I use DVD Decrypter and can then play the VOBs in Windows Media Centre, but VOB files dont show up in the WMC library I have to launch them from explorer and they are in file chunks rather than episodes.
Is there software that can rip a DVD ready for WMC or a WMC module for keeping DVDs intact on an HDD for viewing later in full DVD Menu style? Or even a DVD ripper with standalone DVD player emulator with menu function etc?
I use Handbrake to convert DVDs into a single mp4 file for viewing on my iPad. No idea if it's possible to use it to do the other stuff you asked about.
If DVD decryptor can convert to normal DVD formats then you can start a 'DVD library' on WMC. You can add cover artwork and start the films by clicking on them.
It looks like this
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You have to enable this though:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930526
I use cloneDVD to get the main movies alone, but I think it can keep the menus and everything.
what are "Normal DVD formats" though?
can it be a disc ISO?
Aha - I have a solution.
Using DVD Decrypter, rip a simple ISO copy of the whole disc to the HDD
Mount the ISO on a virtual drive using the freeware PowerISO
and then WMC can play the DVD as if it was in a real drive (including features and additional material and a DVD Menu page etc)
brilliant. Thanks for the pointers tebbalot.
Tried DVD Decrypter but it keeps failing. Am I being thick, or is there a better/easier piece of software for the terminally (computer) illiterate?
its a pretty simple bit of kit.
Ripping an ISO there's not much to go wrong.
Do you have "Mode" menu set to ISO or IFO or File?