Best Method to Decode a DVD for use on ATV1, ATV2, iPad, iPhone4 and Mac

[Wicked1]

I am trying to decide how to import all my DVD's and then Decode for use in iTunes, but I need to use the movies on all of the following formats:

ATV1
ATV2
iPad WiFi #1
iPhone 4
Mac

Suggestions or is there no one format good for all devices?

 

[MacDawg]

Prolly depends on how picky you are with your quality

I'm not too picky, so I just use Handbrake and the presets

 

[Wicked1]

What if I want the highest Quality or something right in the middle?

 

[b-rad g]

What if I want the highest Quality or something right in the middle?

If you didn't have the ATV1 you would be able to use the ATV2 preset in Handbrake which gives near DVD quality encodes that look amazing on my 52" Sharp LED TV. But since you need it to play on the ATV1 as well I think you would have to go with the Apple Universal preset or something like that. Someone else may know more about the other presets.

 

[KevinC867]

I am trying to decide how to import all my DVD's and then Decode for use in iTunes, but I need to use the movies on all of the following formats:

ATV1
ATV2
iPad WiFi #1
iPhone 4
Mac

Suggestions or is there no one format good for all devices?

Since the AppleTV is your most restrictive device, just use the AppleTV (not AppleTV 2) preset in Handbreak,. The output will still look pretty great for DVD rips.

If you start converting HD sources, you might consider switching to the AppleTV 2 preset and leaving the original AppleTV behind for those programs. Programs converted with the AppleTV 2 preset look great on the iPad and iPhone 4.

 

[tbayrgs]

Since the AppleTV is your most restrictive device, just use the AppleTV (not AppleTV 2) preset in Handbreak,. The output will still look pretty great for DVD rips.

If you start converting HD sources, you might consider switching to the AppleTV 2 preset and leaving the original AppleTV behind for those programs. Programs converted with the AppleTV 2 preset look great on the iPad and iPhone 4.

+1 for this advice. As mentioned, the limiting factor is your TV 1 so if you need the encode to be playable on it, choose the TV 1 preset and manually bump up the size to 720p--the result will be playable and IMO, look great on all devices. I'm in the same boat and I'm very happy with the results, though for certain movies I will also encode a version at full 1080p for viewing on my Mac Mini HTPC through PLEX.