DVD Ripping and backup

[gregnash]

Ok so here is my situation. I recently purchased a 21.5" iMac and connected my old PC drive (WD Black Edition 640GB) using an external toaster. We have two TiVOs in the house (both HD) and my wife has her brand new Macbook Pro 13.5". Since we are starting to run out of physical storage in our cabinets for the DVD/Blu-Rays I was figuring that I would wipe the external drive and use it as a video storage drive. However, I am new to ripping DVDs and would like to try and interconnect everything as much as possible on our network.

I know that the TIVO Desktop software (installed) will allow me to access videos on my computer but wondering where to start with the Ripping process?

Also, we have some older DVDs that I would like to try and backup as the discs a little scratched, so what is a good Dual-Layer disc brand? We tried some Sony's from Costco and got about a 50% coaster rate (was weird first like 30 discs were fine then hit a huge block that would not burn, failed, etc.).

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[Morazl]

First I think we need to figure out what format the ripped files need to be so they can be played back. When using the TIVO Desktop software, does it show actual ripped files and what format they're in? Handbrake can easily rip DVD's to MP4 and it's free. I hands down recommend Verbatim DL-DVD's, i've tried several other brands to save money, but just end up throwing away bad burns. I think you can get a spindle of 100 for about 50$ or less if you shop around.

 

[gregnash]

I will have to check what format the Tivo will play over the network.
Thanks for the recommendation on Handbrake (I forgot I actually downloaded that already) and the Verbatims.