We’re sure you’ve seen the commercial for Wal Mart offering you to back up your DVD’s to Digital for $2.00 a Disc. But what they don’t tell you is that you can also do this yourself, and get a copy of all your DVD’s special features. It’s quick, simple, and you don’t even have to leave your own home. Here’s how we do it.
First things first, you’ll need a computer with a DVD (or BluRay) burner. Then download one or both of these programs. We’ll teach how to use both. The only difference is one is free, the other is a little pricey, but well worth it.
VLC Media Player – Free | Mac DVD Ripper Pro (for Windows) -Paid
Mac DVD Ripper Tutorial
This program allows you to decide what device to format your back up for. You can create a iTunes copy for your iPad or iPod, PSP, even Zune copy. That or you can create a direct copy of the DVD in two simple steps. Each one is a different file type, and if you don’t know jack about file types or what device will take what, no worries, all you have to do is click a button and it does it for you. If you know what you’re doing then you need no further instructions. For those that are lost, here’s a picture.
Now, what you do from here is solely up to you. But if you need further help, then you shouldn’t be attempting this in the first place. Kidding. Once you create your back up you can move it to iTunes and load it to your iPad or iPod (depending on the file type) or watch it on your tablet or laptop. If you’re tech savvy then you can go even further & put it on an external Hard Drive and watch it on any device you want (more on this next time).
One huge point for those that have had problems burning DVD copies in the past is that several DVD’s are now coded to hide the main movie file. What’s neat about Mac DVD Ripper Pro for windows is that it finds the file automatically. So no digging and no hair pulling. The downside is that it will only copy the Movie, none of the special features or commentaries. But we have a way to do that too.
If you decide to cheap out and just download the VLC Media Player, then you’ll have to spend a little extra time doing this, but will get similar results. This way will create an automatic MP4 which will play on an iPad, iPod, and Windows Media Player. But is really simple too.
Step 1: Open up VLC Media Player
Step 2: Insert A DVD
Step 3: Hit Play & once it starts hit the Red Button.
This is also how you can record Special Features and create a back up of the entire DVD. Just go to the DVD Menu and select which part of the DVD you want to record and follow steps 1-3 all over again.
The only downsides to this is you’ll have to allow the movie to play while it records, and it automatically saves the file in you Video file on Windows systems. Unless you want to keep it there you can move it where you want to store it. And of course you can load it to your device of choice.
See, no since in wasting your money to have someone else do it, not to mention handing over your DVD’s to a complete stranger with no guarantee of getting it back in the same shape. Hope this helps you save a little money, and be a little more tech savvy.
