Movies

01-07-04, 09:13 PM

Hello,

I reside within the United States and I have a huge collection of DVDs that I would like to convert some of them to view on my Axim. I have seen a program availible on Handango that advertises converting DVDs in one process straight to a CF or SD card. Of course along with the normal disclaimers it also includes the ILLEGAL IN THE UNITED STATES warning. I know there are laws against copying DVDs but hey, I already own them and I am not selling them, nor do I hand them out. Is there a program that can make (preferable in a one step process) files capable to be viewed on my Axim without risking breaking the law of the Digital Media act?

I know some people say that I could just go ahead an do it, whom will find out but I work for the government, and I have a security clearance so not only am I being watched like a hawk already, it could also discredit my honesty for the government/clearance.

House · 01-08-04, 01:36 PM

I think DVD-To-PocketPC will do what you want. I have not used the software yet.

I dont think that you are breaking any laws as long as you are only converting your own DVD's ( No Rented or borrowed ) Though I think that this issue is still really in the grey ... everyone will have a different answer to the legality issue. Personally I wouldnt worry about it, but thats just me.

Here is a link <link>http://www.makayama.com/dvdtopocketpc.html</link>

Artie · 01-08-04, 04:22 PM

This is at the bottom of their page:

"For legal reasons this software may not be used by citizens of the U.S.A. and Malaysia to convert copyprotected DVDs."

marlabone · 01-08-04, 04:45 PM

Has anyone used this program? If so, what are your reviews of it?

Artie · 01-08-04, 06:06 PM

I downloaded the demo which lets you record only 5 minutes of a DVD. I recorded a DVD that was in the regular movie screen format, not letterbox. The result was "stretched" to something less than letterbox and satisfactory, not an exact dupliate.
Program was easy to install and use (Win XP). I used the "normal" quality, not "high." It created a 5 meg file for 5 minutes of recording, a wmd file. It plays on your desktop with Windows Media Player, version 9. You must manually copy it to your Ax. I put it on the SD card. Find it with File Explorer and open it.

Problems: The movie quality was good while in played normally BUT ocassionally it would seem to pause then start again, only briefly and not often but not something I could live with. The picture would become slightly "hashy" when this happened. Sorry that is a poor explination but it's the best I can do.
Also, only occasionally, the sound would drop out.

Those wondering about landscape mode on the AX (X3i) will find that opening Media Player to full screen mode with automatically put the picture horizontally.

Thinking that perhaps by Sandisk SD card was the problem I moved the program to main menory. No change, same results.
Now I will try it with a letterbox DVD with quality set to "high" and report back if there is any change.

DasMagician · 01-08-04, 06:09 PM

I downloaded it and installed it. After a couple of tries it finally loaded the dvd, configured it, then ran - then it just froze - never did get to work.

DasMagician · 01-08-04, 06:16 PM

I've tried a bunch of ways and still the best is taught by Fibrizo,
DVD to AVI guide and the AVI to Axim guide. All the programs are free, and if you work it right you can knock out at least 2 movies a night.:D

marlabone · 01-08-04, 06:32 PM

Is there a version for win me?

Artie · 01-08-04, 07:22 PM

I must retract my previous post. Tried the program with a letterbox DVD at both "Normal" and "High" quality settings.
At high quality there was a noticable difference in quality, a bit better. File was 9.5 meg for 5 minutes, 4.5 meg at Normal quality.

It takes about as long to make the file as it does to watch the movie, probably a bit longer with a full length feature. Anyway, the results were good. I had no trouble running the program on WinXP, 512 RAM.

The Demo only les you start the recording at the beginning of the DVD. I hope the actual program will let you select a track. I imagine it will but am not sure.

rtalain · 01-08-04, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Artie
This is at the bottom of their page:

"For legal reasons this software may not be used by citizens of the U.S.A. and Malaysia to convert copyprotected DVDs."

I can understand the United States, but Malaysia????

Ron

picnic9 · 01-09-04, 12:31 AM

DVD-To-PocketPC will it work with windows mobile2002?!?!