How to convert DVD to the standard MP4? (The SD x264 TV Releasing Standards 2012)

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eon31337

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# 109936 29-Sep-2012 22:57

I've decided to convert my tv show DVDs to the new standardised MP4 files for storage on my external harddrive.

I found this 'how-to' website - http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/13516/convert-dvd-to-mp4-h.264-with-hd-decrypter-and-handbrake/ - this recommends using DVDFab to rip the DVDs and HandBrake to convert the .VOB to MP4s.

So the type of MP4s i'm looking to compile are based on the new "The SD x264 TV Releasing Standards 2012" - http://scenerules.irc.gs/t.html?id=2012_SDTVx264r.nfo - I also found a forum with a bit of how-to discussion, which seems semi-helpful - http://superuser.com/questions/416079/how-would-the-sd-x264-tv-releasing-standards-2012-translate-into-mencoder-opti

I've been experimenting using these programs, trying to get the same MP4 quality that seem to be the new standard, ie Frame width/height: 720x404, Bitrate: around 800 to 1000 kbps.

So, for example, i've just tried a test conversion on my DVD of 'dead set', with HardBrake set as follows:(see below)

The details of the outputted MP4 are:

Video
- Frame width/height: 720x624
- Data rate: 1001kbps
- Total bitrate: 1156kbps
- Frame rate: 25 frames/second

Audio
- Bit rate: 154kbps
- Channels: 2 (stereo)
- Audio sample rate: 48 kHz

Anyway, before I convert all my DVDs I just want to get peoples ideas on if this is considered a 'standard' encryption? what changes I should make? basically any thoughts on this?

l43a2

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# 693516 29-Sep-2012 23:46

err why do you wnna follow "scene" rules?

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kiwijunglist

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# 693519 30-Sep-2012 00:12

frame rate 25fps is fine as long as none of DVDs are NTSC (30/60fps)

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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# 693544 30-Sep-2012 09:08

I know this is not the answer, but... You realise New Zealand Copyright law allows you to legally format shift audio, not video? Format Shift FAQ.

Warning given, carry on with the program.

eon31337

20 posts

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# 693557 30-Sep-2012 10:07

Is that right freitasm? Interesting, seems a bit crazy tho. What if I had an old VHS i'd legitimately purchased back in the day, and wanted to put it on a DVD so i could play it on my system? Is that a no-no?

Cheers kiwijunglist, i just use whatever DVDFab gives me (23/25)

freitasm

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# 693560 30-Sep-2012 10:11

eon31337: Is that right freitasm? Interesting, seems a bit crazy tho. What if I had an old VHS i'd legitimately purchased back in the day, and wanted to put it on a DVD so i could play it on my system? Is that a no-no?

Sure it's crazy but that's our Copyright Law, and that's what the link says.

JimmyH

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# 693630 30-Sep-2012 15:43

It is a silly bit of law. While the new rules have made the exception for audio, for some reason they didn't for video, and so the rules around doing what you want to do are in the same camp as transferring your own CDs on to an iPod used to be before the law change - technically illegal - but as long as you actually purchased and continue to own the source material, morally OK and something I doubt few people would actually get upset about.

The law always seems to be playing catch-up with the technology. I suspect that, just like with MP3 players, if/when it becomes widespread enough to be common practice, they law will be amended again. Personally I think that video should have been treated the same as audio in the first place.

gehenna

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# 693632 30-Sep-2012 15:47

Handbrake's Basic default settings are fine.

Just watch out that it doesn't call it an m4v instead of mp4. It's just cosmetic but it's a pain because some players don't like m4v even though it's still just mp4.

M4V is just Apple's iTunes/aTV/iOS format of standard mp4.

eon31337

20 posts

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# 693652 30-Sep-2012 16:54

Alright cheers guys, I'm just trying to get them as small as possible but still being satisfied with the look.

Also, re: the law, I heard that we're following the US law (would be better to follow the UK I reckon). Seems to semi tie-in with the whole Kim Dotcom situation...