Converting videos to a ZuneHD

[Malak]

Ok I have never ripped a DVD, let alone converted one to another format for a portable device, and I'm having trouble getting off the ground here. My first attempt was downloading youtube videos and attemping to convert them to put them on my Zune, but I failed in every attempt. I'm fairly certain it was the encoding that stopped me, because the Zune isn't compatible with all encoding types. But I don't know where to go from there.

My goal is to:

1. Rip a DVD to put on the Zune for playback.
2. Download and convert youtube videos for the Zune.

I have found software made specifically for this purpose, but it is $30. I've been around long enough to know things like this can be done with free software, I just don't know where to look or what to do. Any suggestions?

 

[Rhonda the Sly]

I believe FormatFactory and Handbrake have profiles for Zune (likely ZuneHD by now).

Try using WMV or MP4, those should work well enough.

 

[Malak]

I'll try handbrake out and see if I can get it to work.

 

[Malak]

Handbrake does not have any profiles for the Zune.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Originally posted by: Malak
Handbrake does not have any profiles for the Zune.

You'll be fine if you just use the iPhone/iPod Touch profile.

 

[Malak]

Well I used a different program for DVD's since Handbrake doesn't do anything with something copy protected. Youtube videos are still something I'm trying to figure out. I attempted them before and couldn't get them to play at all.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Originally posted by: Malak
Well I used a different program for DVD's since Handbrake doesn't do anything with something copy protected. Youtube videos are still something I'm trying to figure out. I attempted them before and couldn't get them to play at all.

Frist, rip the DVD using DVDdecrypter or DVDFAB decrypter. Then point handbrake to the video_ts folder...or wherever you put the ripped vob files.

 

[gorcorps]

Originally posted by: Gooberlx2

Originally posted by: Malak
Well I used a different program for DVD's since Handbrake doesn't do anything with something copy protected. Youtube videos are still something I'm trying to figure out. I attempted them before and couldn't get them to play at all.

Frist, rip the DVD using DVDdecrypter or DVDFAB decrypter. Then point handbrake to the video_ts folder...or wherever you put the ripped vob files.

This. It may be more convenient to use an all in one, but it'll most likely still be overall slower than this method. Handbrake is pretty awesome IMO, and there are several DVD rip programs that are nice.

 

[Malak]

Originally posted by: gorcorps

Originally posted by: Gooberlx2

Originally posted by: Malak
Well I used a different program for DVD's since Handbrake doesn't do anything with something copy protected. Youtube videos are still something I'm trying to figure out. I attempted them before and couldn't get them to play at all.

Frist, rip the DVD using DVDdecrypter or DVDFAB decrypter. Then point handbrake to the video_ts folder...or wherever you put the ripped vob files.

This. It may be more convenient to use an all in one, but it'll most likely still be overall slower than this method. Handbrake is pretty awesome IMO, and there are several DVD rip programs that are nice.

I highly doubt it's slower. I ripped the DVD straight into the format I needed. What you are suggesting is ripping it into a format I don't need, then converting that into a format I do need. And convenience is more important to me anyway, I don't sit at my computer waiting anxiously for it to finish.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Originally posted by: Malak

Originally posted by: gorcorps

Originally posted by: Gooberlx2

Originally posted by: Malak
Well I used a different program for DVD's since Handbrake doesn't do anything with something copy protected. Youtube videos are still something I'm trying to figure out. I attempted them before and couldn't get them to play at all.

Frist, rip the DVD using DVDdecrypter or DVDFAB decrypter. Then point handbrake to the video_ts folder...or wherever you put the ripped vob files.

This. It may be more convenient to use an all in one, but it'll most likely still be overall slower than this method. Handbrake is pretty awesome IMO, and there are several DVD rip programs that are nice.

I highly doubt it's slower. I ripped the DVD straight into the format I needed. What you are suggesting is ripping it into a format I don't need, then converting that into a format I do need. And convenience is more important to me anyway, I don't sit at my computer waiting anxiously for it to finish.

What program did you end up using?

The DVDfab (free) + Handbrake is what I'm familiar with. Though it's not 100% automated, it is 100% free and offers some fine tuning control...which is what I like. Also, I know for certain the results turn out well.

On a small screen, the video quality/file size ratio is much less of an issue anyway.

Fairuse Wizard is/was a decent pay program (was actually free for a brief period of time). I haven't tried Videora (I think it requires a ripper as well), and I hate the "Super" Video converter.

 

[gizbug]

Just use "EncodeHD"
Has zune hd profile. Thats all you need bro.

http://dcunningham.net/encodehd/

 

[Gooberlx2]

Originally posted by: gizbug
Just use "EncodeHD"
Has zune hd profile. Thats all you need bro.

http://dcunningham.net/encodehd/

His Encode360 used to work pretty well. When I used it, it was finicky about the system's "preferred" DVD (de)codec, but I liked it, and it remained the only free one-click solution to make high-quality WMVs with VC-1 video and 5.1 wma audio.

I'll have to check out EncodeHD. I think it might still require a DVD ripper though.