DVD back-up software/options

IM

Hi all.

I want to create a bit of space (not to say cash ) by ripping my DVD collection to a hard drive and flogging them.

What I'm hoping to do, is to copy them all to a portable drive, so that I have access to the films (or let's be honest, so that the kids have access to their films...:o) when I'm out and about

(I understand I'll need something like this - http://www.amazon.co.uk/JUSTOP-Media-Player-1080P-Surround/dp/B006S6F44W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360405799&sr=8-1)

But also, I want to be able to compress some films, so that I can copy them to a phone/tablet/iPod.

So I want software which will be able to copy the data from the disks, and create (close to) DVD quality files, that will be watchable on an HD television - but also compress/tweak for portable formats.

I've been doing some research and most applications are either hideously complicated (to me) or quite expensive with no independent looking reviews. (There seems to be a lot of "review" sites which smell a bit dodgy...).

One which I found was the suite from Slysoft (http://www.slysoft.com/en/) but as I'm reading it, I need three separate applications:

• AnyDVD - to do the behind-the-scenes stuff to allow the data to be ripped
• CloneDVD - to piggy-back on AnyDVD to create the back-up files (for me to have on a hard drive)
• CloneDVD Mobile - to re-format the back-up files for mobile devices

Even allowing for an alleged 20% discount, these run to nearly £90 (more if I wanted AnyDVD HD which works with Blu-ray).

I don't mind paying for something which is stable and won't infest my PC with rubbish, but £90 is a bit strong.

Others I've seen mention of - but am nervous about because of the dodgy review/download sites - include:

• WinX DVD Ripper Platinum
• DVD Fab
• MakeMKV

Beyond knowledge about which software to go for, any guidance on file formats and sizes would be gratefully received.

paddyrg

IM wrote: »

I want to create a bit of space (not to say cash ) by ripping my DVD collection to a hard drive and flogging them.

That would not be legal as you would then be pirating the films, not backing them up. By all means save money, but I don't think piracy is in the spirit of this site.

jaydeeuk1

Why did you say 'flogging them'? If you just said to convert then you'd be more likely to get helpful answers. Its no one elses business what you choose to do.

If you want to make a near exact copy of the DVD, no encoding, then try makemkv. If you want to encode, try handbrake. Or if you're like me, and CBA to fiddle with the settings to get optimal results, download it from a certain website by someone who pirates for a living.

Plus they're free.

IM

Oh... OK...

Hadn't considered myself a pirate...

Aaaaarrrr.... :rotfl:

Anyway, in reality, the DVDs will probably end up in boxes in the loft - which is where most of my CDs are - rather than getting sold/given to the charity shop

As a point of clarification, would I also have to remove music from my iPod if I subsequently pass on the CD that I copied to it?

esuhl

IM wrote: »

As a point of clarification, would I also have to remove music from my iPod if I subsequently pass on the CD that I copied to it?

It was unlawful to rip the CD in the first place and put the music on your iPod!

But (if and when the law changes), I believe you would have to delete all copies of your music if you sell the original medium.