AppleTV, ripped DVDs and Special Features?

[DaveF]

How do you manage special features with ripped / encoded DVDs with an AppleTV?

I'd like to move to an AppleTV type system that could also play my DVDs (like my 9 seasons of StarGate: SG1 that I'm watching currently). However AppleTV won't play ripped DVDs and no other system has an equivalent download service.

But what if I rip-encode my DVDs for an AppleTV to play, how do I also keep all the special features (commentaries, making-of, etc.) organized and easily playable?

I just haven't found a solution for this yet -- hopefully it's out there. And I can find a good alternative. The Mac mini cost twice as much and can't rent HD moves from iTunes. Netflix requires a monthly sub, and requires a second computer for the DVD library.

Do I need to abandon special features to enjoy a digital media system?

 

[mchalebk]

I haven't gotten into ripping DVDs yet, since my antique Quicksilver would take forever (MacPro in a few months, though), but it's my understanding that you have to rip/convert the special features you're interested in separately. So, if you've got a DVD of a movie with two featurettes and a trailer, you'd end up with four files.

 

[DarkHeraldMage]

I haven't gotten into ripping DVDs yet, since my antique Quicksilver would take forever (MacPro in a few months, though), but it's my understanding that you have to rip/convert the special features you're interested in separately. So, if you've got a DVD of a movie with two featurettes and a trailer, you'd end up with four files.

This is correct. Handbrake gives you the ability to rip every single movie on the disc, commentary episodes and special features alike. Problem is, it has no way of knowing what each individual file is so you'd have to rip them all, then watch them to be able to name them accordingly. Personally, I don't put special features or commentary on my apple TV. I'll put the disc in for stuff like that. That's just my preference though.

 

[dynaflash]

Problem is, it has no way of knowing what each individual file is so you'd have to rip them all, then watch them to be able to name them accordingly.

Or you could just check it in dvdplayer.app and note which title numbers are the ones you want, then encode each one in HB. Instead of encoding *all* of the titles which might be quite tiresome.

 

[DarkHeraldMage]

Or you could just check it in dvdplayer.app and note which title numbers are the ones you want, then encode each one in HB. Instead of encoding *all* of the titles which might be quite tiresome.

Both are tiresome. You either flip back and forth between DVD Player and Handbrake, or you have Handbrake rip them all and then go through them and delete/rename. Either way it's a headache.

 

[DaveF]

Thanks for the info, though that was what I was afraid of. There's no way I can rip, encode, and manually name all files for 300+ DVDs.

 

[DarkHeraldMage]

Thanks for the info, though that was what I was afraid of. There's no way I can rip, encode, and manually name all files for 300+ DVDs.

I fully believe you could - if you're not looking to do it for special features. Especially if you're only talking movies and not TV shows on DVD. Movies are easy. You look for the longest video title in Handbrake, and rip it with the name of the movie as the filename. Then tag it in MetaX and import. Sooooooooo worth it in the end. I've done 130+ movies and just shy of 1900 episodes of TV shows. Can you tell I like TV more than movies?

 

[dynaflash]

You look for the longest video title in Handbrake, and rip it with the name of the movie as the filename.

Actually HB will automatically choose the longest title. Also should default to whatever the actual name of the physical disk is which usually reflects the title in all caps for your output file.

 

[DarkHeraldMage]

Actually HB will automatically choose the longest title. Also should default to whatever the actual name of the physical disk is which usually reflects the title in all caps for your output file.

Very true. Forgot about that. Thanks.

 

[DaveF]

I fully believe you could - if you're not looking to do it for special features. Especially if you're only talking movies and not TV shows on DVD. Movies are easy. You look for the longest video title in Handbrake, and rip it with the name of the movie as the filename. Then tag it in MetaX and import. Sooooooooo worth it in the end. I've done 130+ movies and just shy of 1900 episodes of TV shows. Can you tell I like TV more than movies?

I am looking to do it for special features. I usually watch special features, especially for TV series. There's no point in going through the work of creating a digital media center, only to have to use the DVDs to watch behind-the-scenes material.