Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

-Lord- reviewed v2.9.3.1 Beta on Apr 9, 2013

Nothing beats the old combination of DVDdecrypter + DVDShrink for perfect copies. But since the law went after DVDdecrypter, they've become ImgBurn and now you need third party protection remover and that's where another app comes in nicely. Run AnyDVD (stays in the background), and with ImgBurn you can rip to ISO, shrink, and make perfect copies every single time.

CloneDVD is also not bad with AnyDVD running.. but that's just it... it's just not bad.

Input Overload reviewed v2.9.3.0 on May 5, 2011

Excellent program I have used for years. Never had an issue with it. great.

Jan Walsschaert reviewed v2.9.3.0 on May 4, 2011

It's a shame that this expensive tool does not even come close the to good old free DVDShrink.

war593122 reviewed v2.9.2.12 Beta on Apr 21, 2011

Version 2.9.2.12 2011 04 18
- New: Support for harddisks with large physical sectors (>2048 bytes)
- New: Remembers window position
- New: Shows only relevant titles during title selection
- Change: Program responsiveness if copy procedure is paused
- Fix: Size of scrollbars with Windows 7
- Some minor changes and improvements
- Updated languages

Source: http://forum.slysoft.com/showthread.php?t=47549

some guy reviewed v2.9.2.12 Beta on Apr 19, 2011

not bad but if I had to pay I would take DVD FAB or 1clcik copy over this, like I said if I had to pay!

Input Overload reviewed v2.9.2.10 Beta on Mar 12, 2011

clonedvdsucks, have you ever visited the planet Earth?

kronos1962 reviewed v2.9.2.10 Beta on Mar 11, 2011

Obviously the clonedvdsucks guy is a plant from another company.

First CloneDVD doesn’t decrypt like this guys says “it changes versions every month to keep up with encryption”.

AnyDVD is the program that handles that part.

Second if you purchased a copy before the lifetime updates cutoff date you will get lifetime updates period.

I purchase the programs years ago and I still receive updates.

By the way this is the best software for backing up your dvd’s that you can purchase.

ecvogel reviewed v2.9.2.9 Beta on Jan 4, 2011

I briefly tried the product and it works. I grabbed the lifetime while it is still going on. If you have lifetime, you will get lifetime upgrades. If you do not or buy it after the lifetime ends, you will never get free lifetime upgrades. I do not know what the clonedvd guy is talking about 2.9.x is the latest version and if you have a lifetime it is lifetime. That person must be talking about another program.

war593122 reviewed v2.9.2.9 Beta on Oct 8, 2010

Version 2.9.2.9 2010 10 07
- New: Support for harddisks with large physical sectors (>2048 bytes)
- New: Remembers window position
- Change: Program responsiveness if copy procedure is paused
- Fix: Size of scrollbars with Windows 7
- Some minor changes and improvements

Source: http://forum.slysoft.com/showthread.php?t=43685

Plumber reviewed v2.9.2.9 Beta on Oct 8, 2010

Version 5.x update? What are you talking about? This is a 2.9 beta, and it's free to registered users.

clonedvdsucks reviewed v2.9.2.8 on Sep 22, 2010

CloneDVD used to be a good program, with good customer support, and was offered by a well run company which stood behind their product and their promises. I originally purchased clonedvd for nearly $200 way back when it was being sold direct online through emetrix. The reason I bought the program was for its guarantee of FREE LIFETIME UPGRADES, They were great at providing updates, including version 2.x to 3.x to 4.x full version number updates. They must have been bought out, because now that the version 5.x update is released, they are suddenly telling me lifetime updates only apply to updated within a version. This is pure BS. Up to now this company has been great. But as soon as they start changing the rules, I believe a company is only as good as their word and the promises they keep. I would warn anyone thinking of buying clonedvd or any of their other related products NOT to. There are other free or low priced products on the market that will do as much or more. They are trying to placate me by telling me the new version update is much cheaper than the original price I paid. That's because I paid for LIFETIME updates. If you buy it, it changes versions every month to keep up with encryption...so expect to be re-purchasing their $57 product frequently. Stay Away!

Input Overload reviewed v2.9.2.7 on Dec 29, 2009

Great program, no more to be said 10 stars!

war593122 reviewed v2.9.2.5 Beta on Nov 25, 2009

Version 2.9.2.6 2009 11 08
- New: Increased performance of the transcoder
- New: Improved handling of layer break position
- New: Creates .dvd files for correct layer break handling
with Virtual CloneDrive and CloneCD
- New: Parses .dvd files for correct layer break position
when writing to dual layer media
- New: Show warning, if a single layer image file is about to be
written to dual layer media
- New: Added support for writers with drive letters "A" or "B"
- New: Added "loop titles" option.
As some DVD players behave weird, if DVD playback stops,
all titles copied without menus will loop with this option
enabled.
- New: Added support for episodic DVDs, where episodes are only
accessible as chapters.
- Fix: Error compressing some discs
- Some minor changes and improvements

Additional notes:
This version should fix compression issues with "The Dark Knight" (R1, US) and "Wizard of Oz 70th anniversary" (R1, US).
It should fix issues with "House M.D. Season 4" (R2, DK)
The "loop titles" feature from the last beta is now optional.

war593122 reviewed v2.9.2.4 Beta on Jul 18, 2009

Version 2.9.2.4 2009 07 16
- New: Increased performance of the transcoder
- New: Improved handling of layer break position
- New: Creates .dvd files for correct layer break handling
with Virtual CloneDrive and CloneCD
- New: Parses .dvd files for correct layer break position
when writing to dual layer media
- New: Show warning, if a single layer image file is about to be
written to dual layer media
- Some minor changes and improvements

Balderstrom reviewed v2.9.2.3 Beta on Jul 17, 2009

@ rotjong, You know now I'm not so sure which is which.
Slysoft has this in their FAQ:
Is Slysoft a new company from Elby?
No. We're a software company on the beautiful island Antigua. We have our own management and software development team. We purchased software from Elaborate Bytes and continue the development. Our relationship to Elby is purely business-based.

When you go to Elby's site they don't have any software except for CloneDVD, they don't even sell CloneCD anymore, due to "Copywright law"?
Yet Slysoft has quite a few applications, and all have been updated regularly.

The other very curious thing, both Elby and Slysoft have the same changelog for CloneDVD. Color me perplexed ;)

So if you click on elby's resellers, there's one for Japan http://www.ah-soft.com/ , and there you can get CloneCD.

So... Slysoft is Elby in Antigua to avoid "copywright issues" :-)

When I used to use it years ago, it worked fine. Their licenses are too expensive. They sell too many products that essentially do the same thing, yet are all ~$57 USD separately. They need to consolidate their products and offer better licensing terms.

rotjong reviewed v2.9.2.3 Beta on Jul 16, 2009

Some feature additions. v2.9.2.4 beta is out now and fixes an issue in v2.9.2.3 beta. The transcoder performance is improved.

It needs to be remembered that Slysoft doesn't make CloneDVD. Slysoft is an authorized reseller. Elaborate Bytes writes the software. CloneDVD doesn't need to be updated often because there is no reason to.

I've never had a problem with burning backups and having them play on a standalone player but I also refuse to waste money on DVD-R media and instead buy DVD+R media which will be booktyped to DVD-ROM if the drive supports it, I use quality media and not garbage like Memorex, and I never burn too fast which most people with issues do which combined with junk media will result in coasters.

bob0379 reviewed v2.9.2.0 on Dec 19, 2008

Useless, wast my discs! I lost many blank discs. No dvd movies made by this played on my DVD player.

dickslapp reviewed v2.9.2.0 on Nov 14, 2008

I don't know what Klone is talking about. I have enjoyed this product for years. I bought it, along with AnyDVD, and haven't been more satisified. Updates for both products come frequently. And I have never had a problem making a backup of any of my movies.

Note: I was frustrated with the trial versions since you could not update (without a bit of registry hacking). Howerver, I strongly believe, if you are going to frequently use an excellent product, then buy it.

klone reviewed v2.9.2.0 on Oct 19, 2008

Slysoft hasn't made any major enhancements or added new features to CloneDVD in over 2 years (see the changelog if you don't believe me). They have basically sat on the program since they bought it from Elaborate Bytes.

To give you an idea of how out of date the program is, pop in a Sony DVD with ARccOS protection. CloneDVD in its all of its dumbness will display all of the gargabe VTSes that ARccOS protection adds to the DVD. CloneDVD's main competitor DVDFab is much more intelligent and hides these garbage VTSes from the end user.

CloneDVD is also having more and more problems with recent DVDs. To name just a few recent releases, Leatherheads and You Don't Mess With The Zohan both completely broke CloneDVD. Customers like myself had to wait a month for Slysoft to fix CloneDVD to work with these DVDs. If you don't believe me, go to Slysoft's forum and read all the posts about these DVDs.

On the other hand, its main competitor DVDFab had no problems with these DVDs and worked as advertised. Slysoft tried to claim CloneDVD couldn't handle these DVDs because the protection was deliberately targeting CloneDVD but that is rubbish. It's because CloneDVD has not had any significant updates in two years.

As I said in my CloneDVD Mobile review, Slysoft's guarantee of free lifetime updates doesn't mean squat if the program is no longer actively developed which is currently the case with CloneDVD. If Slysoft wants 39.00 euros for this program, they need to put more effort into the program (more enhancements and new features).

Two much better options are DVD Decrypter (free) and DVDFab (pay). Before anyone complains DVD Decrypter hasn't been updated in 2 years, you can pretty much say the same thing about CloneDVD. If you want a program that is still actively developed, get DVDFab.

war593122 reviewed v2.9.1.10 Beta on Oct 13, 2008

- New: Handling of invalid navigation packs
- Fix: Repairing DVD structure didn't work with some titles
- Fix: Possible crash in transcoder
- Some minor changes and improvements

lanky reviewed v2.9.1.8 Beta on Jun 5, 2008

Version 2.9.1.8 2008 06 05
- New: Added option to switch back to Windows filesystem for reading from a Video DVD
- Fix: Detection of DVD-R DL discs with some DVD writer models
- Fix: NavigationPack Error 18 with some DVDs

cricri_pingouin reviewed v2.9.1.7 on Apr 12, 2008

Great software. It does what it says on the tin, and never ever failed to do so. It works great in conjunction with AnyDVD too.

mtnsteve reviewed v2.9.1.6 Beta on Mar 19, 2008

Great software. I especially like that fact I can use my original DVD purchase as my backup and watch movies without all the crap they make you suffer through (Disney is the worst) before you finally get to the movie you paid for.

Thanks!

some guy reviewed v2.9.1.6 Beta on Mar 18, 2008

nice program, I still use DVD Fab as main , but this is my second choice and Nero who :)

Adrian79 reviewed v2.9.1.6 Beta on Mar 18, 2008

great stuff!

comeoffit reviewed v2.9.1.5 on Feb 20, 2008

Meh.

gehtnix reviewed v2.9.1.4 Beta on Jan 15, 2008

I just love that program, in combination with a virtual driver (i guess i don't have to mention its name and author ;-) it is a really great application for doing a private copy of the dvds i bought.

JonNuttNTL reviewed v2.9.1.4 Beta on Jan 14, 2008

This software is so good it is how good software should be written... Only get it from a reputable source though...

atcgirl reviewed v2.9.1.2 on Nov 14, 2007

If you're looking to burn just about anything then Clone DVD is all you need. It's simple and easy to use. I've tried all kinds of programs, such as nero and DVDfab just to name a couple, and I wouldn't think twice about chosing this as my program of chioce!!

zridling reviewed v2.9.1.0 on Jul 30, 2007

Perhaps the most overlooked software on the video market. More than just cloning, it can repair damaged rips while extracting those pesky Danish subtitles.

gadean reviewed v2.9.0.9 on Jul 15, 2007

After trying most of the other alternatives I can say that most other DVD conversion software is difficult to perfect, takes hours to complete, and the quality is barely acceptable. Simply put: it's a headache and not worth trying. However, CloneDVD is fast, easy to use, and makes great looking copies. It's my saving grace and no other program comes in close.

I use this program to make copies of all my DVDs so my kids don't scratch and ruin the originals. Keep in mind that if you want to make copies of copyrighted material you will need to purchase AnyDVD (made by the same company) which automatically decrypts the disc on the fly. I have it installed and forget it's even installed.

All in all, I highly recommend this software.

bnsquash reviewed v2.9.0.9 on Jun 4, 2007

I've been a registered user of the real Elaborate Bytes CloneDVD for years and it's a great program. Don't fall for Freda's spam link below. They feed off people's confusion. The real CloneDVD is a 5-star program. You will need another program to remove protection, but that's easy enough to do.

freda reviewed v2.9.0.9 on Jun 4, 2007

I find CloneDVD at
http://www.qweas.com/dow...vd_backup/clone_dvd.htm
Clone DVD is a wonderful program. By a DVD burner, you will get true DVD copies of your DVD collection within few minutes. The copied disc works well with most popular home DVD player, being completely same as the DVD movie you bought.

eviljolly reviewed v2.9.0.9 on Jun 3, 2007

@gate1975mlm:
The program is functional as it is. If they started changing stuff around people would complain about the new interface. Most people only care that it works, and it does...well.

reynaldok reviewed v2.9.0.8 on May 22, 2007

Excellent Software

I recommend it for DVDs that are 6GB or less.
hey Ajua DVD Shrink was a great program and is no longer made. This is a newer and better version of a similar program.

paulm reviewed v2.9.0.8 on May 21, 2007

Excellent programme for DVD "backups" provided you have something like AnyDVD. Output quality very good, even with compression needed to fit on single 4.7GB disc.

Hoqqe reviewed v2.9.0.6 Beta on May 15, 2007

Version 2.9.0.6: 2007 05 12
- New: Files created can always be compressed using DVD Shrink
or Nero Recode (CloneDVD2 can be used as a preprocessor to
deselect unwanted titles or streams)
- Change: Workaround for registration problem on Windows Vista
- Change: ElbyCDIO updated to increase compatibility with Vista

war593122 reviewed v2.9.0.4 Beta on May 3, 2007

Anyone got a change log?

gate1975mlm reviewed v2.9.0.4 Beta on May 3, 2007

CloneDVD rules but I think its time for a little face lift.

ajua reviewed v2.9.0.3 on Dec 14, 2006

the integration of re-encoding and burning is great. but i think it is expensive considering that you can use DVDShrink that is free and has the same features. i've encountered some problems with this version and the earlier one when choosing to re-encode and then burn. sometimes the burning process finishes with an error and i have to burn it again, wasting a dvd.

Lawrence01 reviewed v2.9.0.3 on Dec 14, 2006

This is a very good program, designed to be easy for anyone to use, regardless if they are new to this or not.

BruddaMan reviewed v2.9.0.3 on Dec 14, 2006

Why didn't they sell CloneDVD?

What is the difference between CloneDVD and CloneDVD2?

It is confusing.

I like DVD Shrink too but this is a fine program.

gate1975mlm reviewed v2.9.0.3 on Dec 14, 2006

DudeBoyz does not have any idea what he is talking about!

CloneDVD and AnyDVD work great together plain and simple!

rotjong reviewed v2.9.0.3 on Dec 14, 2006

Great product. It does what it's supposed to. For a one-time cost and free updates for improvements, etc, who can complain?

As for the Fuzzy relationship between Elby and Slysoft. How is it fuzzy? Elby sold AnyDVD and CloneCD to Slysoft [due to a change in copyright laws]. They work jointly on making sure the programs still work together without any hitches.

BruddaMan: (1) CloneDVD doesn't break any copyright laws because it requires something like AnyDVD to copy a protected disc. As such there was no need to sell it to Slysoft. (2) CloneDVD2 is the continuation of the original Elby CloneDVD. They just happened to rename it when they hit version 2. Either way referring to it as CloneDVD is fine. Do not, however, confuse CloneDVD/CloneDVD2 from Elby with the program CloneDVD from clonedvd.net. (3) CloneCD writes in raw mode and makes real 1-to-1 copies which, at the time of the sale to Slysoft, meant it could copy protected CDs hence breaking copyright law.

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.9.0.3 on Dec 14, 2006

DVD Shrink still puts out better quality and is free. No need to pay for this thing. Bad value for what it does.

Fuzzy relationship between these Elaborate Bytes guys and Slysoft. What is the deal with that?

andymalyn reviewed v2.9.0.1 on Aug 20, 2006

It's a great program, but it is about time they made it look good.

Don Juan reviewed v2.9.0.1 on Aug 17, 2006

Best DVD backup program available.

gate1975mlm reviewed v2.9.0.1 on Aug 16, 2006

The best! Only thing I do not like is the interface!

stopbuggingme reviewed v2.8.9.9 on May 29, 2006

This program along with ANYDVD is exactly what the doctor ordered.

I don't know why the others have had problems but on AfterDawn.com you will find that this is one of the best.

It balances speed with quality, and so far there hasn't been a DVD I haven't been able to backup!

It is worth the price....

harmlessdrudge reviewed v2.8.9.9 on May 27, 2006

Installation of this program caused my Window XP computer to reboot over and over until I booted into safe mode and removed it.

chimpypimpy reviewed v2.8.9.8 on May 13, 2006

A great program... BUT
now adds a registry entry called Zepter. Just try to remove it. ;)

Download regdelnull from Sysinternals website and use this command:
regdelnull hku -s
to remove it.

pyridox reviewed v2.8.9.8 on May 1, 2006

This is one of the best program of it's kind, that I have used. If compression is needed, the encoder that it uses is ver high quality.

Kompressor reviewed v2.8.9.2 on Mar 1, 2006

Simply The Best!
(Use with AnyDVD)

Adrian79 reviewed v2.8.9.2 on Mar 1, 2006

cool!!

Adrian79 reviewed v2.8.8.2 on Feb 17, 2006

yay!!

ToeKneeC reviewed v2.8.8.2 on Feb 17, 2006

Just amazing. Never failed yet. I use it put put my DVDS (bought) to my Media Center. Fast, Simple, Nice on the eyes, my wife loves the sheep. She even uses it to put her workout video's on the Media Center. You can select just the movie, or the full disc (or anything between). My favorite feature is that I can uncheck Spanish and French Sound tracks, but then it remembers thoses settings for future ripping.

QBgreen reviewed v2.8.8.1 on Feb 16, 2006

Along with AnyDVD, all you really need for a certain "hobby". Pays for itself rather quickly!

dbdigital reviewed v2.8.8.1 on Feb 16, 2006

This GREAT Product only gets better! It's been a while since CloneDVD has been updated (AnyDVD is updated almost weekly!) and they've put in some important updates (DVD-R DL for example).

AnyDVD and CloneDVD cost a few dollars, but you'll never regret it! These are simple, yet powerful tools for anyone interested in the best features and flexibility!

Blaxima reviewed v2.8.8.1 on Feb 16, 2006

Has been and continues to be the absolute best!!!
I highly recommend this along with AnyDVD and Clone CD. Slysoft/Elobarate Bytes is the leader IMO for (ahem) media solutions
Their website has version 2.8.8.2

Adrian79 reviewed v2.8.8.1 on Feb 16, 2006

yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gate1975mlm reviewed v2.8.8.1 on Feb 16, 2006

Simple the best DVD burning software!

Don't forget AnyDVD

stisev reviewed v2.8.5.1 on Feb 1, 2006

######## HOLY SHlT !!! ###########

Kompressor reviewed v2.8.5.1 on Jul 14, 2005

Makes perfect copies of DVDs including menus and extras. Use with AnyDVD. Nothing better.

Adrian79 reviewed v2.8.5.1 on Jul 14, 2005

great stuff..i used it already

DIRKES reviewed v2.8.4.1 on Jun 21, 2005

Nice and good - but a update/new version do not renew the trialperiod.
If a 'older' version not works, You not have no more the possibility of testing with the next version

kgruber reviewed v2.8.4.1 on Jun 20, 2005

The transcoding mechanism which does the DVD9 to DVD5 is mediocre at best. Artifacts are noticeable even on old low resolution sets. Consider Intervideo DVD Copy or 1ClickDVD if you are serious about an all in one package! The results of these packages are on par with re-encoding solutions.

CloneCD will do 1:1 DVD copying, as do many other burning packages.

If Slysoft would actually spend as much time improving the quality of the software, as much as they do attempting to thwart piracy by meaningless updates, this program could have a chance!

Adrian79 reviewed v2.8.4.1 on Jun 20, 2005

CloneDVD Revision History

Version 2.8.5.1: 2005 07 12
- Fix: Program could hang on startup

Chazwazza reviewed v2.8.3.3 on Jun 10, 2005

Great program. Especially in conjuction with AnyDVD.

Adrian79 reviewed v2.8.3.3 on Jun 9, 2005

Always good stuff :)

cowticket reviewed v2.8.1.1 on Apr 22, 2005

They have made no mention of it yet on betanews but the latest version is 2.8.2.1 so if you looking for the lastest one go to the manufacturers home page.

Adrian79 reviewed v2.8.0.2 on Apr 19, 2005

with slysoft anydvd + clonedvd, making a 1:1 copy is only 1 step..use shrink dvd..then use nero recode...what are u crazy?? who has time for all that? 36min. project is complete! from start to finsih..w00t!!!

some guy reviewed v2.8.0.2 on Apr 19, 2005

very nice software

pros
does what it says I give clone 5

cons
cost 50.00 lil steep when you can download DVD-shrink for free

FCKler reviewed v2.8.0.0 on Apr 15, 2005

DVDshrink is not for newbies. Nero recode 2 ist much better than CloneDVD. The best way to shrink a dvd IMHO, is to use DVDshrink for a whole Backup to get rid of any user prohibitions. Recode 2 shrinks the backup as needed.

Why should I use CloneDVD?

alister reviewed v2.8.0.0 on Apr 13, 2005

What's New:

- New: Added support for 64-bit Windows XP

- Change: ElbyCDIO rewritten from scratch to have unified drivers for 32 and 64 bit Windows
Compatibility with third party IDE drivers should be improved

- Fix: CloneDVD did not have "Windows XP look" on Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP64

- Some minor changes and improvements

- Updated languages

Alister

Adrian79 reviewed v2.8.0.0 on Apr 13, 2005

hahaha, "shrinkdvd" that guy is stand-up comic material...anyone that has a problem with clonedvd is a n00b. ENJOY THIS GREAT PROG!!

Sloth999 reviewed v2.8.0.0 on Apr 13, 2005

cpopolo

You should really learn to back up your statements with real facts instead of talking out of your ass.

This program is far superior that DVD Shrink in regards to quality. Although DVD Shrink is a great program for "newbies" the quality tends to suffer.

One suggestion for the spindle of coasters. Buy good media and not just the cheapest crap on the shelf.

cpopolo reviewed v2.7.5.1 on Mar 31, 2005

Pure crap. After 30+ days and nothing to show but a spindle of bad burns, they denied my request for a refund. The non-stop support reply is "wait for the next release".

Save yourself the money and get DVD Shrink for free, it works fine on the same hardware that Clone DVD failed so miserably.

Dirk van Hoofen reviewed v2.7.5.1 on Feb 8, 2005

Easy for use, quality super.

rotjong reviewed v2.7.5.1 on Feb 8, 2005

I use CloneDVD along with AnyDVD and it works beautifully. I won't argue the point of recompression and all that junk because it means nothing. CloneDVD does a fine job and with the common release of dual layer DVD burners the compression isn't as much of a worry. I have, however, made backups of many of my DVDs that were DL onto a single layer DVD+R and see absolutely no difference. It works for me and I'll keep on using it.

map2000 reviewed v2.7.5.1 on Feb 7, 2005

I have been using CloneDVD since their first version and I love this DVD tool easy to use with excellent quality. Recommended A+++

DIRKES reviewed v2.7.5.1 on Feb 7, 2005

I test this tool; for me it is really easy and the quality is strong OK. Ok, the price is not "ladylike" - expensive for people with little money. But it is in german (GUI) and it works.

WickedLester reviewed v2.7.5.1 on Feb 7, 2005

Very good quality and very easy to use. I would recomend it to anyone :)

alister reviewed v2.7.5.1 on Feb 7, 2005

This paired up with AnyDVD is the best solution for quality DVD rips/copies.

Alister

dtanderson reviewed v2.7.5.1 on Feb 7, 2005

I used to use DVDShrink but you could not keep the menu and strip out parts of the DVD (ie trailers). With CloneDVD you can keep the menu and the movie and get rid of the other useless crap. The only thing that DVDShrink is good for is if you want to keep just the movie or shrink the whole disc (with the useless crap). CloneDVD DVDShrink == CloneDVD wins because you can keep the menu and still strip out the useless stuff.

captainahab reviewed v2.7.1.1 on Jan 26, 2005

Easy and elegant. Excellent quality.

httpd.confused reviewed v2.6.1.3 on Jan 12, 2005

The people claiming that CloneDVD offers superior quality just don't know what they're talking about, and I can prove it. Consider this quote from the AUTHOR of CloneDVD:

"All in all, it is more or less a matter of personal taste. The quality of the modern transcoders is very similar, both Recode/Shrink and CloneDVD2 are very good."

http://club.cdfreaks.com/showpost.php?p=716485

So much for that argument!

(OK, so it doesn't quite deserve a 1-star rating, but the interface still doesn't work correctly on my system--and even if it did, I'd still hate it.)

chimpypimpy reviewed v2.5.4.3 on Nov 26, 2004

CloneDVD is the program you want to use when quality is important. Easily the best DVD copy program around.

Gehenna reviewed v2.5.4.3 on Nov 26, 2004

People rant on about how good the compressed quality of CloneDVD Video is,personally i cannot see the difference between cloneDVD and DVD Shrink,although beginners might appreciate the extremely simple interface of CloneDVD...

With DVD-DL drives,and hopefully falling media prices,the likelyhood of purchasing the likes of CloneDVD is ever decreasing.

fourte3n reviewed v2.5.3.3 on Nov 8, 2004

Good Program... but compared to others on the market it is falling further behind in its worth for money. Nero is the king and Clone is a dying breed. And DVDShrink will do all of the DVD backup far better and with better control... Sorry Clone.

Domingo reviewed v2.5.3.3 on Nov 8, 2004

DVDShrink will do much of what CloneCD will do for free, but with a lot more steps and an interface that more or less is "you get what you pay for." I like CloneDVD's interface, but have to agree that it's overpriced considering that it's almost worthless without AnyDVD. I'd like to see some form of cheaper bundle of these programs, but then again...they'd likely end up with a 3-2-1 style lawsuit on their hands. As it stands, CloneDVD is a nice program that costs too much and more or less requires AnyDVD to really do anything.

httpd.confused reviewed v2.5.3.3 on Nov 8, 2004

I absolutely can't stand the interface, and think it's overpriced.

Knocks reviewed v2.4.2.7 on Aug 3, 2004

DVD43 is a waste, since it doesn't support Macrovision removal.

As far as the price of CloneDVD, I can do better with DVD Shrink for FREE.

christoofar reviewed v2.4.2.7 on Aug 3, 2004

DVD43Free is still..free:

DVD43Free is the FREE version of DVD43 (version 1.4) that integrates into Windows and overrides CSS copy-protection mechanisms found on DVDs. Once it's installed, it runs in the background and you don't need to worry about it. You can use DVD43Free to remove CSS protection on many popular DVD copying programs.
BEWARE: There is another version of DVD43 in circulation (ver 2) that is NOT FREE and expires after 30 days - it stops working and points you to a website to buy a third party product. If you have Version 2, uninstall it and install DVD43Free .

CloneDVD is actually pretty good in use, but I still prefer freeware solutions. Maybe if it was $25...?

Dapple reviewed v2.4.2.7 on Aug 2, 2004

CloneDVD is ok with DVDDecrypter.only worth 3 because it needs a 3rd party app to work.

And you are wrong about DVD43 its not free.( info off the download site ).

DVD43 is a small tool that integrates into Windows and overrides copy-protection mechanisms found on DVD-Video discs (namely, CSS) and DVD region limitations (in case you have RPC-2 DVD drive). Integrates nicely with XPRESS, DVD2One, WinDVD, PowerDVD, etc.

UPDATE: DVD43 is now stand-alone, which means it now works without the VSO's Patin-Couffin driver. Also, support for Win9x/ME has been implemented.

This is a fully functional trial version, operational for 30 days.

-Lord- reviewed v2.0.9.4 on Jun 14, 2004

Ok, you're right about the cost of AnyDVD combined with the cost of CloneDVD. That is bad mojo, but there is a solution for AnyDVD and that's called DVD43. It does the same thing as AnyDVD and guess what... it's free. As long as a CSS blocker is running, CloneDVD works brilliantly. It's too bad Elaborate Bytes jumped on the anti piracy bandwagon, otherwise it'd be perfect with built in CSS blocking. because of this, a 4 is warranted. But check this... DVDDecrypter has the ability to ISO DVDs, and with multi layer now available.... and it's free too!

Dirk van Hoofen reviewed v2.0.9.4 on Jun 14, 2004

Why you call this software "CLONE"dvd ??
You can not REALLY clone dvd's, because CSS-scrambled medias are not work.
Better rename it like "COPY"dvd. Then everybody knows the difference ;-)

httpd.confused reviewed v2.0.8.4 on Jun 6, 2004

I agree with cyberguy. But right now, it's even worse than that: The price of CloneDVD is $51 USD, and AnyDVD is $39 USD. That's $90, which is significantly more than I paid for my DVD burner drive! No thanks, I can't afford that. CloneDVD may work well, but it is crippled if it needs (expensive) supporting software. So no, I'm not just rating based on cost, I'm rating based on the fact that CloneDVD can't stand on its own.

WickedLester reviewed v2.0.8.4 on May 2, 2004

I have run into a few movies that had to be DVDshrink would not copy without Decrypting first plus DVDshrink has been abandoned. The guy that wrote it is not spending any more time updating it, he now works for Ahead.

alister reviewed v2.0.8.4 on May 2, 2004

This revision: fixed UDF mastering problem, removed Unicode support for volume names. That is the only thing that they mentioned for this revision. This put DVDShrink to shame because you can rip just the movie and still keep the menu, you cannot do that with DVDShrink.

cyberguy reviewed v2.0.8.4 on May 2, 2004

Let's see -
CloneDVD 2 = %49.05 US
AnyDVD = $39.95 US

$79.00 US for a proggie that copies dvds? The solution is a little pricy for me. The combo may be good, but for the price I'll stick with DVDShrink + my own burning software. Software's good, but only gets a 3 from me on value.

Dapple reviewed v2.0.8.4 on May 1, 2004

DVDShrink dosen't need dvd decrypter. It does it on the fly :)

eL MaesTro reviewed v2.0.8.4 on May 1, 2004

both are great : DVD Shrink needs DVD Decrypter , and DVD Clone needs AnyDVD .

WickedLester reviewed v2.0.8.3 on Apr 29, 2004

No new features, just bug fixes. This is such a great program much better than some of the others (ie: DVDShrink).

alister reviewed v2.0.5.3 on Mar 30, 2004

r1_forever -- I know that you can do a reauthor in DVDShrink, I used to use it exclusively but in reauthor mode you cannot keep the menu. You can reauthor with CloneDVD and keep the menu, that is why I now use CloneDVD exclusively.

Alister

r1_forever reviewed v2.0.4.1 on Mar 23, 2004

And version 3.1.7 of DVD Shrink decrypts the movie for you..so no need for secondary software such as Anydvd at all.

xeonox reviewed v2.0.4.1 on Mar 20, 2004

CloneDVD along with "AnyDVD" (witch decrypts the files on the fly) work perfectly together, they are both very good programs.

Dirk van Hoofen reviewed v2.0.4.1 on Mar 19, 2004

Nice and easy tool for make a private copy, but unfortally i cannot make a copy from encrypted (DECCS) dvd's. Sorry for that.

WickedLester reviewed v2.0.4.1 on Mar 19, 2004

I was not a big fan of CloneDVD because you had to decrypt DVDs first but after I found out about Anydvd I really like Clone alot now

alister reviewed v2.0.4.1 on Mar 19, 2004

I have always been big on DVDShrink because it would decrypt also but I like being able to copy my DVDs with the menu and leave out other stuff like trailers and you cannot do this with DVDShrink. DVDShrink only gives you the option to compress as pictures but not leave it out all together. I have made the switch to CloneDVD but the name is deceptive :) because it will not clone a DVD but combine this with AnyDVD and it is wonderful.

Alister

r1_forever reviewed v1.9.2.4 on Mar 6, 2004

Listen up people !! Use DVD Decryptor to read the files to your hard-drive then use DVD Shrink, Clone DVD, Nero Recode or whatever to encode and burn them. It's that simple. How many people are going to want the Audio from 6 different languages on their new DVD copy anyway. How many people are going to want Subtitles on their new DVD copy. If your software doesn't give you the opportunity to edit before burning DON'T use it. Go to Kazaa and grab something else. If you are reading this review then you are like the rest of us Pc addicts who should well know how to Rip and Burn a near perfect copy EVERY time. Newbies should learn to read and read and read about the subjects they are interested in and all will become clear..ahh I feel so much better now :)

Neoprimal reviewed v1.9.2.4 on Mar 5, 2004

The best DVD cloning software ever. Couple screens and you get going. To backup movies - pair it with the newest version of AnyDVD; this thing is better than anything out there currently, and I've tried most. I've been able to back up every last one of my DVD movies with all the titles, every chapter, every subtitle and language and all audio quality streams. If I could give it 6, I would.

lion7718 reviewed v1.8.2.4 Sneak Preview on Feb 22, 2004

I like this program. Nice & simple & does what it says.

-Lord- reviewed v1.8.2.4 Sneak Preview on Feb 20, 2004

Just to clear this all up. ConeDVD will in fact make a near perfect backup... BUT... it does not bypass the CSS encryption on the original DVD. To do this you need to either: First decrypt the data to your hard drive, and THEN use CloneDVD OR... if you have AnyDVD running in the background, then CloneDVD will function as described. YOU MUST HAVE SOMETHING TO GET AROUND THE CSS ENCRYPTION FIRST, or CloneDVD won't do the copy since it doesn't copy protected disks. AnyDVD sits in the background and prevents the program from "seeing" the CSS and thus cloneDVD thinks it's copying a movie that is not protected. Now, with that explanation out of the way, the program works pretty decently for the new to intermediate user, giving you all the options that are detailed here. In the end, you get a pretty decent copy of the original with or without the menus and extras. Remember that you're compressing a DVD-9 to a DVD-5 so all the extras and menus that you leave in will require the movie itself to be compressed further. The more compression on the movie, the greater the loss of quality. In truth, though, I haven't really noticed so much degradation that ruined the DVD. I give it a 4 BECAUSE of the inability to skirt the CSS encryption. With that in mind, it's not a true cloner as CloneCD was.

Dapple reviewed v1.8.2.4 Sneak Preview on Feb 20, 2004

1 word DVDShrink :)

utomo reviewed v1.8.2.4 Sneak Preview on Feb 20, 2004

Is this 1.8 sneak preview or 2 sneak preview ?
In the website the version is 2 sneak preview.

I hope the can reduce problems because of user did not understand to use it, as indicated on other review.
also better if they consider to allow us to use Clone DVD to clone the CD too.

Coqui_PR reviewed v1.3.11.2 on Nov 6, 2003

I still can belive people do not uderstand that CloneDVD "can not copy DVD" you need AnyDVD to do the magic.
This to program work so well together. This 2 program are better than DVDXCopy.
For those who changes their program to DVDXcopy what a mistake they made.

Coqui_PR reviewed v1.3.10.1 on Oct 17, 2003

Get anyDVD and your problems are solve. Now you can copy all your movies

Dapple reviewed v1.3.10.1 on Oct 14, 2003

Anyone Have the FTP link this link is Dead as usual :(

pvolk reviewed v1.3.10.1 on Oct 14, 2003

Err i mean clone dvd ... im in the right forum right ?? :-p

DJWesley2K reviewed v1.3.10.1 on Oct 14, 2003

Because you idiot, it will if you buy the right DVD's. But you want to clone copyright CSS stuff, get yourself a copy of anyDVD and you can copy your freakin brains if you want! You guys are some whinny little B*tches!

WickedLester reviewed v1.3.10.1 on Oct 13, 2003

CloneDVD?? It does not clone DVD's. CloneCD would clone CD's. So why are they using clone in the name in the software whenever it will not clone DVD's

DrJ2 reviewed v1.3.9.8 on Oct 7, 2003

CloneDVD is a WONDERFUL program! Yes it doesn't copy DVD's with protections, but just use the program called AnyDVD and it has no problem to make personal backups of your DVD's. Most easiest DVD copying program I've came across.

stevel114 reviewed v1.3.9.8 on Oct 7, 2003

I bought CloneCD and CloneDVD. I still use CloneCD but am in the process of asking for a refund on CloneDVD. I now use DVD X Copy express. It copies whole DVD movies that I own to backup DVD+R. When I emailed CloneDVD about the problem of not being able to copy all DVD's I own they said to use DVD Decrypter then use thier product. I get better video quality using DVD X copy than going from DVD to file then to DVD again. By the way once you make a copy with DVD X copy it is no longer copy protected. I think the title CloneDVD is very misleading considering the way the CloneCD program worked. They should make it very clear that it will not copy any DVD worth buying since all the major labels are CSS protected. Don't by this if you want to make backups of your DVD collection. It won't do it.

rotjong reviewed v1.3.9.8 on Oct 6, 2003

In reply to Kompressor, CloneDVD is protecting itself legally. CloneDVD can be used with AnyDVD for dealing with anything copy-protected. The reason CloneCD was sold was it was great at by-passing copy-protection and found itself in trouble legally. CloneDVD doesn't by-pass this meaning, for now, it's safe from legal problems.

Kompressor reviewed v1.2.8.4 on Oct 4, 2003

The cool thing about CloneCD is it copies copy protected CDs. What's the point of CloneDVD? It doesn't copy copy protected DVDs. Shouldn't it be called NonCloneDVD or something? I think I'll go with 'DVD X Copy' which does what it's supposed to do, copy DVDs, and not just the few unprotected ones.

alister reviewed v1.2.8.4 on Aug 28, 2003

CloneDVD, I don't know why they call it CloneDVD because it does not clone DVDs unlike CloneCD (which does or did clone CDs). They need to call it DVDTranscoder because that is all that it does.

toekneec67 reviewed v1.1.7.1 on Jun 24, 2003

Most of these reviews are just sad. You are not reviewing CloneDVD but using this area to promote your choice. DVDShrink copy's protected DVD's but doesn't burn them, DVD2One recompiles and burns them but not protected DVDS, DVDXCopy is great if you want your movie on two DVDS (I don't). Nothing does it all because of laws, get over it. Once you come to grip with that, CloneDVD is at the top, it's simple, looks good, and fast.

Tylenol reviewed v1.1.7.1 on Jun 23, 2003

None of the transcoding programs will rip a protected DVD except DVDShrink. Its just opening yourself up to the wrath of the MPAA. DVD Decrypter, Daemon Tools and the protection is no more.

Bachalor reviewed v1.1.6.1 on Jun 22, 2003

Hi Tylenol, perhaps you are right .
But what uses a tool which cannot copy 90% of all DVD correctly than CloneDVD.
Because the most DVD are now copy-protectedly CSS (Content Scrambling system). And CloneDVD has provably problems with that!
Therefore I think, that calls something like not CLONE DVD !!

Kyle_Katarn reviewed v1.1.6.1 on Jun 21, 2003

DVD Toolbox from VSO does all this better !

theg reviewed v1.1.6.1 on Jun 21, 2003

My suggestion... DVDxCopy

Tylenol reviewed v1.1.6.1 on Jun 20, 2003

They have this tool called DVD Decrypter, do a search for it here.

Since most commercial DVDs are larger than 4.7GB (The size of a DVD-R/+R disk) how would you expect to clone a whole DVD in the first place?

This program transcodes your DVD down to fit on to a 4.7GB DVDR/RW disk. It also allows you to delete extras you don't want. For the "1 Click Wonder" backup programs, it has without a doubt the best interface. The video quality is "okay", about on par with all the other transcoders.

For those of you bashing, you should do some research on what is involved with backing up DVDs instead of coming in here and making uneducated remarks.

Dirk van Hoofen reviewed v1.1.4.1 on Jun 20, 2003

I thought first CloneDVD has the same advantages as CloneCD.
But unfortunately, it isn't possible to prepare exact 1:1 copies.
Encoded CD cannot be copied !!

dansb reviewed v1.1.4.1 on Jun 19, 2003

Waited in anxious anticipation for this program. Wanted to copy a movie and was surprised to find out that it will not copy a movie with copy protection. I expect it to be a stellar program otherwise!

toekneec67 reviewed v1.1.4.1 on Jun 19, 2003

Very impressive. Small program that does alot. Without a doubt the best interface. It's simple and cool looking. Doing a side-by-side test tonight with different programs to see which quality it better. But so far, I'm impressed.