hi - this is my first post

can anyone help me figure out how to rip my DVDs onto my ipod?

i've worked out how to convert avi files etc to mp4 (videora, in case anyone's struggling with this) but there doesn't seem to be a simple solution straight from dvd...

it would be really make my 90 min commute go faster if i could watch three episodes of sex and the city on the way to work...

thanks!

If you already own the DVD's, it'd be far easier to just download the stuff you're after already ripped. In an apple-firendly format if you can find it, in DivX or something and convert if you can't.

To get a DVD onto an iPod you have to rip the DVD and then convert the resulting rip into a format the iPod can handle.

There are numerous programs and methods for ripping DVD's. Try sites like videohelp.com or doom9.net for info on ripping DVD.

I use 'mediafork' for all my DVD ripping needs. It allows you to select which chapter(s) you want, queue them up if necessary and even encode them for ipod straight away, in one go.

http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/24032

Or try 'handbrake' if you need a windows version.

thanks i'll try these ideas

i have been downloading stuff i've already got so far but our bandwidth is rubbish and i keep getting told off by the bf...

That's so weird. When I got my iPod last Christmas, I wanted to rip my Sex In the City Dvd's to watch as well and had difficulty and for the same reason! For my commute to work!!

I didn't really get it rectified myself. I ended up buying a Zen which I have to admit was a lot easier but I'm now watching SATC happily

Good luck!

If you use handbrake what settings do you use to get the correct files ?.....

Ripping from a dvd for the Zen should be no different than for the iPod. You just get a piece of software and encode it to a particular filetype. There's no added process for the iPod.

Personally I use mactheripper to get a copy of the dvd on my computer so I'm not reading from the disc through the whole process, then use handbrake and effectively just select the settings I want and click start.

moisie - it was just more user friendly for me

I'm interested as to why, since you should be able to use the same software since they both support mpeg4. Unless you ripped it to some format the iPod doesn't support and the zen does. Since you can effectively rip to the iPod in a handful of clicks I'd be genuinely interested to hear how it was easier on the zen.

I would love to be able to tell you lol, but it was a while ago. I know I used different software for each one so maybe I just made it more difficult on myself! I just remember thinking that it was much easier. Again though it could've been down to the software

From what I know of them, the Creative players support a few more video formats than the iPod. So, if you weren't all that sure what you were doing when ripping, you're more likely to 'get lucky' and end up with a format that will play on the Zen than on the iPod. iPod's are VERY fussy about their video formats ..... just look at the number of threads that appear on here about it - "How do I do convert video for iPod?", "Why is there no sound on my converted file?", "Why won't iTunes recognise my video files?" .... etc etc. If you don't get it spot-on, the iPod won't play it.

Remember, to non-techy people, ripping a DVD can be quite daunting ....

easiet way I can think of is to use dvd decrypter then videroa ipod convertor

I use Aimersoft DVD ripper, it costs a few quid but easy to use.
the program converts the dvd stright in to 'ipod' format. it shows you clearly what bits of the dvd are there and hen alows you to selected the bits you want. (films/episodes and not title sequances and interviews...)

meandi - i also had a zen until a few weeks ago. it was easier to play videos but i filled it up with music and had no room left so i got one of the new ipod classics literally as it was the largest capacity i could get.

thanks for everyone's help! i will try all and see what i get on with. its when i'm faced with split audio and video files that i'm like

Although keep in mind, that watching video, really drains the battery.

Hope this is what you were after...

I start with 'Picture settings' to check I've got the right chapter. usually leave the settings alone for that.
Then change the output setting codec to 'AVC/H.264vid/ AAC audio'
Then I change the 'encoder' to 'x264(h.264 ipod)'
Give the file a name then start!

Seems to work fine for me but please, if someone knows a better way then do share!

I don't know if this helps but I use DVD fab platinum. You just load the disc, and there's an ipod option that lets you convert the dvd. I've never had any problems using it - and you can download a free trial.