The DVD Goes IPod

The DVD Goes iPod

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.

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 so large, it is best to store them on 30 and 60GB iPods. If you use an iPod shuffle or an iPod with a lower storage limit, you may not be able to store many videos, if you are able to store any at all. You should also be aware that the more DVDs you store on your iPod, the fewer songs you will be able to store.

There are still legal implications involved with copying DVDs to iPod. Ripping the content from videos by bypassing the copyright-system used on DVDs and is illegal under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. However, the law doesn't specifically state that it is ok to copy the content from your own personal collection for your own personal use. It may seem that you are well within your rights as owner of the DVD to copy the content to a portable viewing device. There have been some court rulings that have said DVD copying is ok as long as it is not used for infringement purposes. However, the Motion Picture Association of America holds that it doesn't matter the reason, any content ripping from DVD violates the DMCA. Since the law does not specifically state whether DVD copying is legal if used only for personal reasons, it is necessary for each user to access their views. Many people believe that copying DVDs for personal reasons is legal until there are laws that state otherwise.

Perhaps in the near future DVDs may be available in a digital format that can be purchased and downloaded directly from the Internet to your iPod without using a third-party utility. For now, you will have to use a utility to rip the content and then add to your iPod.