The DVD Goes IPod

The PDA Substitute The Apple IPod
You do not need to buy a PDA if you already own an iPod. Simply use your iPod as a PDA. Your iPod can do more than just .....

Since the latest versions of iPod enable video viewing, it only makes sense that the next step would be to create a way for DVDs to be viewed on the device, as well. There are freeware utilities that exist to allow you to transfer DVDs to your hard drive and then import them onto your iPod for viewing. Adding the videos to your iPod library will make video storage while traveling much easier.

Transferring DVD to iPod, for the most part, involves taking the content from the DVD, also called “ripping”, adding it to your hard drive, then copying it from your hard drive you your iPod via iTunes. There are several different utilities that allow you to do this. Here are some overviews for the most commonly used utilities.

One of the most frequently used utilities is HandBrake. To use HandBrake first put the DVD into your DVD drive. Then launch the program. Once the program has launched it will scan the disk. Sometimes the disk cannot be read due to special app protection. In this case you will receive a message saying, “no valid title found”. After the program has read scanned the disk, it will display a list of titles. The titles will include all the viewable files that are on the disk: the movie, any documentaries, deleted scenes or other extras. Select the file you wish to rip. If you cannot locate which file is the movie, it is usually the one that has the longest duration. After you have selected the file, next choose the appropriate settings and click the Rip button. The program will begin ripping the DVD. The process can take up to a few hours to complete. Once the program has completed, you can add the file to your iPod library.

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Another utility is Xilisoft DVD to iPod Converter. This product can be purchased for $29.00 from the manufacturer’s website. This utility allows you to compress files to any size and allows you to preview the ripping progress. Xilisoft is easy to use for beginners, but also includes various setting controls so that the product is great for veterans as well.

There are several other utilities available for converting DVDs to a format that can be viewed on the iPod. To find more of these utilities, you can do an Internet search for “Convert iPod to DVD”. This will give you links to various utilities. You can select the one that has the ease of use and price range you desire.

Since DVD files are ......