[Technology] Tech help needed - DVD to MacBook

[Withdean and I]

I have a large file of home movies on DVD. I’m aware that over time they may deteriorate or get damaged so I’d like to get them copied somehow so I can store them digitally.

Everywhere I’ve looked online seems way to complex plus also uses software I’m not even sure I want to download.

Anyone got any thoughts on how to do this?

Cheers.

 

[schmunk]

Handbrake is excellent free software for this.

https://handbrake.fr/downloads.php

 

[Raphael Meade]

Handbrake is excellent free software for this.

https://handbrake.fr/downloads.php

Seconded. Encoded my entire DVD collection using this back in the day, and used again recently for some I found and does an excellent job!

 

[happypig]

I use MakeMKV to rip the DVD to mkv files then handbrake to convert to whatever format.

 

[Is it PotG?]

I thought it was naughty to rip DRM protected media.

 

[bhafc99]

Handbrake looks slightly technical at first, but really isn’t - and is an excellent piece of software.



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[BNthree]

I thought it was naughty to rip DRM protected media.

I believe making backup copies of media you've bought is generally considered acceptable. If you then stick your entire film library on a file sharing site that isn't acceptable.

 

[schmunk]

I use MakeMKV to rip the DVD to mkv files then handbrake to convert to whatever format.

Good point - I'd forgotten that Handbrake doesn't normally do the ripping, but it looks like in this case it will work standalone, as there shouldn't be any copy protection on the OP's home movie files?

 

[East Staffs Gull]

I’d like to do similar. Can I hook the DVD player up to the Mac, or do I need to buy a DVD driver?

 

[happypig]

Good point - I'd forgotten that Handbrake doesn't normally do the ripping, but it looks like in this case it will work standalone, as there shouldn't be any copy protection on the OP's home movie files?

I cannot remember whether I used handbrake to rip my home movies (after transferring from VHS to DVD) but I definately had to use MakeMKV to rip all my Bilko DVDs.

I’d like to do similar. Can I hook the DVD player up to the Mac, or do I need to buy a DVD driver?

Best to buy an external drive. I have an Apple Superdrive which has mixed reviews but it's always worked fine for me.

 

[Withdean and I]

Thank for the advice. Handbrake worked really well today and was very straightforward. Used my Apple SuperDrive. Now happy to have a digital backup of some old family films!