Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Converting AVI's to play on the N810 is perfect with the "N800 Video Converter" but you first need the AVI file to make the conversion. I would like a FREE DVD to AVI converter if anyone knows of a good one.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

I like MPEG Streamclip by Squared 5 and use it at work. (I also use Cinematize 2 by Miraizon, but that's non-free.) If you're looking for something that will rip CSS-protected DVDs you'll need to look elsewhere though.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Handbrake, FairUse Wizard...

I mean, it's not like there aren't oodles of them around, or that this topic hasn't been discussed to fossilized bytes already on this forum.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Video converter uses mplayer's mencoder for conversion, which itself can read nearly everything, including DVDs, if the necessary libraries are installed. So it should be easy to add (ask the author of the program) - if its not already possible by entering dvd:// as source file. (Personally, I use a simple shell script to feed the needed options to mencoder on linux - didn't expose myself to video converter yet).

cheers

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

I like k9copy on Ubununtu

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

This site http://www.videohelp.com/tools has been alot of help to me. The guides are good and will walk you through all types of conversions and have links to the software in the guides. They have reviews of the software and tell you up front if it is freeware, shareware, or commercial. The search page allows you to type in stuff like "DVD to AVI" and it will filter the guides and software you need. I'm pretty sure if one looked hard enough you could find the tools to convert a vinyl LP into a Hollywood blockbuster!

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

And yet, no one has compliled the recent info to the wiki. Or removed the '770' from all the headers (assuming 770, 800, 810 have the same capabilities).

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Now that you know where the Wiki is, why not give it a shot yourself? Isn't that what Wiki's are for?

I am not sure I see the logic in complaining that no one else has done it.

Mind you, neither do I grasp the logic in starting fresh threads on a subject that has already been dealt with pretty comprehensively elsewhere on the forum. But that seems to be the way of things ITT.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

1) Because I don't know how to copy DVD to AVI. I wasn't able to do it using the nokia program, and haven't had time to try the 368 programs and methods that people say will work. Ideally, I'd like the easiest (don't have to select output format, sizes, bitrates) and free.

When I figure it out, and get time, sometime in January, I'll add what I know. I have started drafting info on what I have figured out, going from Tivo to Nokia. My message was directed at the people who say 'oh this thread has been discussed to death', it was resolved in post 32 in x discussion why couldn't you find it?

2) I don't think I can change the http names and don't want to mess up links. I'll leave that to someone more familiar and competent than I. I have contributed some, compiling existing information out of several different threads.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

http://www.dvdfab.com/free.htm DVDFab HD Decrypter is free and simple. Put in the DVD and push start. http://www.autogk.me.uk/ Auto Gordian Knot will take the resulting files and turn them into a .AVI. There are a few choices like if you want it to strip the alternate language tracks out and how large you want the resulting file to be but it is pretty easy, and also free.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

That is interesting. Maybe the Wiki should have two sections, one for this requirement and the other for those who are happy to tweak to achieve optimum results.

If you don't mind posting the link to your Wiki efforts and I shall try and help out.

I have contributed quite a bit to the topic but I think that if you get 10 people you will get 10 different preferred methods.

I have posted info on a simple one stage DVD to Avi playable on MPlayer but there was no feedback so I tend to give up on posting.

I am happy to contribute to a wiki however.

This link seems to be down?
I have used AGK and it has its place from time to time but my favourite remains
CloneAD http://www.clonead.co.uk/

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Wiki is here: http://internettablettalk.com/wiki/i...age#Multimedia

There are two sections (one unfortunately labeled for the 770). The Detail section link is dead, but that would be great for the advanced users who wants to know the bitrate/fps and multitude of supported formats.

I'd be fine with several different ways, as long as it had one, then the next time someone says how do I.... you can send them there. Maybe even write a clever sticky post to re-direct people to the wiki first (rather than/in addition to searching) before posting.

I've used DVDfab before and it was easy if I recall. I think it's only free for a limited time, but reasonable shareware registration fee. Their website seems to be down at the moment.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

I seem to have trouble getting some of the newer "freebies" to work or decrypt properly.

So, I've resorted to DVDShrink to save the decrypted file to the HD, then use the 770 Media Converter (w/N800 option) to process them (using double pass, audio gain and enhanced color...because I can...;) )

The whole process takes a lot longer than the 1-step Nokia Media Studio demo I've tried (which isn't free), but I think these two give finer control over the parameters and it plays smoother (and they're both free!)

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

I also have to un-select the 'resize to 770' checkbox, otherwise it fails to process.
I'm curious what other settings you use. I reduce bitrate to satisfy file size I'm happy with. Haven't watched enough videos to know if that's something I will regret.

It would be nice to list things like.... if you are recording cartoons, don't bother with more than 512, dramas 756, action movies 1024. As mentioned, I'm not huge on video my main concern would be showing my N800 off and having someone laugh at the video quality (either so high it chokes or so low it's grainy).

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Yes, i am working on a new version to support direct DVD conversion and multi track audio in vob files, i think that the new version will be ready before of the next year.
Paolo

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Aflegg mentioned this in another post. I haven't tried it though

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Thanks for the link.

As I understand it, N770 requirements are different so the N8*0 will need a separate section. Also OS2008 changes the Audio and Video requirements again so I might just wait until the final release of the OS and see what is what.

Re Bitrate, I use 500 for everything for the N800.

Search the forum using 'Handbrake' for more information.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

I also check off the 770 resize box. I like good vid image quality, but it's not as important as preventing jerky action, so I stay in the 500-900 range. I've tried to come close to the settings used on the Nokia 800/N95 demo movies - but I can't help but think they were specially optimized somehow to look so good and smooth.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

I can't really comment on the DVD ripping part, but if you have an unencrypted source file of good quality, the Nokia video converter app (http://www.nokia.com/betalabs/videoconverter) will produce mp4 video files that are as good as the demo video files you're talking about

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

I did it. I updated the title on the wiki on media with N800 and N810, plus added a not. I am still learning how to use the wiki so its not perfect.
Thanks for mentioning this - it badly needed to be done. Tell me is you see other obvious things that need a quick fix in the wiki and if I have time I will change it. I am not the most experienced IT user, but I have been around enough to learn the basic and differences of the different ITs and software (so not quite a Noob anymore).

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

After a lot of trial and errors I finally settled on mencoder with these options to encode an AVI file to the optimal Nokia IT format .

This size plays full screen on the Nokia N810.

mencoder input_movie.avi -ovc lavc -lavcopts vcodec=mpeg4 -oac mp3lame -vf scale=400:240 -o output_movie.mpeg


Hope this helps for those using only mencoder.

Of course you still can play with bitrate options etc, but I left that out since not meaning to add too much.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Isn't avidemux supposed to do this?

It's been a while since I ripped DVD but I think I was using this. Specific video post filters for resizing for the devices might be needed (easy)

I had tried dvd::rip but I find it inferior to the great avidemux.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

It has been a while since I had the need to convert dvd’s for my n800.

Thanks for the reminder that Avidemux does this, my memory failed me so when I looked at it again the other day I assumed that it was just for media file conversion. You are of course right, basically just select 01.vob, all of the other vobs are recognised and can be included if need be.

Also I am looking at MediaCoder http://mediacoder.sourceforge.net/ .

In the meantime, my favourite avi.NET doesn’t like my Vista machine so I need to find a solution for general encoding now anyway.

Once I finish my testing of as many apps as I can find for playback on the N800 I shall post the results.

Linux compatibility is important, Handbrake and Avidemux provide this and MediaCoder claims to work under WINE.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

I'd recommend DVDfab. Not only does it rip, but it also converts into a wide variety of common formats and sizes.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Thanks for the suggestion. I have had a look and it costs $50.

Not that I object to paying per se, but I am not sure that it adds much of value over what is available for free.

Where possible I prefer to go the donation route, I like the concept of supporting a developer in what is essentially for him a labour of love.

So I will probably default on a couple of free applications and then make $25 donation to each.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Concerning DVDfab, which I did not know til now. A quick search on google:

http://roundup.mplayerhq.hu/roundup/ffmpeg/issue382

I'd rather give money to the FSF to force these people to comply to the (L)GPL. It's ok if they charge 50 for this but they have to release the source code!
Lame, really lame.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Well, only the pro version costs $50. The lite version is free. If you want a completely FOSS converter, use mencoder.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

I use DVD43 which sits in the tray (Win) and smiles when a DVD is inserted. It allows seamless copy using Handbrake.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Wow! That really is shabby.

Thank you but in view of the above I want nothing to do with it.

Now that sounds cool, thanks I shall give it a try.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

So, what kind of codec, size settings etc.. fit well our devices?

I guess x264 is too cpu intensive or?
I use this for my PC with the help of this:
http://avidemux.org/admWiki/index.php?title=H264

edit: btw, the counterpart of avidemux for windows is VirtualDub

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

See the wiki: http://wiki.maemo.org/Video_encoding

Frank

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Thanks but there's not a lot of info about codecs.
I usually rely on the settings of tablet-encode.

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

This is my Quick guide I use with Handbrake and DVD43
_____________________________________________
DVD ripping using Handbrake and DVD43

1. DVD43 must be running in the tray. Insert DVD and quit any auto action. Orange face will turn to green face when DVD is inserted that is recognized.

2. Start Handbrake

3. Under Source:
Select orange Browse button and find D:\VIDEO_ST folder
Select Title drop down and select the file number that you want to copy eg: 1 (02:44:26).
(This is HH.MM.SS – the long file is probably the one you want)
4. Under Destination:
Select orange Browse button and select C:\[Your destination folder goes here]
Enter the filename required (the DVD title and a disc number) with mp4

5. Under Output Settings (Preset: User Defaults):
By Encoder select Mpeg 4
By Audio Encoder select AAC

6. Adjust settings on each tab as follows:
Picture settings:-
Crop, Select Option: Automatic
Size, width/height: 320 x 240
Video
Advanced… NO 2 pass
Quality: Ave Bit rate: 400
Audio & Subtitles:
Audio Quality, Bit rate: 160
Audio Quality, Sample rate: 48
______________________________________________

Today I noticed another poster with the following settings.

[quote]
Source = file (.vob)
Title "automatic"
MPEG 4
AAC (48kHz / 160 kbps)
400x224
No Crop
Anamorphic PAR unchecked
Chapter Markers unchecked
Avg Bitrate 600 to 700 (kbps)
[endquote]

A couple of differences I see are he has 400x244 resolution and higher Ave bit rate of 600 - 700.

The resolution might be better for the NIT's 800x480. Not sure if the bitrate will be noticed. I might try these and update my notes if better.

BTW - a simple tip to optimise your settings. First choose a short clip (eg:from extras) to play around with. This will process quickly. When you are happy with the results, then do the main feature on the DVD.

FYI, the DVD43 decrypter I use has a filename of DVD43_4-2-0_Setup.exe

Re: Free DVD to AVI Converter Sought
 

Codec information is linked to from there - 99.999% of the time, customising the exact mencoder options is overkill; and the last thing we need is another video encoder ;-)