HandBrake is an open source software that allows staff to “rip” DVDs. This allows the DVDs to be saved as a video file to a computer and then shown to a class. It also allows you to take an existing video file and encode or convert it to another file type. This guide will demonstrate both key purposes of the software.
“Ripping” a DVD to Create a Video File
Copyright Considerations
If you are ripping anything for use with your classes, you must own a copy of the DVD. It is a copyright violation to create a file from something you do not own. Distributing these ripped files using YouTube or Google Drive is prohibited. Allowing students to download these files to their own devices is also prohibited.
First, check out a DVD player and plug it into your computer. Insert your DVD.
Download HandBrake from Self Service. It is available to all staff in Shakopee Public Schools.
Click on Open Source.
Select the DVD disc you have inserted in your DVD player. Click on the title and then Open.
You may see a warning with this statement. You can click on “Attempt Scan Anyway.”
The default settings should work for most needs. You can select from the Preset drop-down menu to choose what resolution you would like the video to be in. Below that is a Format drop-down menu. Most of the time, you will want to use MP4 because it is a universally compatible file. At the bottom of the window, you can name your file whatever you'd like. If you click on Browse… in the lower right corner, you can choose where your file is saved.
Once you have your files, you can play them using QuickTime player by default or download VLC Media Player for Self Service.
Encoding and Converting File Types
Directions coming soon!