Converting DVD Video Disc to Individual Video Files
Sometimes it is more convenient to have individual video files (.AVI, .MPG, .MOV) than having a DVD disc with the same content. You can have the video file saved on your computer, you can post it on your website (if it is small enough), and you can edit it using some video editing software.
This text will give you some starting information about converting DVD video discs to individual video files on both Windows and Mac.
Windows
Free software: DVDx- Download and install DVDx software.
- Insert your DVD disc to a drive.
- Run DVDx software.
- Select File - Open DVD Root from the menu and select the title on the disc you want to save. Click Select and then OK.
- A previw of the video should apper in the window.
- Click Settings - Output Settings from the menu to select an output format:
- Video CD (MPEG1), Super Video CD (MPEG2): recommended if you plan to view your video on Mac. Video CD has resolution of 352x240, Super Video CD 480x480.
- AVI: if an appropriate codec selected, it produces smaller files but there may be problems with compatibility.
- WMV (Windows Media Video): for use only on Windows.
- After selecting the format, click on Apply button.
- Select File - Select output file from the menu, click Browse and type the name of your new file (it will be saved with this name).
- Click on the red button in the bottom right corner to start encoding the video. Note that the encoding process can take a large amount of time (maybe as long as the video is).
To convert a DVD disc to AVI file, you will need a codec to produce a reasonably smaller file. You can download the most used DivX. If you plan to distribute the video file, all people will need to have this codec. Therefore, it would be a good idea to include the above link with your file so that people can download it if they need.
Mac
Free software: HandBrake- Download, unzip, and run HandBrake software.
- Insert your DVD disc to a drive.
- Click on Browse and locate your DVD drive. Click Open
- In the right hand corner choose the target format of your video file. You can choose either MP4, AVI, or OGM.
- Click on Browse and locate the folder where you want to have the output file. Then type a new name.
- Click on Rip button to start encoding.
