What's your setup and process for ripping movies?

[fubak]

I've never done it before and frankly have never seen a need for it. I don't have an HTPC right now, simply for money reasons. I've got over 150 DVDs.

My question is, what software and process do you use for ripping DVDs to your HD? What format do you use? What's the average file size of a 2 hours movie at 1080p?

 

[criccio]

This is asked weekly.

Easiest method with 100% transparency to source:

1. Rip with DVDfab HD Dycrypter
2. Encode with Handbrake (High Profile - Film preset)

The "High Profile - Film" preset uses x264 to encode to an H264 file, grabs the DD audio and puts them both in a (roughly 1.4GB) MKV file.

Perfect.

If people tell you to use XviD/DivX and .AVI containers, tell them its 2009 and to move on. There are better things out there.

 

[k1pp3r]

This is asked weekly.

Easiest method with 100% transparency to source:

1. Rip with DVD Shrink
2. Encode with Handbrake (High Profile - Film preset)

The "High Profile - Film" preset uses x264 to encode to an H264 file, grabs the DD audio and puts them both in a (roughly 1.4GB) MKV file.

Perfect.

If people tell you to use XviD/DivX and .AVI containers, tell them its 2009 and to move on. There are better things out there.

Same here, except i encode to MKV at around 1 GB.

 

[eeyrjmr]

I just use undvd fantastic script that will rip and compress to your settings

 

[DeaconFrost]

I would do everything in criccio's list, except I replace DVD Shrink with DVDfab HD Decrypter. I only use DVD Shrink if I am burning back to a DVD. DVDfab HD Decrypter is updated often, and can handle the more recent discs and anti-copying schemes. DVD Shrink struggles with a lot of new discs, and flat out refuses to handle many of them. Once you get the unencrypted files onto your hard disk, Handbrake is what I use with the very same settings.

 

[criccio]

I would do everything in criccio's list, except I replace DVD Shrink with DVDfab HD Decrypter. I only use DVD Shrink if I am burning back to a DVD. DVDfab HD Decrypter is updated often, and can handle the more recent discs and anti-copying schemes. DVD Shrink struggles with a lot of new discs, and flat out refuses to handle many of them. Once you get the unencrypted files onto your hard disk, Handbrake is what I use with the very same settings.

I keep thinking that app isn't free, but I guess it is. Even though I have never had an issue with DVD Shrink I'll recommend DVDfab HD Dycrypter from now on.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I keep thinking that app isn't free, but I guess it is. Even though I have never had an issue with DVD Shrink I'll recommend DVDfab HD Dycrypter from now on.

For a while, they've had a separate free version that wouldn't convert to certain formats, such as iPod video, but Handbrake can handle that anyway. Now, DVDfab HD Decrypter is just one version, and when it is installed and first run, you choose between a trial of the paid version, or just the more limited free version.

 

[Joe Average]

1. AnyDVD gets rid of any and all "roadblocks" on any and all DVD (and HD DVD/Blu-ray too but I don't own any) media.

2. DVDDecrypter to the hard drive

3. DVDShink with Main Movie only for 1:1 backups of just the movie (and English subs for my Wife, everything else is tossed including extras, other languages, soundtracks, etc) back to DVD+R.

4. For .mkv rips I follow something similar to criccio's method with HandBrake but I keep the file size down to about 1.2GB for a ~2 hour flick. If I need to make an .avi rip I'll use Xvid, keep the file size to ~700MB, still with HandBrake (it's the only converter I bother with).

 

[phide]

If people tell you to use XviD/DivX and .AVI containers, tell them its 2009 and to move on. There are better things out there.

If you're only able to leave this thread remembering a single thing from it, guys, remember this.