Ripping DVDs

[crokett]

The new video camera was supposed to be able to let me pull video straight from the camera. It does -IF- you record to memory card instead of mini-DVD. So now I have unedited footage on DVD that will play in a player but my video editing SW doesn't want to import it. So what do you guys use (preferably free) to rip DVDs to video?

[jcjrsmith]

I use DVD-FAB (http://www.dvdfab.com). I have a Microsoft Home Server and have been putting our DVD's there using this software. We can use the Xbox as a media extender to watch the movies and the disk stays in its protective case.

if you have a portable media player like a Zune or Ipod it will rip a DVD so you can watch it on those as well.

[iceman61]

I use DVD-FAB here also. Great software. I also have been backing up all of my DVD's to a network hard drive for the past year & just purchased a new Linksys Media Extender but haven't gotten it set up yet.

DVD-FAB is great software.

[jussi]

I use DVD-Fab but for a free solution you can still use good old DVD Decrypter. Their homepage has been sued out of existence I believe but there are still many sites that carry it.

Your pulling mpeg2 video from the dvd however which will have already been compressed so you won't be working with the best quality. Plus some editing softwares are finicky and won't edit mpeg2.

[rjwaldren]

DVD Decrypter, you'll have to google around to find it but to this day it's still the best solution I've found.

[crokett]

Thanks for the replies. DVD-FAB looks very nice but this will be (I think) a one time use to get the files off of this disc. I will get a memory card this week for the camera. I did discover I can use it as a webcam if I want.

[LinuxRandal]

Sorry, I should have mentioned this when I first read it (brain dead). Since your playing with Linux, a program that you can use on it or Windows, VLC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdQKtxto7C4

[LCHIEN]

Thanks for the replies. DVD-FAB looks very nice but this will be (I think) a one time use to get the files off of this disc. I will get a memory card this week for the camera. I did discover I can use it as a webcam if I want.

I think DVD-FAB offers a free evaluation period - 30 days... if its a one time thing, then its perfect for you.

[LCHIEN]

I ripped this DVD today and here's how it came out:

Apparently a write-once DVD

[rjwaldren]

Loring, I was under the impression that he is rather fond of his family and is looking to archive memories. Though your method does seem very effective a removing content from the DVD I question it effects on media lifespan.

So the DVD Camera's don't support inline editing straight from the camera off DVD? What format does it same to the Memory stick? If it's MP2 you'll probably still need to convert it to another format such as DV or avi to edit it. I assume you were hoping to inline edit just like you would with a MiniDV tape, in an application such a Pinnacle studio or even windows movie maker, which only see MP2 as a final output format. Have you looked at kino under linux? It probably has the same limitations.

I've never found a single tool that does every thing well. Have a look at www.videohelp.com and www.afterdawn.com for some guides. It will likely require multiple tools to get what you want and keep the quality high.

[Richard in Smithville]

I use DVD Shrink to rip my dvd's. I don't know if it will work in your case but it is free to download. You may have to google around for it but it is simple to use. I wonder if Nero would work for you? It's supposed to be one of the best around.

[Kristofor]

I own DVD-FAB and AnyDVD HD. I started with the former but the latter is what I use 95% of the time these days since moving into HD. But I don't think you should need either for what you're trying to do...

I am surprised that your home video camera is applying protection to your data. That seems odd. Without the CSS encryption you can use something as simple as a windows file copy to pull the files. Are you sure the issue isn't with your editing software? What video editing program are you using? Does it have native support for MPG2 VOBs?

Kristofor.

[crokett]

I What video editing program are you using? Does it have native support for MPG2 VOBs?

Kristofor.

Adobe Premiere CS3. This link says it does:

http://livedocs.adobe.com/en_US/Prem...E29332157.html

But if I try to import a .VOB file after I rip it from the miniDVD the .VOB extension is not listed in the choice of formats to import. I tried importing anyway and Premiere told me it was an invalid format. I saw on the web where I could change the extension to .mpg, that worked sort of. Premiere imported it but no sound. After changing the extension, Windows Media Player plays it just fine, and Movie Maker imports it with no problems. Right now I have Movie Maker exporting it as a .wmv file. I figure I will let Premiere deal with that. For as good as Premiere is supposed to be, it is kinda crappy. Back before Christmas I hit a major bug between it and Encore that Adobe apparently doesn't plan to fix. Now it doesn't do something it is supposed to do. Now I run into this.

Lovely. I did some reading and it appears the dumbed down version of Premiere (Elements) will do what I want but the full version I have won't. Brilliant Adobe, just brilliant thinking on your part.

[jussi]

Premiere was one of the programs I was thinking of that doesn't like mpeg2 files. The easiest way to do it is get a plug-in from Mainconcept. But it ain't free and pretty pricey if I remember. I used their free trial a while back and many people give great reviews.


Try this method. It worked for me in the past and it's free. Much faster than having to re-encode, especially if you have a long video. The site is great as well and has many adobe tutorials.

http://www.wrigleyvideo.com/forum/in...howtopic=22869

http://www.wrigleyvideo.com/forum

[crokett]

Jussi, I tried that tonight on one of the files but didn't get any audio in Premiere. What am I missing? At this point, using Movie Maker to render a .wmv file is looking better and better. It might be a bit slow but I know it works.