Sometimes its hard to believe they are FREE, but there are some amazing FREE TECH RESOURCES out there. Today’s focus is on video. I’m often asked how and what software should be used to rip (copy) a DVD to a computer. My recommendation is Handbrake. Handbrake is FREE and available for Macs, Windows, and for the true geek users of the world, Linux.
Handbrake is easy to install, and is very easy to use. Upon launching the application you are immediately presented with a window to select your video source. Simply select the DVD you wish to rip (you don’t need to select any of the files/folders on the DVD) and then click open. Handbrake will then scan the DVD and provide a list of chapters. Either choose to copy the full DVD (select the full playtime of the dvd), or choose to copy a specific chapter by using the drop-down menus. Upon clicking start your video output will be saved to your desktop (macs). If you want to change the output, location use the browse button.
Handbrake offers a great time and space saving feature through its availability of presets. If want to rip a DVD for future playback on your iPhone or older iPod simply select the appropriate preset and your clip will automatically be encoded and resized for playback. I highly recommend using the presets if you are sure of your playback method. If you’re not sure what your final output will be, or if you intend for video playback to occur on multiple devices, you will want to stay with the default setting of normal. Later you can import/export the movie into whatever format later using iMovie or Windows Movie Maker (both are pre-installed on their respective platforms). Note: Handbrake is NOT the tool to use if you are seeking to create a duplicate DVD.
So its really that easy. Select your DVD, select your chapters, select a preset, and then click start! Its FREE, its quick, and its easy. If you want to get down and dirty with Handbrake you might want to checkout their Documentation & Wiki as well as become a part of their Community.
I recommend easy to use, free tech services and resources that I've personally used/tested. I select free tech tools to review based upon my past & current work with various non-profit organizations in which I provide(d) a wide variety of tech support services including general tech consulting, web design, database dev, and elearning. Additionally, I like to help those new to technology learn more through tips and simple explanations.
