tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13259344.post1974320329605982906..comments2024-01-05T08:15:28.172-05:00Comments on What's on HDTV?: More on Ripping DVDserichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05244758906105140609noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13259344.post-1073325186234600122006-12-18T08:01:00.000-05:002006-12-18T08:01:00.000-05:00Anonymous, thanks for your comments. Yes, it's sti...Anonymous, thanks for your comments. Yes, it's still in the contemplation phase. I'm going to wait until the Apple iTV product comes out before finalizing plans. I could get one of those, or a mini, or both.<br /><br />I also need for Apple to come out with a revised mini with HDMI output. DVI won't do 'cuz it doesn't carry audio. The iTV product <i>will</i> have HDMI. I bought a Sony LCD HDTV that has lots of HDMI inputs but no other digital audio inputs. My Yamaha digital sound projector meanwhile accepts no HDMI inputs but has an optical digital audio input from the TV. But its relatively few digital audio input ports (3) are already maxed out. The only way I can get digital sound from a Mac mini to the DSP is via HDMI to the TV and then via digital optical cable to the DSP.<br /><br />I too find using HandBrake in MPEG4 format an excellent solution. I'll keep your recommended settings in mind under the assumption that I will one day replace my iPod 3G with an iPod Video and an AV Cable.erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05244758906105140609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13259344.post-29385947485496972602006-12-17T18:11:00.000-05:002006-12-17T18:11:00.000-05:00I just found this blog, not sure why I didn't see ...I just found this blog, not sure why I didn't see it earlier. Is this all still in the contemplation phase? I've been using a Mac Mini as an HTPC under the TV since it was introduced - and a broken-screen powerbook for a year before that. I've worked out a lot of issues and created some workarounds for difficult issues. Theere are some issues that just can't be overcome - eg getting encrypted digital cable onto the mini in an easy way. As to ripping DVDs though, I've gotten it down pretty well. My advice: Handbrake in MPEG-4 format, at a bitrate of 1200-1500, deinterlaced and with a maximum horizontal resolution of 624 pixels. This results in file sizes of about 1GB per 90 minute movie, at near-DVD quality, and it allows for playback on an iPod Video... which means maximum portability when you have the iPod AV Cable. <br /><br />Handbrake can't make iPod-playable videos in AVC at near-DVD quality - you have to go down to 320x240, which is crap. So while you can save 25-20% on file sizes by going with AVC, I don't think it's worth it if you have or contemplate having a video-capable iPod. On the other hand, if you don't use video with an iPod, you might as well go with AVC at full-resolution.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com