Other ISO v. Folder--the Pros and Cons

[childer]

From the discussions on my request for advice to transfer to HDD and playback from HDD, I feel it might be appropriate to create a separate thread on ISO v. Folder related discussions.

Given my limited knowledge and experience, it seems (i) the file sizes for both are the same, (ii) both can be played back without any video or audio loss, and (iii) both can be reverted to normal DVDs and BDs, if so desired at a later day.

However, a Folder, although complicated and cumbersome, can be played back using (i) PowerDVD on a PC and (ii) a media player on a TV. To me, if I am not wrong, an ISO can only be played back through a media player, but cannot be played back on a PC. Therefore, a Folder is more versatile than ISO. Am I right?

Furthermore, I suppose I can re-name a folder without jeopardizing the playabilty or the burnabilty of the folder, because sometimes, the BD makers misnamed the title. But, can you name or re-name an ISO? I don't know.

I am sure that I might have overlooked the other Pros and Cons and would therefore appreciate your input ans support.

[maineman]

Only have a quick minute here, but here are a few quick comments.
An .ISO is simply a container for the very same files which comprise a VIDEO_TS Folder, ie.,
.IFO, .BUP and .VOB

The AUDIO_TS Folder is generally empty and exists simply so that it is compliant with dvd video structure.

Think of an .ISO as different from, rather than better or worse than...
It is a matter of how the files will be played or manipulated and personal preference.

[childer]

That's fast. Many thanks,

But, given a choice, which should I use to store my DVDs and BDs as I am not advanced enough to manipulate either. Just want a simple, easy way to access and enjoy my files or folders, regardless of ISOs or Folders.

Any further advice?, as I feel very embarrassed by being so ignorant.

[signals]

Generally, ISO files are slightly larger and take slightly longer to produce. There is no particular virtue to them unless you want to burn the content eventually or, as Maineman indicated, some software you have prefers them. Some software for editing and otherwise manipulating DVD content prefer the folder. You can name the ISO file anything you like, likewise the name of the folder that holds the VIDEO_TS folder, within the limits of what your OS permits and your player can read and display. I store DVDs/BDs as folders, others use ISOs. Sounds like your choice should be based on what your player software prefers.

[GregiBoy]

And ISO's can be played on the PC using a good media player such as VLC or Media Player Classic by just opening the ISO.

Some media players will not play an ISO.

Your generalisations are not correct.

[childer]

Great. I think I have learned just enough to go with Folders, as the Administrator indicated, you can produce them faster than the ISOs. I just hope that I can soon find a media player that is smart enough, wading through the labyrinth of many misleading subfolders in that Stream.

Many thanks, again, folks!

[CBR929]

childer
This is the media player that Maineman has and also the one that I will be buying http://www.argosy.tw/product-detial.php?prod_id=154 here it is at amazon http://www.amazon.com/Argosy-HV335T-.../dp/B00362YGWM
CBR929

[childer]

Does it also support M2TS, as it is a default format of a Bluray Folder created by DVDFAB?

The website you referred me to does not mention M2TS. Any idea or further info?

Thanks,

[CBR929]

Does it also support M2TS, as it is a default format of a Bluray Folder created by DVDFAB?

The website you referred me to does not mention M2TS. Any idea or further info?

Thanks,

Audio Support MP3, WAV, OGG, WMA, AAC, FLAC, Dolby Digital®, DTS®
Video Support MPEG-1(MPG/DAT),
Blu-ray ISO,
DVD Folder(IFO)/DVD ISO,
MPEG-2(MPG/VOB/TS/M2TS),
MPEG-4(Xvid/AVI/MP4/MOV/M4V),
H.264/AVC/AVCHD(AVI/MKV/FLV/ MOV/M4V/TS/M2TS),
VC-1(AVI/MKV/M2TS)
WMV9 (AVI/WMV/MKV),
RM/RMVB(720p)

File Extension AVI, MKV, MPG, VOB, IFO, TS, M2TS, MOV, M4V, WMV, FLV, RM, RMVB, ISO

[directeeccks]

Childer,

Most of the current media players that are out will require you to look for the stream folder with the m2ts file. So just be carful wouldnt want you to go out and spend money when you will still have to do that. So like you have been suggested good media players. Just make sure that you research them. See their forums on playback and issue they my have.
As you get better informed on media formats and how you grow in sophistication on how you media is collected and played back. You will see what exactly you need.
As Greg and Ipop said in the other threads mkv is the best container to insure playability. Its what I use. With dvdfab Blu ray to mobile(just main movie) you can just REMUX the blu ray to an mkv without any compression takes about 15 to 30 minutes vs re encoding the entire movie(hours of time). It just simple container change. That as well is reversible. So if you decide that you may want to burn it you can reverse the process. Since its just a container change.

One more thing if you dont mind me asking. What are the specs on you computer and if it possible can you/like to connect it to you hdtv? The reason I ask this is you may not have to spend any money on a media player when you computer can do it for you. As well it will always beat any media players that will be out in the next year as far a versatility. Most of the media players and media related programs you can get for free anyway. I have a few of the set top boxes that support mkv and so on but I reverted back to my pc. I did though go and buy a blue tooth remote for my pc to make it easy for the girlfriend to access.

anyway

cheers!

[StormTrooper]

Gee, it is really hard to read that on that forum !!!

[signals]

And ISO's can be played on the PC using a good media player such as VLC or Media Player Classic by just opening the ISO.

Some media players will not play an ISO.

Your generalisations are not correct.

In what way?

[GregiBoy]

I was referring to childer's generalisations, Signals, not yours.

[childer]

directeeccks,

Delighted to hear from you.

Remux is just another term that threw me off, given my being extremely ignorant. Anyway, I managed to convert, or REMUX, a Bluray to an MKV. I was surprised, as you said, it took perhaps the same amount of time converting to a folder. However, I tried to reverse using DVDFAB, the Source folder will not take it after selecting and clicking the MKV i created, unlike the reversal from a folder where you just select and click--then it shows up at the Source, in most cases.

Did I do anything wrong? I chose "OK", not "Make a New Folder".

My PC is an i7 from Costco with Window 7. I find it often sluggish playing a Bluray folder from the server which prompted me to look for a really smart and capable media player. Playing from the PC's own hard drive, however, is good. Then I encountered yet another problems, i.e., 7 out of 10 MKVs I have created thus far have subtitles in Black, not really readable--which again prompted my posting for help in another Thread (MKV Problems) this morning.

Not that I want to spend money, but that I just want to simplify my life by finding a simple, but capable media player that can retrieve folders or files from my home server without any hesitation or problem.

I welcome any further education or advice to achieve what I intend to accomplish--easy access to my DVDs or BDs that are to be stored in my home server at the same quality as if they were being played from a DVD or Bluray.

Many thanks, again,

[directeeccks]

Childer,

My fault on the reversal part. You can reverse it just not with fab.(yet)Cant really mention it here (other program). As far as your subtitle problems it may be some software issues with you player of choice.

I will try to come up with somthing for you as far as a step by step.

Cheers!