Software for ripping/encoding DVD to manageable vid format

Lifeforms

Hi, I run a NAS on my set up. I have a compact desktop with a USB DVD writer, as well as a netbook with a USB dvd writer (same one as the desktop) So I have no ideal way to sit and watch DVD's. I got given, as a gift, 4 seasons of Heroes to watch, but practically it's quite annoying to switch between computers to watch them.
So I want to rip them, and encode in a manageable vid format (avi, etc) so that I can throw them on my NAS and access on which ever computer I am on, instead of having to remove dvd writer, plug in, mess around with having an external DVD on the lap as well etc.

N.B before I get all the info about breaking the law, I believe it's not clear one way or another. I own the DVD's so I'm not stealing them, I'm not making it available for any other use, except to watch them, and when I'm done watching them all, I will probably just delete off the NAS.

Can anyone suggest any software that will rip the dvd (15 of them!) and encode into smaller files, like avi etc, so I can use VLC to watch them.
I am aware I can use something like DVD shrink to just "copy" them smaller sized to my computer, but ultimately I want something that will encode reasonably well/quickly into file sizes of around 400-700mb ea (which should with encoders give a balanced picture)

WhiteChristmas

There is no doubt of the clarity of the law here - format shifting of audio/video is NOT considered fair use, or legitimate back-up.

The program you want, though, is Gordian Knot http://sourceforge.net/projects/gordianknot/

Bad news is that Heroes goes downhill VERY fast from the middle of season 2...

ohreally

Lifeforms wrote: »

I own the DVD's so I'm not stealing them

You may own the DVD, you don't own the material contained therein.

Linbox

DVD shrink, shrinks the original format, then use something like AGK to encode this into the avi format.
So this would make a 3.4G down to 700mb ( without extras and menus) with relatively very good quality for the movie.
Most people no longer do this due to the relative cheapness of external storage and the ease of downloading large files now.
Usually its just reduced by the encoding software.

Most 1 hr programs = 40 mins American are reduced to 350mb
Try handbrake this should work ok.

aliEnRIK

You might find DVD SHRINK wont get past some copy protection. I suggest using DVD DECRYPTOR if shrink fails (or use it anyways). Decryptor is also getting on a bit now though so personally I use DVD FAB. I have the full version but I believe this free version should work fine: http://www.dvdfab.com/free.htm. All of the software will create VOB files inside of a VIDEO_TS folder (For use in dvd players). You now need software that will use the vob files and compress/convert them

Ive never even heard of what White Christmas posted, but Id assume that will then make the files smaller for you (be interesting to hear how you get on)

flashg67

+1 for DVDFab - the 30 day free trial is fully functioning AFAIK and should give you time to rip them all! It will rip to a variety of formats, but isn't that quick (I've not found a program that is to be fair). When the trial expires, you'll still be able to rip to an iso or hard disk folder then shrink using another program

DWatts

A DVD ripper has two stages - breaking DVD copy protection and converting the .VOB files into a usable format. Personally I use AnyDVD for the first, and Handbrake for the second.

That said, it isn't considered fair use and is illegal, though for personal use - no one cares.

Lifeforms

Thanks for the response! I've had a play with Handbrake, it gives me a format of (.m4v) with a 42m episode @ 420mb ehich is what i'm looking for size wise (plays ok too) Is there any way to encode originally in an avi format or so with Handbreak? How will those play on an android tablet, or Ipad? I know what really annoys me with vid on the ipad 2 is that I need to throw it through something that will make it play on the ipad/itouch which frankly is a bit annoying. Actually its so annoying I just don't do it, and one reason I'm half playing with the idea of changing to an android tablet. But if I can get an output that will play on a tablet, but plays on computer, then that'd be good.

I liked my archos media player years ago when I could just copy it over as is. Would a m4v play on an android (3.0+) tablet without having to re-encode?

sonstream

Have you tried winavi ? and also what nas do you have because you could run twonky media server on it and then stream all your files to dlna certified equipment ie xbox 360

fenlander_uk

You can also select .mkv format with Handbrake. Handbrake is probably the easiest way to extract individual episodes from a multi-file dvd and it can achieve better quality output than something like AutoGordianKnot, which uses Xvid rather than x264. If you queue up all the episodes on the dvd, set the option to closedown the PC when the job is complete, and let the PC work overnight it's fairly painless.

aliEnRIK

fenlander_uk wrote: »

You can also select .mkv format with Handbrake. Handbrake is probably the easiest way to extract individual episodes from a multi-file dvd and it can achieve better quality output that something like AutoGordianKnot, which uses Xvid rather than x264. If you queue up all the episodes on the dvd, set the option to closedown the PC when the job is complete, and let the PC work overnight it's fairly painless.

I use handbrake. Very good program.