OK, first of all, the setup:

XP PC, high spec (28.Ghz Dual-core, 1333 FSB, Native DDR 1066, Raid 5 SATA(4 disks), etc.)

Memorex 16X AJIA DSW2 DVD-ROM
Optiarc AD-7190A DVD RW
(The above are on the same EIDE cable for now, but I'm considering getting a PCI/EIDE card to dedicate to the burner; experience tells me this would be more optimal)
1-Click DVD Copy Pro
DVD43
Media: Memorex DVD+R DL (Verbatim 8x DL on order)
DMA for both drives is set to "Use when available".

This computer belongs to the other half -- she spec'ed the PC itself with help from me, pulled the Memorex drive from an old computer and put it in the new one(with my help) then proceeded to buy the software after some very basic research. At the time the PC was spec'ed making DVD movie backups wasn't really figured in, until later... at some point a lightbulb went on in my head, dimly. That's when the Memorex drive was moved over from the old 'puter.

Now that I have tried to make movie backups using the above setup, I have a couple of successes and quite a few coasters. That prompted me to do several hours of research today, of course ending up here.

The first couple of backups straight from the Memorex to the Optiarc went perfectly, and were playable in all of the DVD players in the house, including the computers with DVD drives, a panny portable DVD player, a cheap Korean player, and a PS3. Since then I have made nothing but coasters.

I'll get to specific questions in a minute, but first the process and some observations:

1) DVD43 is in the startup folder, so it's already running. I pop the DVD to back up into the Memorex drive. After a moment, the DVD43 icon turns green. (Note: sometimes the DVD has to be ejected and re-inserted to get the green icon. One coaster was made after a reboot, and the green icon appeared first try in this case)

2) I start 1-click DVD Copy Pro, and after a bit it presents a list of what's on the DVD.

3) I select "Exact Copy", all languages, subtitles, Dual Layer, and "Include Subtitles". I leave "Prefer DTS Audio" and "Movie Only Menus" unchecked. Then I hit "Start".

4) At some point, I start getting read errors. Eventually, the burn fails due to write errors.

5) I have tried the above steps, only using the Optiarc as both reader/writer and I still fail with write errors. THis has failed on two source disks, one looks new and the other has a lot of fine scratches. The scratched original works fine in all DVD players in the house, but this is exactly the sort of thing I am trying to get around by using backups; I want to make good copies of scratched DVDs before the get so scratched they are unreadable.

6) I have tried using 4x burn speed, no joy

Some things I want to try based on my research today:

1) Cross-flash the OptiArc to Lite-On DH20A3P FW and re-try step 5 above.

2) Replace the aged Memorex drive -- I suspect it's error correction is not up to snuff. Considering an ASUS DVD-E616A since it is available as a refurb, but I'd like to hear what others may suggest for ripping.

3) Since the highly-rated BenQ DW1640 is nowhere to be found, and the equivalent Plextor PX-740A seems to have also gone the way of the Dodo, I thought I would ask here for recommendations on a DVD+R DL drive.

4) Seriously consider the possibility that none of the hardware or software I am using for this is worth a damn, and start over. The PC itself won't be going anywhere though.

Any thought any of the gurus care to offer an the above are most welcome. Below are the specific questions I have for the gurus, after a short list of requirements & non-requirements.

Requirements:
-Ability to make exact duplicate backup copies of DVDs/CDs
-Ability to use DVD-R for backup of computer files either on DVD or CD-R media(pretty much a given I would think, but worth mentioning)
-Ability to override region coding a plus but not an absolute necessity

Non-Requirements:
-Game CD/DVD copy
-ISOs, torrents, etc not of interest.
-Drives do not have to be the "Fastest". If I can burn 8x on 8x media I'll be happy.

So, on to the specific questions:

A) I'm not especially impressed with 1clickDVDPro. I think it's downright stupid that the log disappears after a burn whether it succeeds or fails, and you have to go digging down into the "All users" directory to find the log. Would AnyDVD + cloneDVD be a huge step up, in terms of reliability, functionality, diagnostics, logs, etc? Any recommendations? What would be a step up from AnyDVD?

B) Is there a better decoder than DVD43? I don't especially trust it after seeing it ignore DVDs pretty frequently.

C) Any recommendations on a replacement for the Memorex DVD-ROM? As I said above, the ASUS is only available as a pull or refurb, If there is something that I can buy new and is as highly regarded as that unit(or better) I can't find any references.

D) How is the OptiArc/Lite-on unit that I have compared to other burners out there? Is the consensus here that I should have no problems with it if I reflash it, or should I just consider a better unit?

I won't say that cost is not a factor, but I am willing to spend some money if it will make this process more reliable. Some of the DVDs I am trying to back up are simply not replaceable, and are not to be found in ebay searches of current or completed auctions, Amazon, or elsewhere.

So... please help, before I run out of hair to tear out...

Hi and Welcome!And what is the current transfer mode?

Rip to HDD at first and then burn to disc. This is the preferred way compared to the "on-the-fly" method you seem to have used previously.

Michael

What's your media that you are burning to?

Hi sharkskin and welcome to the forum.

1Click DVDCOPY Pro does not burn on the fly so don't worry about that. I would also like to know what brand of blank media you are using?

Maybe a Moderator could move this thread to the 1Click forum located Here so this member will recieve help dedicated to the software he is using?

It sounds like the disc'c your copying are very important to you? Do you know if there condition is good or do they maybe have errors on them? Google VSO Inspector and download the software which is free. It will scan the disc for errors so you know if the disc's in question can be copied.

As for hardware issue it is possible but I would guess that with some changes to the settings of the program things will work themselves out. The first thing we need to help is to see the logfile so we can check media used and the settings used?

To open the 1Click Pro log start the program and then press the F8 key on the keyboard to open the logfile. Please copy and paste one full session of the logfile into your next post here so we can have a look at it and offer suggestions based on its info. The logfile should look simillar to this.

20/01/2008 2:03:01 PM info ******************** Report session closed *********************
20/01/2008 2:02:58 PM info Folder "C:\Users\Joel\AppData\Local\1Click DVD Copy Pro\Temp" deleted
20/01/2008 1:37:19 PM info Copy completed.
20/01/2008 1:37:19 PM info Writer: Finalization Time 00:00:17 - Total completion time 00:04:51
20/01/2008 1:37:02 PM info Writer: Write finished in 00:04:34 - Finalization start here. Avg. burn rate 13.35
20/01/2008 1:32:43 PM info Writer: Lead-in burning time (mS) 0
20/01/2008 1:32:28 PM info Writer: Write started 2253376 sectors to write
20/01/2008 1:32:28 PM info Writer: Init success: DVD-R SAO
20/01/2008 1:32:28 PM info Writer: Writing speed requested x20.0, effective x20.0
20/01/2008 1:32:28 PM info Writer: Available write speed: 20x, 18x, 16x, 12x, 8x, 4x
20/01/2008 1:32:28 PM info Writer: Media ID: TYG03
20/01/2008 1:32:28 PM info Writer: Media type: DVD-R
20/01/2008 1:32:28 PM info Writer: Ultra DMA mode 4 (ATA66)
20/01/2008 1:32:27 PM info Available Virtual Memory : 1866 MB.
20/01/2008 1:32:27 PM info Total Virtual Memory : 2047 MB.
20/01/2008 1:32:27 PM info Memory Load : 28%
20/01/2008 1:32:27 PM info Available Physical Memory : 2047 MB.
20/01/2008 1:32:27 PM info Total Physical Memory : 2047 MB.
20/01/2008 1:32:27 PM info Writer: Scanned files #9, folder #2 - total size 4613799936 b. (4.3 Gb.)
20/01/2008 1:32:27 PM info Writer: Inserted media type : DVD-R
20/01/2008 1:32:27 PM info Writer: Write started
20/01/2008 1:32:25 PM info Volume name THE_DEPARTED
20/01/2008 1:32:25 PM info Source path for burning "C:\Users\Joel\AppData\Local\1Click DVD Copy Pro\Temp\THE_DEPARTED"
20/01/2008 1:32:05 PM info Writer: New media inserted. Burning layer is ready to write
20/01/2008 1:32:04 PM info Writer: Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R, DL DVD-R
20/01/2008 1:32:04 PM info Writer: New Drive selected : 4:0:0 - HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM GSA-H55L 1.05 [F] (Ide)
20/01/2008 1:32:04 PM info Writer: Using SPTI interface
20/01/2008 1:32:04 PM info IFO reallocation not required
20/01/2008 1:32:04 PM info Exact Copy completed in 0:04:59
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Working Folder has "253691 Mb." of free space
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Working Folder : C:\Users\Joel\AppData\Local\1Click DVD Copy Pro
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Destination : [F] HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM GSA-H55L 1.05 (Ide)
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Source size : 4.2968 GB
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Source : [H] HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH20NS10 EL00 (Ide)
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Preset: Exact Copy - Everything, no compression (Double Layer if original > 4.7 GB)
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Disable Interactive Media Player: TRUE
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Dual Layer Media: FALSE
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Movie Only Menus: FALSE
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Keep Subtitles: FALSE
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Prefer DTS Audio: FALSE
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Enable media stats collection - VSO: FALSE
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Turn off computer after burn: FALSE
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Delete temporary files: TRUE
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Warn before erasing RW media: TRUE
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Allow DVD tray eject: TRUE
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Prompt for another copy of the same source: TRUE
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Preferred Burn Speed: Max
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info DVD-R Write Mode: Prefer SAO
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Save Menu Preset: TRUE
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info Show Hint popups: TRUE
20/01/2008 1:27:05 PM info START button clicked
20/01/2008 1:27:04 PM info Read access layer: Using SPTI interface
20/01/2008 1:26:56 PM info Volume name: THE_DEPARTED
20/01/2008 1:26:56 PM info CPRx error correction enabled : FALSE
20/01/2008 1:26:56 PM info Scanning Source files...
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info Destination: [F] HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM GSA-H55L 1.05 (Ide) - Ultra DMA mode 4 (ATA66)
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info Source: [H] HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH20NS10 EL00 (Ide) - Ultra DMA mode 4 (ATA66)
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info COPYTODVD: 4.0.4.60
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info DVD2DVD: 5.6.2.7 VSO_HWE: 2.1.3.324 BOUDUCON: 2.0.0.145
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info AnyDVD - Protection based on unreadable sectors: TRUE
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info AnyDVD Safe Mode: FALSE
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info AnyDVD process detected: 6.3.0.3
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info [H] HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH20NS10 EL00 (Ide)
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info [G] TSSTcorp CDDVDW SH-S203B SB01 (Ide)
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info [F] HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM GSA-H55L 1.05 (Ide)
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info [E] PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-115D 1.06 (Ide)
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info [D] LITE-ON DVDRW LH-20A1P KL0N (Ide)
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info Loading reader listbox
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info [H] HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH20NS10 EL00 (Ide)
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info [G] TSSTcorp CDDVDW SH-S203B SB01 (Ide)
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info [F] HL-DT-ST DVD-RAM GSA-H55L 1.05 (Ide)
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info [E] PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-115D 1.06 (Ide)
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info [D] LITE-ON DVDRW LH-20A1P KL0N (Ide)
20/01/2008 1:26:53 PM info Loading writer listbox
20/01/2008 1:26:52 PM info Update Notification enabled : TRUE
20/01/2008 1:26:52 PM info AutoPlay setting: Enabled
20/01/2008 1:26:51 PM info User default language : 4105 (0x1009h) - English (Canadian)
20/01/2008 1:26:51 PM info System default language : 4105 (0x1009h) - English (Canadian)
20/01/2008 1:26:51 PM info Version 3.1.2.4
20/01/2008 1:26:51 PM info ExeName : "C:\Program Files\LG Software Innovations\1Click DVD Copy Pro\1ClickDvdCopyPro.exe"
20/01/2008 1:26:51 PM info OS : Microsoft Vista Professional (Build 6000)
20/01/2008 1:26:50 PM info ******************** Report session started ********************

I re-read your post and see you are using memorex media.

This is known to be of very poor quality and should be avoided. I and many if not most others would suggest using only top quality media Such as Taiyo Yuden or verbatim for movie backups!!! I also do not advise using Dual layer media as it is very costly compared to Single Layer media and it is not very reliable...

1Click DVD COPY Pro is designed to Read the source disc then compress the data and copy to a temporary folder on your harddrive once this is complete the program will burn the compressed files onto a Single Layer DVD with extremely little or NO loss in video quality.

As stated earlier please post a log file so we can make suggestions about the settings you are using.

By the way the logfile for this program is one of if not the most comprehensive logfiles you will ever see for this type of Software program.

Thanks everyone for your input, I seem to have solved the problem with info I found on these forums, specifically flashing my Sony to LiteOn FW and using it alone for both source and destination. Also I set "Try SAO first" and set burn speed to 8x instead of max. Sorry it took so long to get back, but work has been crazy.

I do want to follow up though. I know how annoying it is to have someone come to one of the forums I frequent, ask for help, then disappear.

FWIW, the discs I've burned since the FW change all check out as perfect on Nero CDspeed scan disk so I must have lucked out and ended up with one of the better lots of media. The Media ID is "RITEK S04" which by all acounts should barely work at all. Regardless, I have 20 4.7 and 60 8.5 Verbatim blanks on the way.

Since the FW change:

-DVD43 never fails to recognize a DVD.
-I have not had a single read or write error show in the log
-Instead of grinding away and failing after 2 hours, my read/burn sessions are now about 1/2 hour @8x. I've copied a snippet of a log at the end of this post for the heck of it.

Next up, we're going to get another identical optiarc drive and flash it to be identical with the first so we don't have to do so many disk changes.

I appreciate the advice re: cost of media, but I'm getting dl 8x discs for about $1.80 each; that's about 6x the cost of 4.7s, 3x if I factor in that I'll use half as many. And no, I'm not factoring in the cost of the half-dozen or so coasters I made. Also, less manual intervention on both the copy and playback end, less hassle to store, etc. so to me it's worth it. I'm also getting some 4.7 media because not all of the originals are dual layer.

To the question about transfer mode, 1click reports UDMA mode 4(ATA66).

Two additional questions:

1) Is there a way to prevent compressing the data to the temp folder? Seems like a lot of overhead for nothing. I can't believe my storage subsystem is a bottleneck, and I have plenty of space.

2) Maybe this question belongs in a new post, if someone could direct me to the right forum to post it: Is there a way to compensate for a bad transfer? We were watching a DVD that we just bought tonight and the transfer was horrible; reds way oversaturated. If it were possible to correct this somehow between the steps of copying the source and burning the destination that would really make my day.

Anyway, below is a log session typical of sessions seen since solving the problem.

Hey sharkskin, in the future if having issuse with 1Click products from LG Software Innovations try their support forum located here.

http://forum.lgsoftwareinnovations.com/index.php

Excellent advice from users of the software...

Thanks again for all of the help -- while I found my answers mostly through my own research on this site, I was only able to do so due to the many contributions of knowledgeable forum members. I appreciate the efforts within this thread as well... thank you. The last two questions I had, I have posted to the appropriate forums after searching for the answers myself:

OK, so having done this, it seems that things are now running much, much slower. The source drive is set to master, the destination to slave, the only thing that I think I may have done in a less-than-optimal fashion is I connected the slave to the end of the EIDE cable because the cable wouldn't reach to do it the other way around. I thought that it ought to not matter how I cable it unless using cable select, but I could be wrong. The log still shows the same DMA mode in effect.

Do I need to add an EIDE port, get a different cable, or pursue some other solution?

sharkskin
I have found that having the destination drive as master works better.

bean55

OK, that helped, sort of. The only way I can get my original performance when backing up DVDs(~1/2hr to back up) is to use the slave for both source and destination. Either method of using one drive for source and the other for destination gives me a 2+hr total backup time.

This seems really odd, as far as I can tell there is no concurrent access to the drives, as expected.

I'll try my options in order from lowest price, first swapping in a new cable that can connect the slave to the middle connector.