Know How...

Dec 6th 2012

Know How... 22

Back Up Your DVDs

Today, we're taking our DVDs and backing them up. Then we're going to play them on the AppleTV.

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Category: Help & How To

Today, we're taking our DVDs and backing them up. Then we're going to play them on the AppleTV.

Materials:

  • DVDs
  • Rip
  • Computer with iTunes
  • AppleTV (Why pick the AppleTV? Because it is the most limited. Make a video file that works on it, it'll work anywhere)

Instructions:

  • Rip the DVD using DVD Decrypter or MakeMKV.
    • DVD Decrypter will preserve all the menus and special features.
    • MakeMKV will rip the titles in separate MKV files. It costs $50, but it works like a charm.
  • Use Handbrake to rip unencrypted DVDs or compress your MKV to an H.264 file compatible with your device.
    • Handbrake has presets for several devices including Apple TV.
    • Play around with Handbrake and you'll see settings for audio and subtitles. You can customize your video all you want.
  • We suggest adding metadata to your files so it will look pretty. You can use MediaMonkey for Windows or iDentify for Mac. Both are free.
  • Import your resulting files to iTunes.
    • You'll have the album artwork and information right in the file.
    • Turn sharing on in iTunes in Preferences > Sharing.
  • From your Apple TV, choose Computers and you'll see your library.
    • Pick the movie you just made.
    • The Apple TV can access multiple audio tracks, but not subtitles unless they are burned in.

Quicktip:

How to print TO iOS or Android.

  • Use ACTPrinter to make your device a virtual printer or simply print a PDF to your cloud storage solution (like Dropbox).

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