How to Convert DVD Content to Streaming Video
Streaming video works by taking a video file and converting it into a "stream". When you watch a streaming video file, you don't download the whole file at one time. Rather, a streaming video server breaks the file down into chunks and sends them to you in a continuous stream (hence the name). Streaming servers allow users to watch longer and longer videos over the internet. For example, now it's entirely possible to convert an entire DVD content to streaming video for watching in a web browser.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer with DVD drive
- Handbrake (or other) DVD ripping software
- Internet connection
Instructions
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Download and install a DVD ripping program such as Handbrake (see Resources, below). These programs take the encoded files on a DVD and convert them into a video file format for watching on iPods or manipulating in a video editing program. Handbrake is a free and open source ripping program that works on PCs, Macs and Linux.
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Open your DVD drive and pop in your DVD. Stop your DVD player if it automatically starts playing the DVD.
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Start the Handbrake program.
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Click "Continue" when Handbrake senses the DVD. It will scan the DVD and show you the files it can extract. Select the file that you want to convert to streaming video.
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Make sure that "Normal" under "Regular" is selected on the right hand side of the screen. This will convert your DVD file into a full size mp4 file, suitable for uploading to a streaming web service such as YouTube.
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Enter the destination and file name where you would like the converted file to be stored on your computer.
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Click "Start" when you are happy with your choices and ready to encode.
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Allow Handbrake to encode the video file. For longer videos, this may take a few minutes.
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Log into your streaming video service. In YouTube, for example, this is done by clicking "My Account" on the homepage.
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Click "Upload" once you have logged in to your account. Navigate to where you have stored your encoded file. Click "OK" and the file will begin uploading. This may take a few minutes for large files.
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Tips & Warnings
Handbrake is just one example of the myriad of DVD ripping programs out there. Check in the Resources below for examples of other DVD utilities and programs.
Do not use the Handbrake or any other DVD ripping program to distribute copyrighted movies.
