I have noticed that there are a number of suggestions about how to get a DVD to our PPCs. Many of the suggestions involve several steps and it seems some of the purchased applications are one step programs(excepting for the actual transfer of the file from the PC to the PPC).

My question is this: Are programs like PocketDVD Studio actually one step applications that make it easy for a newb like me to get a DVD to the PPC? And is the trade off for simplicity the cost of the program and the sacrifice of some quality? In other words, if I am willing to live with the costs and lesser quality, do the programs like PocketDVD Studio accomplish what is needed, or is there still another step required? Thanks.

fairuse is free. One program 8 steps. Then set and forget.

Don't Panic!
Bobby
42
Soft-reset is our Friend :

    

DVD to PPC will work for you and is very much worth the one step process. I can make better files with Dr. Divx ($50 program) but would rather use DVD to PPC to run overnight.

DVD to PPC was one of my first purchases when I bought my PPC in October 2004.

I was pleased with the product and the output until I learned more, and tried other methods.

Granted, DVD to PPC version 2 is out now, which may make a difference. Eventually, I wasn't pleased with the quality of the end product (even when selecting "high quality"), the "out of sync" problems I experienced, and the time it took to encode a movie. I had legitimately bought this software.

I tried a few other methods, including the DVDShrink->PocketDivXEncoder route. Much faster, better quality, still "audio sync" issues.

Then someone suggested FairUse. I tried several levels of recording, and as I've said over and over...80kps audio and 250MB movies set on "auto" does the trick...and has only not worked perfectly in three occasions:

1) The "Great Outdoors" wouldn't work. I have no idea.
2) For some reason, MIB II didn't copy right. I'm going to try again today.
3) The LOTR extended versions all show "subscripts" with writer/producer information on the resulting files (they flash on and off from time to time). When I wrote on the afonic forums asking about this, the webmaster himself locked me out of the forum and told me I shouldn't rip illegally downloaded copies of movies (which I had not done).

So, all I can say is that the webmaster at Afonic leaves something to be desired and that I don't suggest going there for any kind of support...but I do support the program FairUse as the best option at the moment...for free (although I paid the donation for that, too)...although it can be very slow on older PC's.

Give it a try.

http://www.fairusewizard.com/lang_en/index.html

 

I've seen numerous posts ad your opinion on Fairuse. I think you've actally convinced me to at least give it a try. Before I download, is all I have to do is set it to 250mb and 80 kb audio and I'm done?

That, and click the "auto" button.

Then let it work. Depending on your processor speed and memory, it can take 1.5 hours (my system) or longer (4 hours on my 2.4 GHz Celeron laptop).

However, if you create one movie a night while you sleep, it's not a bad deal...and you can work on your computer while FairUse is thinking/working.

It really is worth trying, if not just for the knowledge of other programs out there.