In this guide I am going to explain how to use the open-source (free!) program HandBrake 0.9.2 to convert a DVD into a movie file that you can play on virtually any computer.
Converting DVDs into Movie Files with HandBrake 0.9.2
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First, we are going to need to download and install HandBrake 0.9.2. Go to the official HandBrake website and download it for free. Make sure you download the “GUI” file. Installing it is simple. On Mac, drag the application to your Applications folder. On Windows, run and complete the installer.
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Once you have HandBrake installed, insert any DVD into your computer and open HandBrake.
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This step differs whether you are on Windows or Mac.
Mac: A dialog box will appear and ask you where your source is. Select your DVD in the left side of the dialog box, and hit OK. Continue to the next step.
Windows: When you open the program, find the bold text that says “Source”. Then look for the button just to the right that says Browse. Note that there are two buttons that say Browse. Choose the one on the top. Find your DVD under Computer (or My Computer on Windows XP and below), then hit OK. Continue to the next step.
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Now you need to choose a source file. This also differs based on operating system.
Mac: It will already be set to save on your desktop, however you can click the Browse button under Destination if you wish to change where the output file will go.
Windows: Click on the second Browse button under Destination, then find a place where you wish to save the file, for example, your desktop. Give it a name, such as “Cool Movie” and then hit OK.
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Now we can change settings that will affect the quality and the size of our file. Obviously the higher the quality, the larger the file. You can also choose one of the presets in the right pane. Choose one of the following options:
Presets: Choose a preset to save your movie. For example, iPhone or Television. If you are planning to watch it on your computer, keep it on Normal preset.
Target File Size: If you want to save disk space and sacrifice quality, go to the video tab at the bottom. This will be automatically selected on Mac, but on Windows you will have to select it. It is just to the right of “Picture Settings” on Windows. On Mac, click the button next to “Target size (MB)” and then put in your target file size. For Windows, click in the text box and put in your target file size. I recommend 1,000 for a target size. This is equal to about one gigabyte, and will take little disk space and have good quality. However, if you need to, you can lower it. I recommend 500 for the lowest you go.
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Now you can choose whether you want to use a “Two-pass encoding”. Basically this means that it will go through the movie twice, first to get the image, and then second with a fine comb to smooth it out and give better detail. I recommend the two-pass encoding if you have time, but it will take about twice as long. To enable/disable it, check the box under the Video tab that says “2-Pass encoding”.
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Now, you’re ready to “rip” the video onto your computer. Click the Start button at the top of the window, and then it will start to put the DVD onto your computer. This may take a while, especially if using the two-pass encoding. To make it take less time, use the Normal preset (faster but larger file), or set a smaller target size.
Once this finishes, you now have the DVD saved onto your computer, which you can play on almost all computers.
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