Filed under: Multimedia, Software, Video
Get those DVDs onto your iPhone or Mac
HandBrake is one of those applications that we adore here at TUAW HQ. It makes converting DVDs into a variety of digital files a snap (though only use it with DVDs you own. Don't be pirates, kids). Chris Breen, of Macworld fame (and an amateur astronomer it would seem) shows us how to use HandBrake like a pro. Breen goes a step beyond 'use the presets' and delves into what many of the options HandBrake offers up actually do, and how they impact your files.Check out the video, and get to ripping your DVDs!

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
James Creedon said 5:32PM on 12-28-2007
First again?
Reply
Christopher Wilson said 5:36PM on 12-28-2007
Nobody cares if you're first to comment, stop posting. You look like an idiot.
James Creedon said 5:36PM on 12-28-2007
Although I am first, I cede my claim to the next individual to post. That said, I've found Handbrake to be an incredibly useful app. However, the times I've used its iPhone settings, it hasn't formatted the video quite right. It seems to be eliminating too much detail in the video. Anyone else have this problem?
Reply
Nick said 5:54PM on 12-28-2007
Never had this problem. Aren't you just a little bit gutted. ;)
Max Goedjen said 6:17PM on 12-28-2007
I use this app all the time, love it.
I use a modified version of the ipod hi-quality setting, with 750kbps average bitrate and 2 pass encoding. Looks good on an iPod and on a TV.
Reply
robogobo said 6:31PM on 12-28-2007
Handbrake is great, been using it for a few years. However, to really get some powerful features, take the advice at the end of each rip and try Visual Hub. It's great x10
Reply
thethirdmoose said 6:55PM on 12-28-2007
Handbrake makes great videos for my archos 605... a great tool if you have netflix...
Reply
JR said 7:18PM on 12-28-2007
I prefer VisualHub, even though it isn't free.. Never a problem.
Reply
Simon Arch said 7:21PM on 12-28-2007
"Don't be pirates, kids"
Well the MPAA might claim using Handbrake at all would be piracy. I say go nuts. Don't DISTRIBUTE, but copy anything you can get your hands on. The MPAA and RIAA are trying to tell us that sharing media is Wrong™, but we've been sharing media for YEARS. We're USED to being liberal with our media. I've shared (and taped) hundreds of CDs with my friends over the course of my adult life, but according to the RIAA, that's stealing. They've been lax all these years and suddenly the ability to share has made a huge leap forward in both speed and quality and NOW they're crying foul? Too late, guys. We're moving forward despite your wish to anchor us in your technological stone age.
Reply
Galley said 9:47AM on 12-29-2007
Interestingly, one of the presets in Visual Hub is "go nuts!".
THJ said 7:50PM on 12-28-2007
Handbrake is great for getting your DVDs on to your Mac, and I agree with the above posters, VisualHub is the BEST way to get them (and any other random video torrents that were, of course, legally acquired) onto your iPhone/Touch/Apple TV.
Being able to watch Grandma's Boy on your phone while sitting on the tarmac is a wonderful, wonderful thing.
Reply
Gripweed said 7:20AM on 12-29-2007
I want that Help! dvd Scott has. Yes, I am a Beatles nut.
Reply
Eric said 12:22PM on 12-29-2007
Help! has never been released on DVD... it has to be a bootleg.
A Hard Day's Night is the only authorised Beatle movie available right now.
Reply
Brian said 1:01PM on 12-29-2007
I thought "Help!" was released in the US last month...
Chris Breen said 5:07PM on 12-29-2007
Brian's right, the DVD of Help! was finally released last month, in both a standard edition and a (very expensive) deluxe edition.