So we've almost completely rid ourselves of our CD collection, converting hundreds of the CDs we owned into digital files for space saving purposes. And now we're doing the same with our DVD collection (though we plan to keep some of the Criterions)...
Weighing in at about 1.6-2 GB in file size once we converted the DVDs via Handbrake, we're using the spacious 1 TB external drive to store our Apple TV compatible files (which we then watch via HD projector). It's a fairly easy process anyone can do.
Want to do the same? What you'll need are:
• Ample storage space: 1 terabyte used to be a figure of science fiction proportions. Now you can get an external 1 TB drive for $239 or cheaper. We're big fans of the Seagate FreeAgent Pro because of their sharp looking design (TRON meets Drakkar Noir), 32MB cache buffer, 7200 rpm operation and its quiet performance. Oh, and they're finally now Mac compatible (the included software) and come with a 5 year warranty. If you're one to worry, get two drives and keep your collection in duplicate.
• Conversion software: Roxio Crunch, Handbrake, MactheRipper, Mediacoder, etc.
• A fast PC/Mac machine: the faster the better. We often stare envious at the benchmarks posted by Handbrake users with newer Intel multi-core machines here. So far, it's been a slow going transition since our once pokey PowerPC G5 is very slow at converting the files (we leave it working overnight, with fingers crossed there is no crash window in the morning greeting us). We're trying to do one a day, hopefully finishing our collection sometime by the end of summer.
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I've almost finished converting my CD collection to digital. A whopping 100GB so far. I look at my DVD collection and get shivers when I think of the time involved in doing the same to them. 1500 DVD's at one a day....should be finished in 5 or so years. Doh!!!!
Since I have both a laptop and desktop (as does my wife), I mount my HDs over my home network and put all the machines to work overnight ripping onto that drive.
Something to consider for all you big DVD collectors!
I used this to rip my CD's..saved a TON of time and energy
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&partNumber=VGPXL1B2
what do you guys do with the DVDs once you have converted them over? Donate them? Trade them in?
I have over 2TB of movies and growing. I think I need a server.
Cptsilver, Please consider donating your DVDs/CDs (the originals) to your local public library. The local branch of my urban library is desperate for good media and they can usually only afford donations.
Instead of doing these conversions, I just adopt space efficient storage for the discs. You have to back up the data you extract anyway in some fashion which is also going to take up space (and cost more in an investment in media or hardware).
I used binders, CD pockets and sheet protectors. I didn't have to toss anything away except the bulky cases (I still have the inserts, booklets, etc.).
http://tinyurl.com/5sqdf5
It only cost $4 per binder though now I wish I'd labeled them less starkly. I'll eventually replace the labels (they slide out).
Orchid: Those binders still sound like more room than a single 500GB HD (with ~100 movies inside) takes up.
Redundancy is obviously your main concern, but from my "less clutter is a good thing", it just sounds like something else sitting around unused and taking up space.
I've been thinking of picking up an apple tv and converting my DVDs. only problem is... how do you file DVD extras? it makes no sense why apple tv can't handle this in a normal fashion.
has anyone bought/rented a movie from itunes? do they not come with bonus features?
Matt: No extras come with iTunes Movie Purchases.
If you're concerned about the extras, why not rip the entire disc as VIDEO_TS files and then launch them from FR's DVD Player? You're then using the menu hierarchy to choose content...including extras.
You may be creating a problem where one doesn't need to exist!