How to transfer files from DVD to Computer

[admin]

Having a library of DVD's and Blu-ray discs is great, but when it comes to streaming you want everything sitting on a hard drive somewhere so you have instant access to hundreds or thousands of titles. To achieve this requires a need to rip the DVD as most will be protected by the manufacturer. After this you convert the raw structure that has been copied into a computer friendly file such as an MP4.

DVD Rippers

A DVD Ripper's job is to copy the whole dvd or the main movie to your hard drive and at the same time remove the dvd protection. A list of some of the best DVD rippers are here (http://www.worldtvpc.com/dvdrippers/). Some rippers come with encoders built-in, here are some reviews (http://www.worldtvpc.com/blog/free-dvd-rippers-3-of-the-best-reviewed/).

Video Encoders

A video encoder (http://www.worldtvpc.com/glossary/Encoder_Definition.htm) (such as handbrake) is used to read the dvd or main movie copied to your hard drive by the dvd ripper, and encode the visual and audio files into computer files such as mp4, mv4, mkv. The encoder can encode in HD, standard definition or lower. The encoders are used to reduce a typical DVD file size ( a blu-ray is aound 7Gb) down to 2Gb whilst keeping a similar quality.

The process of getting your DVD onto hard drive involves ripping the DVD, then encoding it into the format you want. Then you can load it up on any number of connected devices and stream via the home network. We will answer questions and have more tutorials within this category. Feel free to leave any comments.

[django]

The best free way to get dvd/bluray content to your computer then encoded to something smaller.

First get yourself a copy of dvdfab and use it to decode your dvd/bluray to your computer, this process can take quite a while anything upto an hour or so.

When done get yourself a copy of handbrake encoder, this is free software and you can use this to encode your dvd/bluray from your computer to something smaller such as a MP4, M4V or MKV file.

Choose a profile to encode to from the right hand side selection, then fine tune the encode with bitrate size type of encode then when your ready start the encode.

That's it...wait till it finishes.

[01tv]

Great thread. It's all well and good having all these media players and wireless streaming but getting movies off discs and onto hard drive is essential unless you want to enter the murky world of file sharing sites!! :eek:

[boombox]

I just use torrent sites and download the HD rip. Saves all the hassle and you can find anything you want