Is Mac The Ripper 3 worth the hassle downloading?

[mac.jedi]

I'm not sure I want to go the hassle of paying and licensing MTR. I've heard a lot people have had issues with having to repay, re-up, phoning home, etc.

Is is worth it to go through all the crap to obtain MTR3 or is there a better alternative?

Also does MTR 2.6.6 work okay under leopard on an intel mac? Is there a big speed difference between 2.6.6 and 3.x?

I used to use MTR a couple years ago, but then started to just use HB. I'd like to start ripping multiple DVD's and queue encodes in HB.

Any thoughts?

[Eidorian]

3.x can get past newer tricks used to prevent DVD duplication. I've only used 3.x so I can't compare it to 2.6.6.

[mac.jedi]

How did the licensing go with MTR3? Have you had any issues?

You can only use it on one computer right?

[darkpixie08]

It was a huge pain to get , but now that I have it I'm glad. I had a couple dvds that handbrake couldn't work with, and MtR has managed to get them all onto my computer. The licensing was pain-free, although I've only had it for a couple days, so I don't know whether it'll become an issue later on.

[Dimwhit]

MTR3 crashes on me almost every time. And I've tried several different releases of it. So I'd never recommend paying money for it.

[mindcrash]

Works great for me and the licensing was fairly painless. Just follow the instructions and you're good to go.

It doesn't phone home anymore, and future updates are free, you just have to request the latest version when it's released.

It's well worth it, it's ripped everything I've asked it to and is updated regularly. I think the latest update was solely to address new issues posed by 3:10 to Yuma, so they're pretty quick to adapt.

Easy peasy!

[cohibadad]

it's worth it if you want to rip DVDs on your Mac. I haven't found a better solution. There may be delays getting updates or licenses at times but it all seems to work out in the end. I can't remember the last time MTR has crashed on me.

[Banjhiyi]

MTR3 crashes on me almost every time. And I've tried several different releases of it. So I'd never recommend paying money for it.

Same here. Pirates (At Worlds End) is the only new purchase I have tried with MtR3. Crash, crash, crash.

I've tried ripping it about 25 times now.

[dsnort]

Same here. Pirates (At Worlds End) is the only new purchase I have tried with MtR3. Crash, crash, crash.

I've tried ripping it about 25 times now.

Disney Pixar are the worst for putting bad sectors on their DVD's to defeat ripping.

[mindcrash]

Same here. Pirates (At Worlds End) is the only new purchase I have tried with MtR3. Crash, crash, crash.

I've tried ripping it about 25 times now.

Try ripping the main feature only.

[ceehjayem]

I use MTR only if Handbrake won't work with certain files.

[desenso]

Until MTR goes to a legit non-beta license scheme, I refuse to support it.

[Dont42Panic]

I also got frustrated with the whole licensing thing with MTR. Personally I use Handbrake, and if any discs give Handbrake problems I use a Windows based program call DVDFab to copy the disc and then run the copied disc through Handbrake on my Mac. Hasn't failed me yet and has worked on some of the movies I have heard a lot of complaining about, The Simpsons Movie, Stranger Than Fiction, Disney flicks, etc.

[mrfrosty]

I used to use MTR but i find "osex' much much better, and much much freeer.
Seriously i don't think it has ever failed to rip anything for me....The interface is not up to much but the functionality is awsome.

[SystemHasFailed]

As I see it, you have two options for fullproof rips..

AnyDVD (windows Only)
MTR 3 (Mac)

I didn't find it to be a hassle at all downloading and installing MTR. What I found to be a hassle are the laws in the country where the author lives that makes it harder and harder for him to make the software and do anything that involves 'selling' it. :mad:

First - he can't actually SELL it because SELLing that kind of software where he lives is illegal. So he has to ask for "gifts" and it has to stay in "perpetual beta".

Second - the DeCSS libraries can no longer be part of the MTR distributable - again because of where he lives.

If you read his support forum you can find out how to solve the DeCSS library issues (it's a separate download).

Now - if you want to spend 300 bucks on Windows/VMWare/AnyDVD you can certainly go that route. Personally I like to try to find Mac-specific solutions. And MTR is a great solution to a problem that's a complete PITA.

:cool:

[Dorfdad]

why not just use the newest VLC and Handbrake together :)

[Dimwhit]

why not just use the newest VLC and Handbrake together :)

Which one of those bypasses the copy-protection encryption? For me, Handbrake has NEVER worked for a commercial DVD that wasn't already ripped and stripped of copy protection.

[4God]

Which one of those bypasses the copy-protection encryption? For me, Handbrake has NEVER worked for a commercial DVD that wasn't already ripped and stripped of copy protection.

I use Handbrake and only 1 out of 32 DVD's failed on me. It worked
just fine for 31 (and still counting) of them.

[Lancetx]

I use Handbrake and only 1 out of 32 DVD's failed on me. It worked
just fine for 31 (and still counting) of them.

Same here, you do not need to rip them with something like MTR first. Using Handbrake alone has worked 99% of the time for me on commercial copy protected DVDs. I haven't used MTR in almost a year now because I simply don't need it anymore.

[Dimwhit]

Same here, you do not need to rip them with something like MTR first. Using Handbrake alone has worked 99% of the time for me on commercial copy protected DVDs. I haven't used MTR in almost a year now because I simply don't need it anymore.

That's interesting. It's never worked for me on commercial DVDs. I'll have to try again.

[soLoredd]

Same here, you do not need to rip them with something like MTR first. Using Handbrake alone has worked 99% of the time for me on commercial copy protected DVDs. I haven't used MTR in almost a year now because I simply don't need it anymore.

Did it work for 3:10 To Yuma? Like you said, 99% of the time. What if more new releases get the scheme 3:10 has?

I'm almost to the point where I might get Parallels so I can use DVDFabDecryptor. Before I made the Switch, that was my app of choice and never failed me.

[gwsat]

I downloaded Mac the Ripper when I first decided to start ripping my DVDs and convert them to MP4 format for iTunes and Apple TV. I downloaded Handbrake at the same time but used it before MtR because it was a one-step process. I have now used Handbrake to both rip and convert to MP4 close to 50 of my DVDs, including 3:10 to Yuma, and have had no trouble whatsoever. MtR may be dandy but I simply haven’t needed it.

[Dimwhit]

Handbrake doesn't rip to VIDEO_TS folder though, does it? I think that's why I don't use it. Most of my ripping is for making a backup and creating an mp4. The mp4 may be doable directly from Handbrake, but I think MTR is still needed for making backups. There is Fairmount, but I've had only spotty results with it.

[gwsat]

Handbrake doesn't rip to VIDEO_TS folder though, does it? I think that's why I don't use it. Most of my ripping is for making a backup and creating an mp4. The mp4 may be doable directly from Handbrake, but I think MTR is still needed for making backups. There is Fairmount, but I've had only spotty results with it.
That’s right, Handbrake doesn’t rip to Video_TS but MtR does, indeed, do that nicely. Come to think of it, that's one of the reasons I decided to download MtR, although I have not yet had occasion to use it.

[gvegastiger]

If you have access to a window's machine then go with DVDFab HD Decryptor. Its free, its updated, and it hasn't failed me yet. I've ripped all my movies now converted them to mpeg2 so I can stream them to my TiVo.

AnyDVD is a good alternative however it costs money. DVDShrink isn't supported anymore so it won't work on the new DVDs and DVD Decryptor is the same way. There's plenty of options out there but so far DVDFab is the best one if you can run Windows on your Mac.

[LinMac]

Has anyone found Fairmount to be an acceptable alternative to MTR?

I wouldn't mind using MTR, but the licensing scheme is beyond what I am willing to put up with. The most I'll tolerate is a serial number, but that convoluted scheme makes me just rely on Linux to rip a DVD if forced.

[SystemHasFailed]

Has anyone found Fairmount to be an acceptable alternative to MTR?

I wouldn't mind using MTR, but the licensing scheme is beyond what I am willing to put up with. The most I'll tolerate is a serial number, but that convoluted scheme makes me just rely on Linux to rip a DVD if forced.

The creator of MTR has to do what he does with the licensing scheme because of rampant abuse of the licensing system.

Typical abuse scenario:

- User sends in a $10 gift and gets a copy of MTR
- User gets his license via the automated process
- User then sends the copy of MTR with the .lic file to 40 of his friends or puts it on PirateBay.
- MTR creator see all of this abuse but people still expect him to work on MTR.

I'm not trying to make excuses for the guy... but I have to admit I'd do the same thing if I were under the same legal constraints he is to create this type of software.

[gwsat]

Did it [Handbrake] work for 3:10 To Yuma?
Handbrake worked on my 3:10 to Yuma disk, just as it did on the other 50 odd disks I have ripped and converted to MP4. Because of the scare stories about Handbrake, I downloaded MtR but have had no cause to use it.

[Eidorian]

I'm still going to suggest DVDFab HD Decrypter and HandBrake on Windows if you have a fast machine laying around.

Considering you can get a quad core for a 1/4 of what Apple wants for one...

chobimaru handles my encoding work when I'm at home.

[LinMac]

The creator of MTR has to do what he does with the licensing scheme because of rampant abuse of the licensing system.

Typical abuse scenario:

- User sends in a $10 gift and gets a copy of MTR
- User gets his license via the automated process
- User then sends the copy of MTR with the .lic file to 40 of his friends or puts it on PirateBay.
- MTR creator see all of this abuse but people still expect him to work on MTR.

I'm not trying to make excuses for the guy... but I have to admit I'd do the same thing if I were under the same legal constraints he is to create this type of software.

We're going to have Yet Another Copy Protection Discussion(tm).

Let us get the following out of the way:

1) Has any form of copy protection ever been successful at keeping media from being copied?

No.

AACS and BD+ are some of the most advanced forms of copy protection ever devised and the media they protect is still available via pirated channels.

There are some examples where those with the appropriate skills to crack the protection have not bothered to crack various pieces of software, but these should not be taken as examples where protection is successful. These are often small software vendors that escape the notice of pirates by simply not having large enough market share.

2) Has the elaborate licensing scheme prevented Mac the Ripper from being copied?

No.

It is still available via pirated channels.

3) Does the licensing scheme annoy users enough to keep them from purchasing the software?

I cannot speak for everyone else, but yes in my case. I just use alternatives in Linux when necessary due to the convoluted licensing scheme used by the software.

I can appreciate your argument, but the reality is that copy protection often annoys legitimate users more than pirates.

[bobbyphoto2]

I appear to have the most recent issue of MTR 3 (MacTheRipper) downloaded from Pirate Bay which I use to rip the whole DVD or the movie only. Then I use Toast 8 to copy the VTR video file to a blank DVD. MTR has not worked on some of the more recent DVDs like "The Golden Compass" or "The Darjeeling Limited" since there seems to be a lag in updating MTR.
Thus, I tried DVD95 Copy Pro (Windows program at $40 direct download), and it ripped the DVDs that MTR could not rip. It also copies the ripped file to a blank DVD. They seem to be keeping up with the subtle variations in encryption that the DVD industry keeps coming up with on the more popular titles. Also contrary to MTR, DVD95 Copy Pro is easy to order with a credit card, and the responders answer questions precisely and in a nice way. A lot of people seem to be vary unhappy with the way MTR operates and how difficult it is to download from the web site.
Cheers....

[Cheffy Dave]

I'm not sure I want to go the hassle of paying and licensing MTR. I've heard a lot people have had issues with having to repay, re-up, phoning home, etc.

Is is worth it to go through all the crap to obtain MTR3 or is there a better alternative?

Also does MTR 2.6.6 work okay under leopard on an intel mac? Is there a big speed difference between 2.6.6 and 3.x?

I used to use MTR a couple years ago, but then started to just use HB. I'd like to start ripping multiple DVD's and queue encodes in HB.

Any thoughts?

I use ANY DVD and 1 Click DVD Pro, on my PC, both are flawless;)
No Mac version, sorry:rolleyes:

[DrWhiteFPS]

I just downloaded mtr and I can't get it to recognize my dvd. Anyone else had this problem?

[bobbyphoto2]

I appear to have the most recent issue of MTR 3 (MacTheRipper) downloaded from Pirate Bay which I use to rip the whole DVD or the movie only. Then I use Toast 8 to copy the VTR video file to a blank DVD. MTR has not worked on some of the more recent DVDs like "The Golden Compass" or "The Darjeeling Limited" since there seems to be a lag in updating MTR.
Thus, I tried DVD95 Copy Pro (Windows program at $40 direct download), and it ripped the DVDs that MTR could not rip. It also copies the ripped file to a blank DVD. They seem to be keeping up with the subtle variations in encryption that the DVD industry keeps coming up with on the more popular titles. Also contrary to MTR, DVD95 Copy Pro is easy to order with a credit card, and the responders answer questions precisely and in a nice way. A lot of people seem to be vary unhappy with the way MTR operates and how difficult it is to download from the web site.
Cheers....

The DVD95 Copy Pro web site has apparently shut down so any purchased software does not activate. I switched to DVDFab HD Decrypter 5.0.7.6 (http://www.dvdfab.com/free.htm) since it is a free Windows download that copies even the latest movies, but it does not record the movies to DVDs. Then I copy them to a DVD using Toast (macintosh). This site also has other software versions that both record and copy movies to DVDs at a minimum cost of $40. By the way, a person at DVDFab said that the DVD95 Copy Pro software was stolen from them!

[spacepower7]

Another option:

I bought DVD2oneX as soon as they offered it. A bunch of PC developers that went out of their way to buy a Mac and develop a Mac version of the DVD9 to DVD5 shrinking app. I support these guys because their app is great and they did Mac DVD shrinking before anyone else, including Toast and Popcorn.

Here is a thread on the Handbrake forums on how to rip VIDEO_TS folders with DVD2oneX (paid), Fairmount (free), and VLC (free).

http://forum.handbrake.fr/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2937

[nougatmachine]

Sorry to be so late to this thread, but I'm not a frequent forum-goer. Anyhow, people who defend MacTheRipper's developer are funny.

Here is an application devoted to negating user-hostile anti-copying measures and onerous DRM.........which requires jumping through Kafkaesque user-hostile hoops as bad or worse as those that the application itself was made to work around. And then he complains when users break them and copy his software.

"Delusional" doesn't even begin to cover it.

[SystemHasFailed]

I challenge anyone here who thinks they can do better to go and attempt to do so. That's the beauty of capitalism.

I don't defend the guy... just state his perspectives on it and I understand and respect them. No one puts a gun to your head and makes you buy it.

[Dimwhit]

I challenge anyone here who thinks they can do better to go and attempt to do so. That's the beauty of capitalism.

I don't defend the guy... just state his perspectives on it and I understand and respect them. No one puts a gun to your head and makes you buy it.

But if he is, in fact, breaking the open-source licensing agreement (I've heard he is), then shame on him.

[trip1ex]

Sorry to be so late to this thread, but I'm not a frequent forum-goer. Anyhow, people who defend MacTheRipper's developer are funny.

Here is an application devoted to negating user-hostile anti-copying measures and onerous DRM.........which requires jumping through Kafkaesque user-hostile hoops as bad or worse as those that the application itself was made to work around. And then he complains when users break them and copy his software.

"Delusional" doesn't even begin to cover it.

It is ironic that he makes a program to copy DVDs and yet has problems with too many people copying his software. :)

It would have fit right into a Sopranos episode.

Great programs though.

[naboco]

Did it work for 3:10 To Yuma? Like you said, 99% of the time. What if more new releases get the scheme 3:10 has?

I got HB to work for 3:10 to Yuma - it took an additional 5 minutes of research and they've posted a way around the issue, which worked just fine for me. See here: http://forum.handbrake.fr/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5569

I've been successful getting anything ripped with HB, so I see no reason to use MtR.

[Dimwhit]

I've been successful getting anything ripped with HB, so I see no reason to use MtR.

HB and MtR do two completely different tasks. You didn't get HB to rip anything. You got it to encode your DVDs into a different format (like mp4). MtR rips the disc to the full-quality Video_TS folder and removes the copy protection. Apples and Oranges. For some, HB does what they need, for others, they need MtR (or Fairmount).

[aaronthomas]

SO I found 3.0.....

[NeoMayhem]

Has anyone found Fairmount to be an acceptable alternative to MTR?


I like fairmount a lot. It is about the same speed as MTR (about 45 minutes a disk on my iMac), but will decode any dvd you can play with VideoLan (almost everything).

But, the best thing is that it works with HandBrake or other apps without putting the video_ts folder on your drive first.

[Moks]

I've 'converted' about 530 DVDs to MP4, and have been able to do almost all of them directly using Handbrake. For four (yes only four) I had use MTR (2.6.6) first, because of deliberate bad sector copy protection. I haven't bothered to get MTR 3.0.

[zedsdead]

If Mac the Ripper, or any software on a Mac, get the ability to rip Blu-Ray, I'll pay for it.

[milenkod]

I too have been having issues with MTR....is there an easy way to go from Handbrake to DVD? There are just so many options in HB that my head spins just looking at them and it's a bit confusing for just a rip to DVD-R...any help?

[Dimwhit]

I too have been having issues with MTR....is there an easy way to go from Handbrake to DVD? There are just so many options in HB that my head spins just looking at them and it's a bit confusing for just a rip to DVD-R...any help?

Nope. Handbrake converts to different formats. It won't go to DVD format. If MTR isn't working for you, try Fairmount (requires VLC, as well...both free).

[pjgeer]

Disney Pixar are the worst for putting bad sectors on their DVD's to defeat ripping.

I use Handbrake with Disney/Pixar and haven't had one DVD not rip, hmmmm Take some time, but hey it was free.

I had an earlier version of MTR and couldn't be bothered to jump through the hoops for the updated version.

Pj

[rpaloalto]

I agree, That mtr licensing protection scheme is way to complicated.
You are required to make a gift or donation, I think the magic number is $50.
You then get a license that will only work on one install. If you have multiple HD or you ever need to do a reinstall your out of luck.

I used to like mtr, back when the developer worked on it as a hobby and did it for the mac community. Now he has turned it into a money maker, you can only have if pay club.

[Dimwhit]

I agree, That mtr licensing protection scheme is way to complicated.
You are required to make a gift or donation, I think the magic number is $50.
You then get a license that will only work on one install. If you have multiple HD or you ever need to do a reinstall your out of luck.

I used to like mtr, back when the developer worked on it as a hobby and did it for the mac community. Now he has turned it into a money maker, you can only have if pay club.

Yeah, that's why so many people just download v3.x off torrents now. I find the irony of it wonderful.

[aaronthomas]

I agree, That mtr licensing protection scheme is way to complicated.
You are required to make a gift or donation, I think the magic number is $50.


Yes it a bit of a process but the directions are all spelled out for you step by step... ... Also $50 bucks is the "suggested gift" amount.

[Dimwhit]

Yes it a bit of a process but the directions are all spelled out for you step by step... ... Also $50 bucks is the "suggested gift" amount.

Seemed more than a 'suggestion' to me. Though when I inquired, it was only $40, but I was under the impression that $40 is what I had to 'donate' to get it.

[devman]

Sorry to be so late to this thread, but I'm not a frequent forum-goer. Anyhow, people who defend MacTheRipper's developer are funny.

Here is an application devoted to negating user-hostile anti-copying measures and onerous DRM.........which requires jumping through Kafkaesque user-hostile hoops as bad or worse as those that the application itself was made to work around. And then he complains when users break them and copy his software.

"Delusional" doesn't even begin to cover it.

a big +1

I've never gone to the trouble of upping from mt2.6 to mt3.

[milenkod]

I finally gave up and used VM Ware/WinXP to run DVDFab Decrypter...It was so easy to set-up a virtual WinXP install I don't know why I didn't do it before.

Anyways, I installed the free version of DFD and it worked like a charm...bye-bye MTR

[sensorineural]

[QUOTE=mac.jedi;5203388]I'm not sure I want to go the hassle of paying and licensing MTR. I've heard a lot people have had issues with having to repay, re-up, phoning home, etc.

Is is worth it to go through all the crap to obtain MTR3 or is there a better alternative?

Also does MTR 2.6.6 work okay under leopard on an intel mac? Is there a big speed difference between 2.6.6 and 3.x?

I used to use MTR a couple years ago, but then started to just use HB. I'd like to start ripping multiple DVD's and queue encodes in HB.

Any thoughts?

[I have only used 2.6.6, but can state that it works flawlessly under OS 10.5.5 on an Intel iMac. It is a slow process, however. While it varies, a typical DVD may take 40 minutes to rip. The burning, of course, is extra.]

[BigYellow]

Why not just use BootCamp? It'll be wayyy faster than any virtualization solution, and you can use it for free (other than the cost of Windows, which you have to get for virtualization too). It only takes 30 seconds to switch OS's.

-Biggie!

[mrgreen4242]

I was just reading about FairMount and I'm going to give it a try. Not sure if it's better, worse, or the same as far as disc compatibility, but it's truly free, GPL, and easy to get. I also like the idea of it just auto mounting decrypted media, so it's worth a shot.

[mrgreen4242]

I tried FairMount last night and it's pretty decent. Works as advertised, but since it was a pretty limited testing I'm not sure how good the compatibility is. It's based on VLC though which is big enough and cross platform that I assume it gets updated regularly so I'm hoping it'll be a MTR replacement for me (it's a lot simpler to use - not that MTR was difficult, just that this is really straightforward).

[ATLChris]

I gifted $15, already got the program, just waiting on the license, which they say takes about 7 hours.

[amiesue]

Disney Pixar are the worst for putting bad sectors on their DVD's to defeat ripping.

I have found that using the older version (2.0.2 works for me) is what works on those trouble DVDs - I have yet to find one that crashed with the newer one that didn't work with the older one. I always keep a copy of this so I can back up my daughter's DVDs since they tend to get scratched the fastest, not to mention having them available on the AppleTV.

[MyMac8MyPC]

I'm not sure I want to go the hassle of paying and licensing MTR. I've heard a lot people have had issues with having to repay, re-up, phoning home, etc.?

We're not planning on going through the big hassle. They have this very unprofessional attitude about giving them a 'gift' :rolleyes: All they want to do is nickel and dime you to death, which is why everyone has problems with them. 2.6.6 has always worked fine.

[LinMac]

Fairmount + DTOX (http://forum.handbrake.fr/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2937)

DVD2OneX might be pricey compared to other software just to get around ARccOS or RipGuard, but it seems to work well. Mac the Ripper might be good software (I've never used it), but the licensing system is a deal breaker for me. I'm just not comfortable with it and I certainly can't recommend it to anyone else.

[soLoredd]

I agree with the VM route. I just run a VM using Fusion2 and my Boot Camp partition and use DVDFab Decryptor to do the disc. Then just put the resulting folder into OS X for HandBrake.

I'm with others, the idea of gifting is ridiculous considering the point of the application. Somebody needs to get off their high-horse and come back to reality. Hell, Shrink was never more than free and it was a way more useful app than MTR.

[LinMac]

I agree with the VM route. I just run a VM using Fusion2 and my Boot Camp partition and use DVDFab Decryptor to do the disc. Then just put the resulting folder into OS X for HandBrake.

I'm with others, the idea of gifting is ridiculous considering the point of the application. Somebody needs to get off their high-horse and come back to reality. Hell, Shrink was never more than free and it was a way more useful app than MTR.

Have you tried the DVDFab Decryptor with Crossover?

[CyberGreg]

+1 Satisfied HandBrake customer, even own copy of MtR 3.x haven't used it in months
:cool:

[milenkod]

anyone know if the Elgato turbo.264 works with Handbrake, per chance?

[LinMac]

anyone know if the Elgato turbo.264 works with Handbrake, per chance?

It doesn't. Handbrake is based off of software encoders that don't use QuickTime.

[sensorineural]

In my experience, MTR (2.6 and 3.0) is the best program to dupe commercial discs for safe-keeping. What's the big deal of supporting the programmer if the software works as well as it does. My only complaint--and I've offered this before--is that although he/she asks for a donation, he offers no instruction on how to make it. I'd gladly send him/her a check if I knew to whom and where to send it!

MTR is a fantastic program!

[madgreek]

If you have access to a window's machine then go with DVDFab HD Decryptor. Its free, its updated, and it hasn't failed me yet. I've ripped all my movies now converted them to mpeg2 so I can stream them to my TiVo.

Can you please give me a step-by-step on how to transfer a movie file to TiVo? I've never found out how to do this.

[LinMac]

What's the big deal of supporting the programmer if the software works as well as it does.

DVD2OneX costs a good bit itself, but it doesn't come with a convoluted asinine registration system.

I don't think many have a problem making a donation even if it is mandatory, but the system they use for registering the software is so bad it makes the WGA from Microsoft look quite workable.

I can't even comment on the software itself because I have never been willing to put up with the registration system. Fairmount + DTOX + Handbrake can handle every disk I've tried to watch on my AppleTV.

[mac.jedi]

I can't believe this thread is still going. Goes to show that MTR isn't making a lot of friends.

I finally decided MTR was too much trouble. I've been pretty happy with FairMount.

I just posted a tutorial on how to automate it :D:
Automating DVD Backup with FairMount, HandBrake and iTunes

[NeoMayhem]

It doesn't. Handbrake is based off of software encoders that don't use QuickTime.

Handbrake gives you a choice of encoders, and quicktime is one of them.

[LinMac]

Handbrake gives you a choice of encoders, and quicktime is one of them.

Where is this option located?

[dynaflash]

Handbrake gives you a choice of encoders, and quicktime is one of them.
No, there is no "quicktime" encoder. Quicktime is a movie player. .mov is a container that is native to QuickTime and is not available within HB since its not open source. However note that almost all iTunes and ATV/iPod movies from the iTunes store are .mp4/m4v which *is* not only available in HB but is likely the most developed.

[NeoMayhem]

No, there is no "quicktime" encoder. Quicktime is a movie player. .mov is a container that is native to QuickTime and is not available within HB since its not open source. However note that almost all iTunes and ATV/iPod movies from the iTunes store are .mp4/m4v which *is* not only available in HB but is likely the most developed.

Actually, Quicktime is a system api for encoding/decoding video files. QuickTime.app is a application that uses this api to let users play and re-encode videos. Apps like iMovie use the API for exporting to a variety of formats.

But, I was wrong too. I just looked at HB, and didnt see the option to use the quicktime api for encoding. Maybe I was thinking of VisualHub, which let you pick the encoder you wanted to use?

[marcdds]

I you want to burn or copy a DVD, why not just buy Toast? Doesn't that do what you want?

[dynaflash]

Actually, Quicktime is a system api for encoding/decoding video files. QuickTime.app is a application that uses this api to let users play and re-encode videos. Apps like iMovie use the API for exporting to a variety of formats.
Um, yeah technically your right. I am very familiar with the api. The point is there is no such thing as a "QuickTime Codec" per se. At any rate, HandBrake does not encode to the .mov format which many people refer to as the quicktime format albeit incorrectly. As I said before .mp4 is most commonly used even by iTunes and all associated devices like the atv, and iPods in which case h.264 would be the common and preferred video codec and aac would be the common and preferred audio codec (barring the AC3 pass through for the atv).

In summary, no .mov out of HB.

But, I was wrong too. I just looked at HB, and didnt see the option to use the quicktime api for encoding. Maybe I was thinking of VisualHub, which let you pick the encoder you wanted to use?
It is very possible that VH would leverage the QT api to encode as its an applescript front end to ffmpeg and likely QT.

[ascender]

MTR3 is a definite improvement on previous versions. I'm ripping a lot of my DVDs for Apple TV at the moment so am using this all the time at the moment. I have to say that while its better, its still not a patch on something like DVD Shrink under Windows. I've now actually got my work laptop running in tandem with my iMac and its ripping all the discs that MTR failed on. And that's a surprising amount of discs that MTR has failed to copy or extract the main feature from.

[DoFoT9]

Why not just buy Toast? Doesn't that burn DVD's like you want?

no, if the DVD is encoded and detects a CSS encryption then toast will not let you copy it.

[Michael CM1]

We're going to have Yet Another Copy Protection Discussion(tm).

Let us get the following out of the way:

1) Has any form of copy protection ever been successful at keeping media from being copied?

No.

AACS and BD+ are some of the most advanced forms of copy protection ever devised and the media they protect is still available via pirated channels.

There are some examples where those with the appropriate skills to crack the protection have not bothered to crack various pieces of software, but these should not be taken as examples where protection is successful. These are often small software vendors that escape the notice of pirates by simply not having large enough market share.

2) Has the elaborate licensing scheme prevented Mac the Ripper from being copied?

No.

It is still available via pirated channels.

3) Does the licensing scheme annoy users enough to keep them from purchasing the software?

I cannot speak for everyone else, but yes in my case. I just use alternatives in Linux when necessary due to the convoluted licensing scheme used by the software.

I can appreciate your argument, but the reality is that copy protection often annoys legitimate users more than pirates.

That pretty much sums up copyright protection. Even low-tech people figure out how to copy "protected" stuff. Hackers and piraters just see it as a fun challenge. I just want to be able to watch my DVDs and BDs on my darn computer and iPhone. I'm not the tool who signs up for NetFlix and then just starts copying stuff as if it's not the same as walking out of Best Buy with a disc in your jacket pocket.

All that the protection stuff does is frustrate me. I wonder how much money is spent developing these high-tech schemes versus how much would be lost to pirates.

[akm3]

The creator of MTR has to do what he does with the licensing scheme because of rampant abuse of the licensing system.

Typical abuse scenario:

- User sends in a $10 gift and gets a copy of MTR
- User gets his license via the automated process
- User then sends the copy of MTR with the .lic file to 40 of his friends or puts it on PirateBay.
- MTR creator see all of this abuse but people still expect him to work on MTR.

I'm not trying to make excuses for the guy... but I have to admit I'd do the same thing if I were under the same legal constraints he is to create this type of software.

You have to admit there is an irony expecting everyone to consistently pay and properly license software that is primarily used to make illegal copies of copywritten material :rolleyes:

Yes, it has legal uses, and yes I use MTR 2.6.6 to put all my DVD's on my Mac Mini / Drobo (and yes, it fails with some of my newer discs) but come on...of COURSE the pirates are going to pirate your software for pirating software.

[MyMac8MyPC]

of COURSE the pirates are going to pirate your software for pirating software.
LOL :D

Kind of puts the shoe on the other foot as they say :p

They have a unprofessional attitude so they can keep their so-so software.

[DoFoT9]

LOL :D

Kind of puts the shoe on the other foot as they say :p

They have a unprofessional attitude so they can keep their so-so software.

unprofessional attitude?? come on now. just because somebody gets the software illegally doesnt mean that they are purely going to use it for other illegal uses..

[MyMac8MyPC]

just because somebody gets the software illegally doesnt mean that they are purely going to use it for other illegal uses..

I was talking about their website ;)

They have this holier than thou rudeness about their responses. I think that's what turned a lot of people off.

[DoFoT9]

I was talking about their website ;)

They have this holier than thou rudeness about their responses. I think that's what turned a lot of people off.

ok, im lost... *waves hand over head*

[gvegastiger]

Can you please give me a step-by-step on how to transfer a movie file to TiVo? I've never found out how to do this.


Step 1: Rip DVD into one file and then change the file ext from .vob to .mpg
Step 2: Download the latest TiVo desktop software for the Mac and install
Step 3: follow this link and do what dennis wilkerson tells you to do.
Step 4: Create your movie folder and add the mpg file you created.
Step 5: Restart your tivo server from the pref pane and then away you go.

[snowmoon]

From wikipedia

The closed-source policy of MacTheRipper's authors may violate the GPL license of the libdvdread and Libdvdcss software libraries, which MacTheRipper is built on.[2][3]

I refuse to pay for software that is being stolen by the developer already. He is using a tenuous "closed beta" excuse which does not hold water.

[sushi]

I wonder how much money is spent developing these high-tech schemes versus how much would be lost to pirates.
You bring up a good point.

If I purchase a DVD for say $12, it is worth it for me to make a backup copy and then use the copy instead of the original. This way the copy gets scratched/damaged and the original stays in pristine condition.

However, if I can purchase a DVD for say $7-8, I wouldn't even bother making backup copies because it would be cheaper to replace a damaged DVD with an new one when you consider the time, effort and the cost of a blank DVD to make a backup DVD.

How much would the cost of a DVD be reduced if they eliminated the copy protection schemes? Would it be $1 per DVD? $2? $5?

On a side note, I rent a lot of DVDs. I find many of them don't play well in my computer. So I find it easier to rip, watch and then delete, rather than watching the actual DVD.

With the way rentals are going these days and the Internet bandwidth improving, in just a few years I would venture to say that many of us will be renting on demand movies instead of owning like we do now.

[snowmoon]

This whole thread got me thinking, there has *GOT* to be another tool that could be used.

Right now I'm testing a simple build of vobcopy. It's command line only, but so far it's working like a charm. When I get home tonight I will try Wall-E since I know it tends to throw off some rippers.

If it works out well I have no problems sharing it here with everyone as well as the commands necessary to DIY if you don't trust my binary.

[Dimwhit]

This whole thread got me thinking, there has *GOT* to be another tool that could be used.

I've had good luck with Fairmount.

[ViperDesign]

I could never get MTR 3 to work very well. 2.6 worked much much better and crashes far less.

Usually though I will use AnyDVD as that is the best software period for ripping.

[danny_w]

Has anybody here used RipIt? I use that and it seems to work well. They are constantly coming out with updates to fix rips of newer releases.

[Cave Man]

Usually though I will use AnyDVD as that is the best software period for ripping.

There's also DVDFab, which has worked for every DVD I've tried. And it's free! (Windows only.)

[dukebound85]

fairmount works well for me

im getting sick of mtr failing on me

[Paratel]

I broke down and purchased Ripit http://ripitapp.com I used to use MTR version 1, 2 and 3 and never had any steady luck. Ripit works like a charm. I agree Pixar Movies are the worst but what you do is after you rip it, play it in your DVD player and see which title plays when the start of the main movie plays. Put it then in Handbrake and convert that Title, works every time.