Format for ripping DVDs/BluRays
Discussion
What I would like is to be able to store my DVDs/BRs in a lossless format (retaining DVD menus, subtitle options etc) and be able to select it from an interface that shows the film artwork/front cover.
From the research I have done, anything other than copying into "ISO" format results in the loss of DVD menus, subtitles etc. However, software such as Plex won't play ISOs.
Any guidance would be appreciated
From the research I have done, anything other than copying into "ISO" format results in the loss of DVD menus, subtitles etc. However, software such as Plex won't play ISOs.
Any guidance would be appreciated
You can usually add subtitles back to MP4s etc by finding accompanying SRT files (I think). Video and sound quality isn't a problem with MP4s either in real terms (just keep the frame rate "same as source" and ensure you add at least an "AC3 passthrough" track. However...
I simply rip DVDs raw into VIDEO_TS files (I use DVD Fab, other products exist), save them to a NAS and then play them through Kodi. All works well...but each DVD will be between 5-8Gb (for comparison a high quality MP4 with multiple soundtracks including an AC3 is 1-1.5Gb).
I've been a bit OCD with my rips, but in reality I very, very rarely use any of the menus. A couple of the kids ones have some decent extras, but most are just guff that I have zero time to watch...so I'd seriously consider going solely MP4. Gives you a wider choice of interface options (though I'm a big fan of Kodi) and, more importantly, you can use the same files on mobile devices readily.
I simply rip DVDs raw into VIDEO_TS files (I use DVD Fab, other products exist), save them to a NAS and then play them through Kodi. All works well...but each DVD will be between 5-8Gb (for comparison a high quality MP4 with multiple soundtracks including an AC3 is 1-1.5Gb).
I've been a bit OCD with my rips, but in reality I very, very rarely use any of the menus. A couple of the kids ones have some decent extras, but most are just guff that I have zero time to watch...so I'd seriously consider going solely MP4. Gives you a wider choice of interface options (though I'm a big fan of Kodi) and, more importantly, you can use the same files on mobile devices readily.
DVDs have a folder structure and usually are made up of multiple files.
You can rip DVDs to a PC and retain the structure - you can then use something like VLC Player to play the DVD back.
ISO files are files that are basically a 'copy' of a CD or DVD and they are used to burn the CD/DVD back to a disc - you generally cannot play the media back directly from the ISO file.
The 'problem' with ripping a DVD and keeping it as a folder structure is that it can make it hard to player on other mediums or for others who may not understand how the tech works. For example you will struggle to put the files onto a USB and then have it play directly off a TV or other media player.
The other option is to rip to an MP4 file - you can retain the quality but you may lose the menus (should be able to keep multiple audio and subs). The benefit is you get 1 file which is much more compatible with any media player.
You can rip DVDs to a PC and retain the structure - you can then use something like VLC Player to play the DVD back.
ISO files are files that are basically a 'copy' of a CD or DVD and they are used to burn the CD/DVD back to a disc - you generally cannot play the media back directly from the ISO file.
The 'problem' with ripping a DVD and keeping it as a folder structure is that it can make it hard to player on other mediums or for others who may not understand how the tech works. For example you will struggle to put the files onto a USB and then have it play directly off a TV or other media player.
The other option is to rip to an MP4 file - you can retain the quality but you may lose the menus (should be able to keep multiple audio and subs). The benefit is you get 1 file which is much more compatible with any media player.
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