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Converting DVD's to iPhone

Brandon Sharitt said:
I'm assuming that you are just doing plain MPEG4 not h.264?
Click to expand...

As others have said, h.264 is THEORETICLY going to give you higher quality but requires more processing power to encode. Therefore your computer will take longer with it.

G5Unit said:
What exactly does 2 pass do? I never knew?
Click to expand...

It scans the movie twice rather than once. The bitrate is not a constant, some scenes will have rather static shots and will not require as many DIFFERENT pixels as others, therefore can be compressed more. In order to decide this the computer scans the movie. A second pass will just allow the computer to better make the decissions.
 
bloodycape said:
Odd that that the ad on that site is for a product called VisualHub, which is comparing its features to isquint. Anyone know how good this Visual hub software is?
Click to expand...

isquintvsvisualhub.gif
 
For a while I've been using Mac the Ripper and er other software to create archival copies on DVD-R of my movies, but have never used Handbrake or any other software to create copies that were playable on iPod, but since I plan on buying an iPhone I have started to convert some movies to mp4. Here are my settings, but I have no idea how well it will look on iPhone. Hopefully ok.

File Format: MP4
Codec: AVC/H.264 Video/ AAC Audio
Framerate: Same as Source
Encoder: x264 (h.264 Main)
Quality: Average Bitrate 1000 kbps
2 Pass Encoding: Checked
Picture Settings Output: 480 x (Keep Aspect Ratio)
 

Attachments

  • Handbrake-iPhone.jpg
    Handbrake-iPhone.jpg
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That will work okay unless the movie is widescreen, then you need to adjust the picture output. I use 320X176 or 320X144 depending on the widescreen ratio. You can tell which looks better by looking at the sample. Otherwise the movie is cropped and will not fit on iPod.
 
wouldnt it be better to set the output picture to 480x320 for full screen movies? is it important to keep the aspect ratio?
 
Bossx20 said:
wouldnt it be better to set the output picture to 480x320 for full screen movies? is it important to keep the aspect ratio?
Click to expand...

Well the reason I wrote 480 x Keep Aspect Ratio is because most movies aren't that aspect ratio. I just made sure the width is correct and maintained the 16:9 or whatever ratio the movie is at already. That way I'm not vertically stretching the movie. There is a check button that keeps it in its original aspect ratio.
 
I did a test last week, here's what I found:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER
These "tests" were done by an amateur, me. I do not work in the video industry, nor am I an audiophile. I know what I like and can compare images side-by-side pretty well. I like clear, well balanced audio. Take these results and opinions as you will.

GENERAL INFO
Don't ask me why I picked SW:E3. I just did. I realize its a long-ish movie, but I see a lot of movies getting to this length these days. It has good action scenes (for judging fast motion) as well as some good music (to judge audio by, duh).

My goal for this was to find the best settings to rip a DVD using HandBrake to a file that would be for the iPhone only (no iPod or Apple TV). I realize this all could be a colossal waste of time, being the iPhone is not out and no one really knows much about video playback right now. But I wanted to have a few movies ready for when I get my hands on one. (That, and I had a colossal amount of time to waste.)

I started off using the iPod setting in Handbrake, and then tweaking from there. I'm assuming that the iPhone will play the same types of movies that the iPod can, so I felt this was a safe starting point.


And now, on to the results!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Movie: Star Wars Episode III
Runtime: 2:19:58
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1)
Software: HandBrake 0.8.5b1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Constant Settings

VIDEO
File Format: MP4
Codec: AVC/H.264 Video / AAC Audio
Create Chapter Markers: On
Framerate: Same as source
Encoder: x264 (h.264 iPod)
Pixel Ratio: Source: 720x480 Output: 480x208
2-Pass Encoding: On
Keep AR: On
Deinterlace: Off
Anamorphic: Off

AUDIO
Track 1: English (AC3) (5.1 ch)
Track 1 Mix: Dolby Pro Logic II
Sample Rate (Hz): 48



Settings That Changed

Video (VBR)
Average Bitrate (kbps)

Audio (ABR)
Bitrate (kbps)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TEST 1
VBR: 1000
ABR: 160
File Size: 1.14GB
Verdict: Video is good. Close to 1500kbps VBR but slightly lower contrast and detail. Audio is good as well.

TEST 2
VBR: 1500
ABR: 160
File Size: 1.63GB
Verdict: Video is best of the bunch. The difference 1000kbps VBR is fairly minimal, but can be seen in high detail areas. Audio is good as well.

TEST 3
VBR: 256
ABR: 64
File Size: 324.1MB
Verdict: Video is poor. Lots of pixel artifacts. Washed out colors and low detail. Audio is poor as well. Noticeable difference from the 160kbps and 128kbps versions.

TEST 4
VBR: 1000
ABR: 128
File Size: 1.11GB
Verdict: Video is good. Close to 1500kbps VBR but slightly lower contrast and detail. Audio is good. Can't really distinguish from 160kbps version.

TEST 5
VBR: 500
ABR: 128
File Size: 632.3MB
Verdict: Noticeable difference from the 750kbps VBR. Not quite worth it.

TEST 6
VBR: 750
ABR: 128
File Size: 882.6MB
Verdict: Very close to 1000kbps VBR, but the 500kbps VBR was a bit more noticeable.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FINAL VERDICT
So, I'm thinking that Test 4 (1000kbps VBR and 128kbps ABR) is the way to go. It gives good video quality, good audio and saves on file size, chiming in at 1.11GB. I think that most movies (those under 2 hours) would come in under 1GB, which would be nice.

I would be willing to go down to 750kbps VBR but if the iPhone's screen is as sweet as the rumors say it is, I think good video quality is key. Of course, if you're not concerned too much about squeezing out every MB, go for the 1500kbps VBR (or even higher if you're crazy enough!)

I will test out the top 3 once I get an iPhone, but I have a feeling I'll land on Test 4. But I wouldn't be surprised if I go for 1500kbps VBR if the iPhone's screen is just too sweet.

Audiophiles (or anyone else really) may disagree with me on the 128kbps vs. 160kbps ABR, but personally I can't really tell the difference. At least not with the 20 minutes or so I spent with this test. But in this test it only saved 30MB of space between the two, so take that into consideration as well I guess.

I am not only open to, but I am eagerly awaiting any feedback/criticism/suggestions to help me out. Like I said, I'm no pro (and it probably shows).

I've read that switching the Track 1 Audio Mix to "6-channel discrete" lowers the files size, but I don't know what it will do to the audio. If anyone has any experience here, don't be shy.

I hope this helps someone. Thanks for reading!
 
I'd imagine you'd have to melt down a whole bunch of DVDs, create a mold, and cast the case. Then, put the inside together.
 
Maroma said:
I did a test last week, here's what I found:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCLAIMER
These "tests" were done by an amateur, me. I do not work in the video industry, nor am I an audiophile. I know what I like and can compare images side-by-side pretty well. I like clear, well balanced audio. Take these results and opinions as you will.

GENERAL INFO
Don't ask me why I picked SW:E3. I just did. I realize its a long-ish movie, but I see a lot of movies getting to this length these days. It has good action scenes (for judging fast motion) as well as some good music (to judge audio by, duh).

My goal for this was to find the best settings to rip a DVD using HandBrake to a file that would be for the iPhone only (no iPod or Apple TV). I realize this all could be a colossal waste of time, being the iPhone is not out and no one really knows much about video playback right now. But I wanted to have a few movies ready for when I get my hands on one. (That, and I had a colossal amount of time to waste.)

I started off using the iPod setting in Handbrake, and then tweaking from there. I'm assuming that the iPhone will play the same types of movies that the iPod can, so I felt this was a safe starting point.


And now, on to the results!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Movie: Star Wars Episode III
Runtime: 2:19:58
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1)
Software: HandBrake 0.8.5b1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Constant Settings

VIDEO
File Format: MP4
Codec: AVC/H.264 Video / AAC Audio
Create Chapter Markers: On
Framerate: Same as source
Encoder: x264 (h.264 iPod)
Pixel Ratio: Source: 720x480 Output: 480x208
2-Pass Encoding: On
Keep AR: On
Deinterlace: Off
Anamorphic: Off

AUDIO
Track 1: English (AC3) (5.1 ch)
Track 1 Mix: Dolby Pro Logic II
Sample Rate (Hz): 48



Settings That Changed

Video (VBR)
Average Bitrate (kbps)

Audio (ABR)
Bitrate (kbps)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TEST 1
VBR: 1000
ABR: 160
File Size: 1.14GB
Verdict: Video is good. Close to 1500kbps VBR but slightly lower contrast and detail. Audio is good as well.

TEST 2
VBR: 1500
ABR: 160
File Size: 1.63GB
Verdict: Video is best of the bunch. The difference 1000kbps VBR is fairly minimal, but can be seen in high detail areas. Audio is good as well.

TEST 3
VBR: 256
ABR: 64
File Size: 324.1MB
Verdict: Video is poor. Lots of pixel artifacts. Washed out colors and low detail. Audio is poor as well. Noticeable difference from the 160kbps and 128kbps versions.

TEST 4
VBR: 1000
ABR: 128
File Size: 1.11GB
Verdict: Video is good. Close to 1500kbps VBR but slightly lower contrast and detail. Audio is good. Can't really distinguish from 160kbps version.

TEST 5
VBR: 500
ABR: 128
File Size: 632.3MB
Verdict: Noticeable difference from the 750kbps VBR. Not quite worth it.

TEST 6
VBR: 750
ABR: 128
File Size: 882.6MB
Verdict: Very close to 1000kbps VBR, but the 500kbps VBR was a bit more noticeable.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FINAL VERDICT
So, I'm thinking that Test 4 (1000kbps VBR and 128kbps ABR) is the way to go. It gives good video quality, good audio and saves on file size, chiming in at 1.11GB. I think that most movies (those under 2 hours) would come in under 1GB, which would be nice.

I would be willing to go down to 750kbps VBR but if the iPhone's screen is as sweet as the rumors say it is, I think good video quality is key. Of course, if you're not concerned too much about squeezing out every MB, go for the 1500kbps VBR (or even higher if you're crazy enough!)

I will test out the top 3 once I get an iPhone, but I have a feeling I'll land on Test 4. But I wouldn't be surprised if I go for 1500kbps VBR if the iPhone's screen is just too sweet.

Audiophiles (or anyone else really) may disagree with me on the 128kbps vs. 160kbps ABR, but personally I can't really tell the difference. At least not with the 20 minutes or so I spent with this test. But in this test it only saved 30MB of space between the two, so take that into consideration as well I guess.

I am not only open to, but I am eagerly awaiting any feedback/criticism/suggestions to help me out. Like I said, I'm no pro (and it probably shows).

I've read that switching the Track 1 Audio Mix to "6-channel discrete" lowers the files size, but I don't know what it will do to the audio. If anyone has any experience here, don't be shy.

I hope this helps someone. Thanks for reading!
Click to expand...

WOW! Thank you for putting so much effort, that helped out a lot!
 
I've done alot of research/reading in this forum and Visualhub seems to be the most popular, so I purchased it last night. The problem I'm having is the time for conversion. I've ripped a couple of DVDs, using both Mac the Ripper and Handbrake. When I try to convert using Visualhub, the time is showing from 4-8 HOURS, while I've read that it shouldn't take but 30 minutes or so. I've used the iPhone preset, and tried several of the advised changes in Advanced Settings in various posts here, to lower the bitrate on both audio and video, etc.

I have a PowerBook G4, 1.5 GHz, 1.25 GB DDR, running OS X 10.4.10. Any advice or just not enough hardware???

Thanks in advance.
 
why nor just steal them? i mean.. ripping is just as illegal. aren't there torrent sites just for ipod movies?
 
Hipnomac said:
What are the best setting for the iphone, while not taking up too much space?
Click to expand...

Not sure yet, but I'm using the iPod preset with a boost in the horizontal resolution to 320, the max for the iPhone screen. Sometimes the vertical resolution exceeds the max for the iPhone, but HDTV's are defined by there horizontal lines of resolution (e.g., 1080, 720, etc) so I've been using that. I rotate movies on and off the iPhone so a 1GB movie file is not too bad.
 
ctakim said:
Not sure yet, but I'm using the iPod preset with a boost in the horizontal resolution to 320, the max for the iPhone screen. Sometimes the vertical resolution exceeds the max for the iPhone, but HDTV's are defined by there horizontal lines of resolution (e.g., 1080, 720, etc) so I've been using that. I rotate movies on and off the iPhone so a 1GB movie file is not too bad.
Click to expand...

what program are you using?
 
jimbot said:
why nor just steal them? i mean.. ripping is just as illegal. aren't there torrent sites just for ipod movies?
Click to expand...

If you own the DVD and making a copy of it isn't illegal. You own the initial DVD you own the license.
 
i used handbreak to rip a movie - then when i went to put it on the iPhone - it said it wouldn't transfer it because it could not be played on the iPhone. Do any of you know what this is about? i ripped it as mpeg4.
 
djinn said:
If you own the DVD and making a copy of it isn't illegal. You own the initial DVD you own the license.
Click to expand...

Not 100% true. If you are using software to break the copy protection encryption then it becomes illegal. Yes it is legal to make a backup but not legal to break the copy protection.
 
shk718 said:
i used handbreak to rip a movie - then when i went to put it on the iPhone - it said it wouldn't transfer it because it could not be played on the iPhone. Do any of you know what this is about? i ripped it as mpeg4.
Click to expand...

same exact thing happened to me.
 
wfubob said:
I've done alot of research/reading in this forum and Visualhub seems to be the most popular, so I purchased it last night. The problem I'm having is the time for conversion. I've ripped a couple of DVDs, using both Mac the Ripper and Handbrake. When I try to convert using Visualhub, the time is showing from 4-8 HOURS, while I've read that it shouldn't take but 30 minutes or so. I've used the iPhone preset, and tried several of the advised changes in Advanced Settings in various posts here, to lower the bitrate on both audio and video, etc.

I have a PowerBook G4, 1.5 GHz, 1.25 GB DDR, running OS X 10.4.10. Any advice or just not enough hardware???

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

I also just bought Visualhub and have had great results with it. I had a 1.5gig movie that I did last night in about 25 min, used iphone settings and wifi quality and h.264. The movies I have watched thus far look good and sound good.
Using a MPBC2D.
later
 
shk718 said:
i used handbreak to rip a movie - then when i went to put it on the iPhone - it said it wouldn't transfer it because it could not be played on the iPhone. Do any of you know what this is about? i ripped it as mpeg4.
Click to expand...

Did you use the ipod preset in handbreak?

What codec did you use?

in any case, in itunes, right click on the video and choose convert to ipod. It'll make a duplicate version to play on your iphone. Delete the original version.
 
roland.g said:
The newest release of Handbrake has Apple TV and iPod (I think on the iPod) presets. Not sure whether the iPhone will play MPEG-4 or only H.264. Apple TV does both. Visual Hub and it's mini (free) version offer presets as well.
Click to expand...

The new version of Handbrake definitely has iPod presets that are probably your best bet. It is such a small screen (relative to a TV) and has limited hard drive space, thus I would lean towards a smaller file size and give up a little on quality.
 
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