Importing DVD

[Francis Hughes]

We need a lot more information about the DVD first mate. Details, details! Is the DVD authored is it quicktime/video files on a DVD? If your talking about DVD authored material (Video_TS files) then there are a few programs that will do it. DVDSP is not going to help you get material off a DVD its for DVD creation.

[Todd Reid]

Also, PLEASE tell us that you are not trying to import copyrighted commercial dvds.

I can’t believe I actually wrote this, I get a bit tired of reading that response to this question, as I have had several legitimate reasons to need dvd material transfered into my mac, but that was my very first thought after reading this post.

Having said that, assuming your intentions are honorable, Hand Brake, is one of the many programs that will do this. Google!

DVDSP is a dvd authoring program, so it just makes dvds.

Todd Reid
Senior Editor
Digitized Media, Inc.

[Francis Hughes]

I too have the same suspicions todd and thats why I did not offer a solution and was waiting until had satisfied me he was not ripping the latest Hollywood films.

[Zane Barker]

[todd reid] “Hand Brake, is one of the many programs that will do this.”

NOT if you want to bring it into FCP.

New this question has ben asked hundreds of times here on the cow forums. a simple search of the forums will provide all the info you need.

There are no “technical solutions” to your “artistic problems”.
Don’t let technology get in the way of your creativity!

[Chris Tompkins]

MPEG stream clip – rip it to a 8 bit uncompressed file .mov and import it.

Chris Tompkins
Video Atlanta

[Todd Reid]

What do you mean “NOT”, I’ve done this successfully 2 or 3 times.

The other one mentioned Mpeg Streamclip, works too.

Todd Reid
Senior Editor
Digitized Media, Inc.

[Rich Rubasch]

Ahem….Depending on what codec you are editing with in FCP there are a few options….but MPEGStreamclip is perfect for this. Mostly because if it is a copy protected DVD MPEG Streamclip won’t decode it.

We edit SD material exclusively in DVCPro50. We have found that since most of our final SD programs end up on DVD anyway, and since we actually get quite a bit of our elements on DVDs from past projects etc, the 720 x 480 frame size is a better workflow with the advantages of being 4:2:2. It is also a slightly faster encode going back to DVD.

Oh, and much of our SD material is on DVCAM, also 720 x 480 natively on the tape.

In any case, although 8 bit uncompressed is fine, it’s also pretty fat and a good fit if that is what you are editing with in FCP. DVCPro50 has been our workhorse codec in SD over the years and it is solid all thru post, and again, the 720 x 480 frame size makes it even more convenient.

Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media

[Jeff York]

Could you give us a little more info? I have NOT been successful with using Handbrake in ripping DVD material for use in FCP. My copy of Handbrake only seems to give me MP4, AVI, MKV, and OGM as output options. I do like that it reminds me to put the cocktail down when it’s time to get back to work.

MPEG Streamclip seems to be the best option for ripping directly into editable MOV.