Converting DVD’s to uploadable files for free
March 7, 2009
The problem: A client hands you a DVD suitable for playing in any DVD player and says “add the second segment to my website.” You’re a web designer, not an editor, so how do you go about selecting a specific segment of that DVD, convert it to a suitable format, and upload it…without shelling out a grand for Final Cut?
The solution: MPEG Streamclip from Squared5. Yes, the website and user interface are clunky – but this piece of software is a rare gem.
Streamclip relies on a certain codec (video compression technique) that does not ship with Quicktime Player. You can either purchase the codec from Apple (boo) or download Quicktime Alternative from fileHippo.com for free (yay). It’s critical that you download the correct version (1.81), which can be found here. I’m fairly certain that if you are using OSX your only option is to buy the codec from Apple. If you happen to own Final Cut, you already have it.
So, you’ve downloaded Quicktime Alternative and MPEG Streamclip. Let’s get started!
If you’re installing Quicktime Alternative, be sure to uninstall any other Quicktime software you have floating around on your machine (in XP: start>settings>control panel>add/remove programs). Once the old Quicktime is gone, run the installer for Quicktime Alternative.
Now run the installer for MPEG Streamclip and launch the program. Insert the DVD you want to rip from into the drive and select File>Open DVD. And…presto! There’s your DVD above a friendly Quicktime interface. So, press play or drag the playhead around to where you want your clip to start. Choose Edit>Select In (or press “i”). Now scrub to where you’re ending your clip and choose Edit>Select Out (or press “o”). Now choose File>Export [insert format of choice here]. Select your export options as you see fit and choose a place to save your new file.
You’re done! And you spent no money! Now upload that sucker to YouTube and embed away!
