best format/program to rip dvd's

[Mantooth]

I am trying to put all of my old dvd's onto a hard drive and enable them to played back on my tv from a computer. I know there are many options out there right now.

Ideally, I would like to rip dvd's to be able to play them through iTunes (quicktime) and keep the playback simple and constant for every movie. I do want to put all of them onto an external hard drive though, so that I can plug it in and rip from any computer. I also wanted to keep 5.1 surround playback possible, and I have been reading that it isn't always possible with quicktime. I know iTunes can play mpeg-4 with an encoder correct? Can I still output 5.1 audio? I know apple computers can't, but I am looking to buy a cheap netbook anyways (hopefully w/ HDMI out and 5.1 audio out)

I have searched a lot online and haven't found much because the articles usually get too technical too early for me to absorb anything. I am a newb to this and am trying, but any help would be appreciated. Even pointing me in the right direction to sites where I can read more will help.

Thanks,
Tooth

[solefald]

mac of pc?

for mac handbrake is the best. and free. http://handbrake.fr/

[Mantooth]

Originally Posted by solefald

mac of pc?

for mac handbrake is the best. and free. http://handbrake.fr/

I checked that out earlier. Does that program allow you to keep chapters and menu's?? So I want mpeg-4 and what about the audio? Will that just go along with it in whatever format it is? I did see problems about audio and video sync (lip sync is off)

And I think I am going to get LaCie 2TB external Hard Drive for $249
And probably go with Apple TV and use whatever format will work for that.
I have decided to forego the 5.1 audio for the most part in order to use Apple TV and hope that they change that in the future.

Thanks!!

[solefald]

i have a mac mini permanently hooked up to my tv. i dont have a home theater, so mini straight into tv with a dvi cable. i run Plex (http://www.plexapp.com). it is free, pretty polished and woks waaaaaaaay better than boxee. this setup has been doing an excellent job as an entertainment center.

i don't really rip movies. it takes less time to download it then sit there and rip from dvds.

http://handbrake.fr/?article=details
this page clearly states that it has chapter support, so you should be able to rip full dvds, which i find kinda useless. i never ever watch extras...

[SantaPimp27]

use mediafork to rip movies. it keeps chapters and everything. it is the newest form of handbreak. it also converts to .mp4

i have mediafork set up so it rips the best quality dvd it can. it takes longer but i want it to look good

.mp4 plays through your apple tv if you get one. i have one and its awesome. only problem is you gotta wait 30 days to rent new movies. its so easy to stream movies or music and works pretty flawlessly.

[Blake]

i thought this was spam for half a second...

[AllydNYC]

Originally Posted by Blake

i thought this was spam for half a second...

+1

[TexasKid]

123 Copy works 100% but you have to pay $20 for it and make sure you download the update.