Know How... 22

Today, we're taking our DVDs and backing them up. Then we're going to play them on the AppleTV.

Materials:

• DVDs
• Rip
• Computer with iTunes
• AppleTV (Why pick the AppleTV? Because it is the most limited. Make a video file that works on it, it'll work anywhere)

Instructions:

• Rip the DVD using DVD Decrypter or MakeMKV.
  • DVD Decrypter will preserve all the menus and special features.
  • MakeMKV will rip the titles in separate MKV files. It costs $50, but it works like a charm.
• Use Handbrake to rip unencrypted DVDs or compress your MKV to an H.264 file compatible with your device.
  • Handbrake has presets for several devices including Apple TV.
  • Play around with Handbrake and you'll see settings for audio and subtitles. You can customize your video all you want.
• We suggest adding metadata to your files so it will look pretty. You can use MediaMonkey for Windows or iDentify for Mac. Both are free.
• Import your resulting files to iTunes.
  • You'll have the album artwork and information right in the file.
  • Turn sharing on in iTunes in Preferences > Sharing.
• From your Apple TV, choose Computers and you'll see your library.
  • Pick the movie you just made.
  • The Apple TV can access multiple audio tracks, but not subtitles unless they are burned in.

Quicktip:

How to print TO iOS or Android.

• Use ACTPrinter to make your device a virtual printer or simply print a PDF to your cloud storage solution (like Dropbox).

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