im no expert in this, but handbrake (and vlc) work perfectly for me!
Best one so far for me has been handbrake with vlc installed. I also have ripit and its also been good for what it does.
Why does one need VLC to be installed?
3. How to transcode the MPEG-2 encoded video DVD material for use on your computer without ripping the video DVD.
If you don't want to rip the video DVDs first, and just use Handbrake for transcoding the video, make sure to install VLC Player to circumvent the CSS I mentioned earlier.
Make sure you have the 64-bit version of both applications installed, or the 32-bit versions. Both applications will not work together, if one is 32-bit and one is 64-bit.
Why does one need VLC to be installed?
Because Handbrake doesn't rip copy-protected discs. Therefore you need VLC installed to handle that problem so that Handbrake can convert the video.
So, VLC is involved when Handbrake is running (ripping or encoding?)
So where can I find a good tutorial guide for ripping DVDs / Blu-Rays on my iMac for viewing on Apple TV 2?
I know iMac can't work with Blu Rays but there has to be a way to install an external Blu Ray Drive?
Or can I convert my .m4v file from my first rip into the Universal output?
P.S. Love the new computer. This little handbrake exercise took my MBP for a good run.