DVD to iPod Supplement: DVD Decrypter

Well, I told y'all about Videora in my last post. This post is a supplement to inform you of the DVD decrypting software that you can use to get the VOB image from you DVD. I would also like to inform you of a free image burner that will burn your DVD image back to a disc. The best thing about these two applications and the ones I told you about last time, is that they are FREE and they are good quality. No spyware, no viruses. Videora has ads, but that's it.
<<>>

First, DVD Decryter: Yeah, that's its name. Pretty straight forward eh? The application itself is really simple. It is not, however, the most user-friendly piece of software out there. That is not to say that you can't figure it out. The best way to use it is in cooperation with Videora. In fact, Videora give you instructions on how to use it best. Make sure that you go through these instructions rather than just trying it on your own. Download DVD Decrypter.

Second, ImgBurn: Yeah, that's its name too. Also straight forward. This is free software that burns the images you pulled off your back onto a writeable DVD. In other words, this is the second phase of the copying a disc process that allows you to burn the VOB image. It is not difficult to use. In fact, it will make itself an option when you insert a blank DVD into your computer. You can also open the program and do it all that way. Experiment with it. It won't be hard for you to figure out. Download DVD Image Burner

That's really all I'm going to say about this particular subject for now. I don't think that these applications need tutorials besides the one proved by Videora. Pleae, if you have questions on how to use any of the software or sites I post here, please feel free to comment, e-mail or contact me using the contact feature on the side.

Ipod Converters

Do you have a video iPod (i.e. classic, touch, nano)? Ever wondered how to put videos on it without having to buy them from iTunes? What you need is a DVD to iPod converter. This software will enable you to turn your DVD's into a compatible format for your iPod (i.e. mpeg4). You see, the problem with the whole iTunes - iPod idea is that it is bad for consumers. I say bad for consumers because the whole idea is designed to limit your use of the iPod to only things bought on iTunes. Fortunately, iTunes allows you to import CD's to your music library, but not DVD's. The reason for that might be because it would make iTunes a much more complex application, however, it is extemely convenient for Apple as they please producers by putting limits on what can be done with their movies AND Apple makes a grip off it. (Note: this is very similar to the reason that the company uses DRM soooo extensively - to please music producers [a critical supplier] and to make a grip of money [from critical consumers]).

First thing to know is: don't EVER pay for a converter. There are countless ways to do it for free. Here are a couple of really good converters that will do everything you want without much hassle. Each has its own benefits. I use Videora and Handbrake primarily and so I will highlight only these apps (click on the links to go to their site). I'm sure that there are other very useful applications and won't you please tell me about them (only if they are free, I won't pay for one, ever)!

Videora - I should begin by saying that DVD to iPod conversion is a two-phase process. First, a DVD must be decrypted, then the decrypted file must be formatted propererly (re-encrypted if you will) to mpeg4. Videora ONLY accomplishes the latter of those two phases. It will format relatively any file already on your hard drive (i.e. VOB, AVI, Divx, etc) but will not decrypt DVD's. For that, you must use a simple decrypter that the application will point you to. The reason I still use this application given this limitation, is because it is by far the most user friendly DVD to iPod application I have encountered (10 out of 10 easy). It is simple to set up a conversion that will convert a TV quality video. The whole process is step-by-step and quite easy to walkthrough. In total, the process takes about 1 1/2 hours per DVD (both phases considered).

Handbrake - This application is probably the most hassle-free to use as it does both phases of the process: DVD decryption and formatting to mpeg4. I have found the quality to be equivalent to Videora. As far as user-friendliness, I give it a 6 out of 10. Its easy to use but it does use a lot of "jargon" that I only learned through trial and error. In total, the process takes around 1 to 1 1/2 hours to complete a conversion. I have had more errors using this software than Videora. I think it is becuase the program does the entire process which means more can go wrong in a single conversion.

The skinny: If you are new to the whole DVD to iPod thing, I would use Videora. It has step-by-step instructions for both DVD decryption and conversion to mpeg4. You would only need to follow those instructions once, then its clear sailing as you will be more comfortable with the process. Handbrake is better for a more seasoned warrior as it uses some technical jargon that I find inconvenient. You can "circumrent" (watch Arrested Development to know what thats funny) these problem by trial and error, however.

Remember that you can convert any DVD you own so have fun with it and good luck. Questions or concerns, post a comment on this post and I will respond.