Importing DVDs into iTunes

So, I can import CDs into the library and transfer to my iPod but can’t see an option for DVDs. Can it be done or can DVDs only be downloaded from the iTunes Store?

*bump* for the day shift…

You cannot import into iTunes directly due to the copy protection on the disc. You have to rip the disc to your hard drive, software depends on operating system, and then convert to iTunes friendly format with something like Handbrake, then drag the newly created file into iTunes.

It’s easier than it sounds.

You can’t do it through iTunes but there is free software out there.

The most often quoted is Handbrake. I tried it and found it slow and very complicated/confusing.

As above – you need to rip it to bypass the copy protection. Use handrake and VLC together – works well most times. Annoying though having to do it when you legitimately own the content and want to watch on a different format

But but but …

according to the Handbrake doc, it won’t rip dvd’s, just starts from a VIDEO_TS file. Or am I missing a trick here ? 🙁

But but but …

according to the Handbrake doc, it won’t rip dvd’s, just starts from a VIDEO_TS file. Or am I missing a trick here ?

As I mentioned, you need another bit of software to rip the disc to your computer. I am on a Mac and use RipIt, a windows user will be along shortly to recommend something for that operating system…..I last used windows in ’05 and then it was DVD Decrypter[/url]…might still work. 8)

Handbrake will decode disks if it finds the correct software on the disk, IIRC. I am on a mac so it uses the library from VLC if it sees the VLC app in the ‘Applications’ area.

You just need handbrake and vlc (nb. Are you using a mac?) if not then you do need to do as above. If on a mac then just locate the vob file on the disc and away you go

Will VLC decode a big range of DVD’s? I have tried Ripit but it reports bad sectors, I guess because of more sophisticated encryption rather than a duff copy from Blockbuster? I used to use Mac The Ripper but can’t find a Snow Leopard-friendly version 🙁

@ DrJ

No more internal DVD decryption
Yeah, we know, no one reading this is going “Oh wow, no more DVD decryption–what a great new feature!” but…deal.

HandBrake will dynamically load VLC’s copy of libdvdcss if you have it in your Applications folder in Mac OS X, and if you’re on Linux, and you want to live on the wild side, you can install libdvdcss on your system and get the same effect.

Translation of the last paragraph from nerdese:

We’re not about to stop you from choosing to decrypt DVDs. If you’re on a Mac, and you have VLC 0.9.x installed, you won’t even notice the internal capability’s gone. If you’re on Linux, all you have to do is install a library.

-http://handbrake.fr/%5B/url%5D

ItsKIts pretty effective. The only issue I find is when movies are split into multiple vobs, means stitching them all together afterwards

To be honest, I just started downloading the films I actually own, as it got such a faff.

Handbrake works most times. Simple, one step DVD to iPod/iTunes conversion. The most recent version is a lot easier than the previous one. Video conversion is unlikely to be a fast thing unless you have a monster machine. And be prepared for a long and boring wait if you have fewer than 2 cores.

If you can find it, visual hub will convert most video files into another form.

There is a Mac the Ripper for Snow Leopard. But with Handbrake doing the job in one step MTR only needs to come out for some things.

As ever, you need VLC.

For PC? I once used Magic DVD ripper – that worked well for what I needed.

A bit confused still about Handbrake … their doc itself even mentions using Fairmount to decode DVD’s (which also just reports bad sectors …)

So – if I launch HB, and stick a DVD in the drive, will it do the gubbins all alone, as long as I have VLC as well?

DVD Shrink[/url] should rip most DVD’s to your hard drive, if not then DVD Decrypter[/url].

I use this and it works well enough for me;

http://www.cucusoft.com/

@DrJ.

Yes.

1. Insert DVD.

2. Quit DVD Player if it launches.

3. Run Handbrake.

4. Hit Command + O

5. Select the DVD in the finder popup and hit open.

5a. Handbrake should select the main feature by default, if in doubt check the drop down box where it says Title is the one with the longest duration.

6. Select your preset from the right hand pane in handbrake. (you may need to press Toggle Presets or Command + T if you do not see the presets drawer.)

7. Go make a cup of tea and wait.

8. Oh press Start in handbrake first.

@Jamie – thanks – I’ll give it another try 🙂

So I have given Handbrake another go. It read the DVD fine and appeared to encode it correctly.

I was able to transfer the file to iTunes but when I went to play it the chapters were out of order.

What did I do wrong?

Anyone? Jamie?

Hi Pete,

It is probably due to dummy titles used as a counter piracy measure and is explained here:

http://trac.handbrake.fr/wiki/SupportFAQ#scrambledscenes

Anyways.

To identify the correct title to encode in Handbrake do the following:

1 – Insert disc into PC

2 – Open Handbrake

3 – Click SOURCE to scan the disc

If the disc comes back with 99 Chapters

Open VLC

Play disc as if I was going to watch the movie

When movie begins, click PLAYBACK, drop down and click TITLE to see which title is playing

Close VLC

On Handbrake main screen, Select the title that was playing on VLC

Issue Resolved

If the disc has the standard amount of chapters; rip as usual

4 – Done

– source

The bottom line is you need to find the original title that is playing and load that in Handbrake to avoid the dummy files.

Thanks Jamie, I will give it another shot later. Are those instructions the same for MAC?

Thanks Jamie, I will give it another shot later. Are those instructions the same for MAC?

Yes mate, as VLC has the same UI across all platforms.

/nerd mode off