How to Rip DVDs on Mac Using Handbrake

Ripping DVDs has become an essential part of the digital media experience, allowing users to preserve their physical collections in a convenient digital format. As someone who has been converting their massive DVD collection over the years using Handbrake and VLC, I understand the importance of making this process as easy and efficient as possible.

Handbrake is a popular shareware video transcoder that can be used for free, and it's compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to rip DVDs on your Mac using Handbrake, converting them into MP4 files using 1080p or 4K presets.

Step 1: Rip the DVD to an MKV File Using MakeMKV

Before ripping the DVD with Handbrake, it's essential to copy the main title (usually the longest) of the physical disc to an MKV file using MakeMKV. This will ensure that you have a backup of the original content and can transcode it later.

Step 2: Rip the Physical Disc with Handbrake

Once you've copied the main title, open Handbrake and select the DVD drive as the source. Choose the 1080p or 4K preset depending on your desired output quality and click 'Start' to begin the ripping process.

Step 3: Transcode the Video with Handbrake

After the ripping process is complete, you'll be left with an MP4 file that can be easily played on your Mac or any other compatible device. You can also transcode the video into different formats and resolutions using Handbrake's advanced settings.

Step 4: Add the File to Your Media Library

Once the transcoding process is complete, copy the file to your NAS's media directory. Jellyfin will automatically scan the new movie and add it to your library, making it easy to access and stream on your networked devices.

In conclusion, ripping DVDs using Handbrake is a straightforward process that can be completed with minimal technical expertise. By following these steps, you'll be able to preserve your physical DVD collection in a digital format, making it easy to access and enjoy on your Mac or other compatible devices.

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