How to Convert DVD's for iPod

Want to learn how to convert DVD's so they'll play on an iPod? The following how-to assumes you own the DVD media and it's not copyrighted or protected by any law. It's simple with a free, open source program called Handbrake Lite and a fast computer. Disclaimer: If you intend to use this knowledge to copy protected media, you are on your own and you assume full responsibility for such activity. Different organizations interpret the DMCA in different ways, make allowances for such "fair use" rights, but to be safe, if it is copyrighted then don't rip it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Video capable iPod (5G or newer)
• iTunes
• Fast computer (so conversions are quick-er)
• Mac OS X or Windows XP
• Handbrake Lite (http://isquint.org/handbrakelite/)

1. Install Handbrake Lite onto your computer.
2. Insert a DVD you own, and one that you made from your own content. Make sure it's not copyrighted or protected by any laws against duplication.
3. Select the DVD drive in Handbrake Lite.
4. Change encoder to FFencoding, bit rate to 700, and give the output a meaningful file name (it defaults to "Movie.mp4").
5. Press the "Rip" button and wait!
6. Drag the movie file onto iTunes when the conversion is complete. If you did it right, then the next time you sync your iPod, your movie will be ready to watch.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use a multi-CPU machine, the conversion and encoding process will be much shorter.
• Don't steal copyrighted material or rip movies you don't own or that are protected.
• If your DVD has multiple sections, you can add these to the rip job by using the "Use Queue" feature. Be sure to give each section a unique filename before adding it to the queue.
• Movies will be very low resolution (320x240 max). However, they'll appear crisp and sharp on the iPod's small screen.
• This is a great way to convert home movies to iPod, or make movie files for use as podcasts.