Recommend for: This method is especially useful if you are having compatibility problems with the formatting created by the DVD/Blu-ray authoring software or with the media type of the master disc. This method removes some potentially compli- cating variables from the DVD/Blu-ray Video creation process. This method eliminates the need for a master disc. Error or incompatibilities can be introduced into your master by the drive burning the master, the disc the master is burned on or the software burning the master. Instead, masters can be stored on a large hard drive. This allows you to burn additional copies at any time without locating the master. If a backup strategy is employed, hard drive storage is more reliable over the long term since it is not susceptible to scratching like a master disc.
Image Project
The Image Project allows you to copy any CD, DVD, or BDR master. You can use an existing image or create an image and then use it in the project. The master disc is read from the specified drive to the hard drive of your computer. The master is stored in the Global Image format (*.gi) in a user specified location on your computer. PTPublisher uses this file to make all subsequent copies that are requested. The master disc is read only once to create the initial file.
Recommended for: All CD, DVD or Blu-ray content or disc types (Audio CD, Data CD, Software Install Disc, Video CD, DVD Video, Blu-ray Video: CDR, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-ROM, DVD+DL, DVD-DL, BDR, BDR-DL, etc.). This is best used for jobs that are repeated on a regular basis where you will need to make additional copies of the master disc at a later time. This project type stores the master on your hard drive. This saves the time it takes to read in the master and reduces the possibility of defects being introduced into the master disc.
B.2 Steps to any Project
Step 1: Add Data
Depending on your job type this step will be different. You may choose your master, choose data on your hard drive, choose tracks to your audio CD, choose your disc image or DVD or BDR video folders.