Backup Your DVD-Rs

Aug 9, 2012 by Andrew

Most martial arts distance learning programs are distributed either via Internet video or by DVD-R.

DVD-Rs are made with burners in a desktop or laptop computer.  They’re not as reliable long-term as commercially pressed DVDs.  Commerically pressed DVDs are not an option for most (all?) DL programs, as there are large minimum print runs.

When you get course materials, you should do two things:

• Test-play each DVD.  Find out which if any discs (if any) are defective so you can get them replaced.
• Backup each disc.  I recommend ImgBurn which is free (for Windows – Mac/Linux users will need to find something else).  If a disc gets scratched or becomes unplayable six months later, you can easily burn another copy for yourself.  Since DVD-Rs are not encrypted (like your typical Hollywood movie), you could just drag/drop the files to a folder, but I find having an .iso file for each disc makes reburning very easy.

One thing you should not do is pirate course materials.  The people offering such programs are not getting rich.  The martial arts has never been a path to riches and most instructors are providing programs out of love for their respective arts.

Filed in: Advice