DVD makers are finally getting wise to the fact that many of us like to view movies on the go. You may have seen the phrase "Digital Copy" on newly-released DVDs. what this means is that there is a separate disc with a digital file on it - one that can be read by your computer and loaded onto your iPod or other portable player.
But what about all those movies you already own? How do you get those on your iPod or laptop without purchasing a digital version online? We use a free program called Handbrake, and it works beautifully. It is simple and easy to use, and comes in versions for Mac, Windows, and Linux (it's also open source, so you programmer types can get the raw code).
Handbrake can encode any disc you have, and convert it to any size or format you want (iPod, PSP, laptop, TV, etc.). Though we don't do it very often, we have been saved on numerous occasions by being able to pull out my laptop or Elisa's iPod and give the kids something to watch when we're waiting at the doctor's office at naptime, or when the car breaks down and we're at the mechanic, or we're on a REALLY long road-trip...you get the idea!
Here's a screen Shot:
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