I.d go for sys restore myself

good luck

Lawman: Fixed now, some weird, weird problem with our other server (that runs the forums). Sorry about this.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

3.11.2002 08:46 #667

midas

CHL, I'm using Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Live in New York City, disc 1.

Playing the DVD now in my Panasonic RP56 and overall it's OK. There's been a few video glitches, but not many.

After the 3rd time I got the cancel message I burned the remaining files using Nero. It looks like the rest of the full movie played OK. The extras were toast. No great loss there.

With prior beta versions I would occasionally get times that you could tell from the percentages that the disc didn't get all the way through. Very similar to these errors except it would just go to the burn screen. Now I get the "COPY CANCELLED" message and no option (other than using Nero) to burn the files.

So it looks like they put a trap of some kind in to see if they can isolate WHERE it's happening. The real question of course is WHY.

3.11.2002 08:47 #668

Lawman

drd: thanks, I was beginning to think *format time* - still might..

3.11.2002 08:49 #669

Achilles

Floyd: had same problem removing old beta, so here's what i did: After uninstall, went to program directory and deleted 321studios folder. Then went to temp directory and deleted dvdxcopy working folder and any trash it left behind. I am using XP with administrator rights so that folder is hidden and located in the local settings folder. Make sure you enable show all hidden files option. Now for the tough part-easy really: go to regedit, click edit, click next and enter 321studios. Whenever a 321studios entry shows up, delete it and go back to edit and click find next until all 321studios entries are deleted and you get the message finished searching the registry. Do the same cycle again except this time enter dvdxcopy, then reboot and install new beta. And no I did not have to re-register.
Don't know about pal since i am in the us and restricted to ntsc. Good luck!

3.11.2002 09:23 #670

Floyd

Cheers Achilles, I'll give that a go.

But won't there still be system files in system/system32? Ive asked the bugs@ to look into this one as well.

Thanx again

3.11.2002 09:28 #671

CHL

Midas: shame i dont have that title otherwise i couldve have tried . Today i have been more fortunate than some and have backed up 3 dvd s
1.We where soldiers. ( pal ) Region2
2.Blade 2. ( pal ) Region2
3.Robbie williams live. Region free

All seem to be fine including extras ,however i still cant play in my X-box, which i use to test the dvd+rws i burn as my sony standalone dont like dvdrws .
The X box plays all the other titles ive backed up b4 using other software just fine. I have reported this and still no reply.
I believe it has something to do with the region as the error reads " THE DVD REGION OF YOUR PLAYBACK KIT RECEIVER IS INVALID "
I think that when DVDXCOPY burns the backup it seems to change the original region setting to the opposite of what it should be . ( just a theory )
Its just a plain old U.K X-box with a dvd player and no modchip.
Hows about you Lawman have you tried on a X box ??

3.11.2002 09:28 #672

midas

Well, upon further review, the disc that I burned with Nero that contained the 2nd part of the movie didn't work too well. It played OK using WinDVD on my computer. But when put in the standalone player it didn't work. It played the 321Studio disclaimer, but that's it. After that it acted like there was no disc in the drive.

3.11.2002 09:40 #673

Achilles

Floyd: probably yes, but as long as we don't have registry entries pointing to them, i expect them to be harmless floaters, but of course the unexpected can always happen, which is why after any beta testing, i always reformat the hd and reinstall everything.

3.11.2002 09:41 #674

rhmoore

A new beta is being posted now. Anyone that was on was booted, while the new version is being uploaded. Hang in there, I'll post back in a few minutes and let you know when it is up.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

3.11.2002 10:31 #675

rhmoore

The engineers at 321 have put out an updated beta which is now available. Beta testers will receive an email notification within the next 5 minutes.

Pre-Orders will have to wait 24 hours. Sorry, that's the way it has to be right now.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

3.11.2002 10:48 #676

midas

This email, as did the last, mentions uninstalling the previous beta versions. Does that also mean to uninstall the GEAR stuff? If not, would a reinstall of the drivers and reboot really be necessary?

Sorry if this seems obvious to everyone else.

3.11.2002 10:53 #677

Lawman

CHL: No have not tried it on my XBox yet will do as soon as I can.
Having trouble getting the beta's for some reason. cannot seem to use the new addresses. must of been sacked. lol.

3.11.2002 11:30 #678

rhmoore

YES! Uninstall the Gear Software Drivers, very important! Sorry I didn't make this clear.

Cheers!

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

3.11.2002 11:39 #679

tumbar

XP won't let me uninstall Gear...ideas?

Jim

Beta2 worked for me..what are the fixes in beta3?

you can call me Mr. T

3.11.2002 11:46 #680

rhmoore

As it turns out, I can't uninstall the drivers either on a test XP box. Engineers said to install over the old and it should work.

Cheers!

BTW, Even if Ver C (2) worked for you, uninstall and reinstall the newest version. We are trying to make this as stable as possible for all titles.

Robert H Moore
President
321Studios.Com

3.11.2002 11:59 #681

CHL

Lawman : LMAO :) yes i thought exactly the same this morning when i tried my ftp program . I take it youve managed to get now ok ?

3.11.2002 12:31 #682

midas

Just installed 3 and since it's partly my screw up I don't feel good sending a bug report, so I'll post here incase anyone finds something interesting.

Uninstalled DVDXCOPY and GEAR and reinstalled both then rebooted. Tried a different movie than I was using before, Stop Making Sense.

First time I tried it, got the "COPY CANCELLED" message again. This time at about 14% of the first disc. Then I uninstalled both again, but this time I also deleted the 321Studio directory and I rebooted before the install.

Here's where I screwed up. I forgot to hit the erase button when I started the burn. The disc definetely had information on it, but it burned anyway.

Took out the first disc and put it in my standalone and started to play while disc 2 was burning. Had some real strange stuff going on at the menu screen. Video corruption, little floating artifacts. Tried to use the AUDIO menu and it froze.

Ejected and reinserted. This time just hit PLAY and it worked fine. Haven't seen any other glitches in the playback like I did with the last disc, but I'm only at about the 20 minute mark. The other one didn't seem to show any problems until about the 40 minute marker.

3.11.2002 12:51 #683

Lawman

CHL: yes got it now, took 45 to download, and I am using broadband, I recon there must of been a convoy on line at the same time, should have taken approx just over 4min's. still burnt Tomb raider only needed the 1st disk out of two, as the whole film was on the first disk. so skipped the second.
Tried it on my xbox but got the region message, thought strange, tried again, same thing decided to investigate, put it in PC it came up as region 1 NTSC, more strange, then remembered, it was region 1 to start with, lol, going to DR to-morrow, going senile..

3.11.2002 13:30 #684

ozgal

Hi,

No matter what I do I can't seem to unsubscribe from receiving posts from this thread via email. I've clicked on the unsubscribe link countless times. It goes to the link but doesn't bring up anything on the page - but in taskbar says done. Still keep receiving notification of extra posts, though.

I would rather check the thread manually than receive by email - any suggestions on how I remove the email notification?

ozgal

3.11.2002 13:53 #685

LtDan

3.11.2002 18:50 #705

Lawman

A_Klingon: The regedit I was On about to CHL, was for WindowsXP, I have Not Used it on Win98, So I cannot, say that is what U should do for that OS.
U are not alone in having trouble with the Password when useing a ftp Client, mine would not get in either, had to use the Hyperlink in the email Robert sent to us, (the long one), found if I clicked on it, it took me to the wrong place, but if I copied and pasted it, it worked fine, 1 file 25.8meg * took me 45mins to download on broadband* stuck in a convoy, where it should have taken, just over 4mins.
Any how, chin up old boy "what" good luck.

3.11.2002 22:21 #706

mechanic

So far with the latest beta I have been able to backup 2 movies that would not backup before. I am running win xp pro with a pioneer A04 and I am using DVD-R's. I have one more that would not backup but that is for later as it is getting very very late in the am around 4:30am late. Goodnite

3.11.2002 23:25 #707

dRD

Suggestion: Let's move this discussion to here:

http://dvdxcopy.afterdawn.com/

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

4.11.2002 00:30 #708

aaz

rhmoore
I've send an e-mail to you in order to have the chance to be one of DVDxCopy beta testers. But I haven�t got any response.

It is really great that someone fights for the customer rights, especially in software business.

Thanks for the efforts and good luck.

4.11.2002 00:54 #709

jmoonen

I did a pre-order on Tuesday, October 29, 2002 7:40 PM

After that i did two requests for a beta version, but there is no feedback at all from 321studios, so mr. rhmoore can i have a beta copy or not ?? or must i wait until the final version will see the lights !

4.11.2002 01:17 #710

cpuguru

Already added a reply to the thread in THE NEW THREAD- but wanted to ensure everybody sees this so we can brainstorm a workaround.

JK

Emailed bugs@321 with detailed error list.
Persisting errors are the same for all subsequent burns.
The error manifests as follows:

1) Process appears to run flawlessly during the reading of the source.

2) Process appears to run flawlessly during the writing of the image to C drive.

3) Prompts for a virgin disk to be inserted for the burn.

4) Virgin inserted into burner; door closed; drive read activity ceases.

[*** Note here: NEVER any further drive activity at the DVD Writer after seeing it settle down from the initial insertion of the virgin disk. In other words, the app stalls and reports its errors without ever having looked at the media in the DVD Burner. This is true of all the remainder of this process - no activity- and true of 4 consecutive attempts at burning 4 seperated DVDs. Also note that when I click on the dropdown arrow at the right side of the box which identifies the DVD burner, the window's title changes to include "(NOT RESPONDING)" ]

5) Click ok at the prompt for the virgin disk after it is inserted and activity stops.

6) App waits about 20-30 seconds and responds with:
Error: DVD write failed

7) Clicking OK to that error report (and/or clicking the X which closes the message box) results in a new message box which reads:

Error writing the volume to the drive

8) Clicking OK to that error message box (and/or clicking the X to close the message box) results in a subsiding of further error message boxes; then the app returns to the "burn disk 1 of 2" window.

[Interesting to note here that the app reports at this juncture (in the "status message" line):

"Writing DVD Image..."

...but it is clearly not doing that - it stalled].

[Further note- I tried several times to eject and reinsert, then click burn again-to no avail]

9) Left app alone at this point (at "writing dvd image") for 10 minutes with no change. Finally "cancell(ed) entire copy"

First try burned effortlessly with one disk. Have this message repeatedly ever since with every subsequent disk (twice with BetaC and twice now with BetaD). I have had NO successful burns with Beta D.

Lastly, I know the app stalls because it won't even go to format an RW disk. After 20-30 seconds, the thing just reports that it cannot format the disk -- but it clearly never even went and looked at the virgin DVD+RW.

Similar problems anybody?
Workarounds?
... need direction from rhmoore and debuggers!

4.11.2002 01:27 #711

herc

So is it safe to assume a full product this week or next ?

4.11.2002 02:29 #712

mikemary

Since it looks like us pre-orderers are going to get our program this week (hopefully) I have a question for the folks at 321 (or anyone) - What, in their opinion, is the absolute best o/s to be using with dvdxcopy?

4.11.2002 03:28 #713

Could anyone tell me how to get a dvd file to fit a regular dvd-r, in laymens terms. I do not quite understand all the compression yet. So if anyone could give me a simple set of instructions after the decryption process it would be very helpful. If it makes a difference I have a hp dvd 200i writer. I tried to use Prassi PrimoDVD 2.0, but I could not get the application to except my drive type. Does anyone have an idea or know what I should do next? Thanks!

4.11.2002 20:30 #720

m96jp

Hi Robert!
I�m really looking forward to your product since I�ve been trying for a long time to make back-ups of my DVD�s without success... Is i t possible to get rid of annoying trailer before the mail movie using your software?

5.11.2002 03:43 #721

Mach3

5.11.2002 05:03 #722

Lawman

Mach3: don't say much do You...

5.11.2002 05:06 #723

And for all the new guys reading this thread:

Avoid posting to this thread, use our dedicated DVDXCopy forum instead at:

http://dvdxcopy.afterdawn.com/

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

9.11.2002 13:07 #736

Mach3

dRD,

May I stop receiving notices on this thread ?

10.11.2002 01:03 #737

dRD

The email reminder you get has a link that allows you to unsubscribe from this thread. Click it.

Petteri Pyyny
Webmaster
http://AfterDawn.com/

Please read our guides before posting questions! Guides are available here:
http://www.afterdawn.com/articles/

10.11.2002 01:18 #738

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