what are the advantages of an image file?

[Jesse]

Why would I want to use an .ISO file or image file? Does it degrade the quality of the video at all? I'm not sure what the purpose of it is.

[Guest ml]

Why would I want to use an .ISO file or image file? Does it degrade the quality of the video at all? I'm not sure what the purpose of it is.

 

The 'image file' (.iso) contains all the information that you need to burn the files to the DVD. Your video isn't degraded.

 

It makes burning multiple copies of a DVD easier. Also, since it separates the encoding and burning process, you may have less 'burn errors'.

 

I find that using an .iso file means less 'coasters' and DVDs that play more reliably.

 

But that's just my experience.

[grandpabruce]

Why would I want to use an .ISO file or image file? Does it degrade the quality of the video at all? I'm not sure what the purpose of it is.

 

All video gets degraded somewhat, no matter how you burn it to a disc. The advantage of burning to an .ISO file is, you can preview it once it is done, before actually burning to a disc. If there is an error, you haven't created a coaster.

 

Also, when you burn directly to a disc, from MyDVD, your computer is doing several things at one time, and any little hiccup can cause a bad burn.

 

When burning to an .ISO, your computer is bascially doing one thing, and there is less of a chance that a problem will occur.

 

Also, if you are making more than one copy of your production, it will take you a lot less time to burn to more DVD's than going through the encoding process again, in MyDVD.

[Beerman]

I never do it any other way but as an ISO. As has been mentioned, it's much easier to make multiple copies and in one of my players, the dvd's seem to play better with an ISO burn. For some reason, that one player chokes on my home made discs made any other way.