Video converting program for good resolution on tablets

[JCtheOT]

I just got a Nexus 7 for my husband to use while he's deployed & now I want to convert his DVD collection to a format that he can play them on. I've used DVD Shrink to start getting them onto our computer, but I can't figure out which program is best to convert the files to a playable format for his tablet that I can send him on an external hard drive.

I've read several recommendations online for various programs, but I can't find any that seem to have the resolution that the Nexus goes up to & of course want it to be as crisp an image as possible. We're also thinking about getting a 10" tablet at some point, so I'd like something that can look good on that as well.

I'm not all that tech-savvy, so this might be a stupid question if all of the programs would work equally well. I just keep seeing that the Nexus 7 display goes up to 1280 x 800 & I have yet to find a converting program that can even come close to that resolution. He has his tablet downrange with him, so I can't test it out & I'd hate to take the time to convert all his movies only to have them not look good when he gets them. Freeware is of course preferred, but I'm willing to pay a reasonable price for something that works well & is easy to figure out.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions you might have!

 

[whs37]

1. convert to .mp4 - works best for the Nexus
2. don't worry about the resolution
3. use this program for conversion - it does a good job
4. here is a little video tutorial I made a while ago on how to operate that program: https://vimeo.com/9283805

 

[JCtheOT]

1. convert to .mp4 - works best for the Nexus
2. don't worry about the resolution
3. use this program for conversion - it does a good job
4. here is a little video tutorial I made a while ago on how to operate that program: https://vimeo.com/9283805

Thank you! I'll definitely take a look at it. If you don't mind me asking, why should the resolution not be something to consider? That is good to know since that's been one of my biggest stumbling blocks! Not having the tablet here to see how things look, I was so afraid that the pictures would be all pixilated if the program had a smaller resolution. And thanks for the video tutorial, too--I'm afraid I'll need all the help I can get!

 

[ndoren]

The "Handbrake" program is a universal and well known standard for video conversion. It's free, simple to use (graphical interface) and runs on Windows, Mac, and many variations of linux. It's almost as easy as loading and pushing a button, and it will rip encrypted DVDs, transcode and store your videos in a compatible format for the N7 by default.

HandBrake

To answer your question about resolutions, most commercial DVDs are digitized at 720x576 pixels, 704x576, or 352x288 pixels. It isn't usually possible to maintain the correct aspect ratio and also optimize storage space if the converters map movies to 1280x800 pixels, which is the native resolution of the N7. So, as you mention, your converters won't do that.

Video players for the N7 such as MX player can expand or shrink the image to fit the screen size, but usually have to crop part of the image to do so. So, as far as converting your video, stick with the choices provided by your conversion software, and don't stress about the lack of 1280x800 resolution options. Nearly every video I've converted for the Nexus 7 looks beautiful at its native size or instead zoomed to fit the screen. You won't have an issue with pixellation or grainy images. Hope this helps. Neall

 

[JCtheOT]

The "Handbrake" program is a universal and well known standard for video conversion. It's free, simple to use (graphical interface) and runs on Windows, Mac, and many variations of linux. It's almost as easy as loading and pushing a button, and it will rip encrypted DVDs, transcode and store your videos in a compatible format for the N7 by default.

HandBrake

To answer your question about resolutions, most commercial DVDs are digitized at 720x576 pixels, 704x576, or 352x288 pixels. It isn't usually possible to maintain the correct aspect ratio and also optimize storage space if the converters map movies to 1280x800 pixels, which is the native resolution of the N7. So, as you mention, your converters won't do that.

Video players for the N7 such as MX player can expand or shrink the image to fit the screen size, but usually have to crop part of the image to do so. So, as far as converting your video, stick with the choices provided by your conversion software, and don't stress about the lack of 1280x800 resolution options. Nearly every video I've converted for the Nexus 7 looks beautiful at its native size or instead zoomed to fit the screen. You won't have an issue with pixellation or grainy images. Hope this helps. Neall

Thank you, Neall! Handbrake is actually one of the programs I've already installed in my search for which one to use. I appreciate your reassurance that the picture will look great, since the last thing I want is to take the time to convert the dozens of movies my husband has & ship the hard drive to him & then things not look right when he goes to watch them!

 

[SirGrant]

I've been using DVD Catalyst 4 with great success. It costs 10 bucks, but it does everything, just insert the DVD into the drive and it optimizes the transfer to your device. I transfer stuff to my Nexus 7, my kids Kindle devices, and have good copies to watch on my laptop. Look into this one step program, you'll like it!

Not affiliated with it, just very happy with it.

 

[Churros]

I dont convert any of the Films or TV programmes I want to watch I just transfer them onto Nexus 7 and use MX Player works a treat and in HD to

 

[saltire]

+1 for DVD Catalyst, used Handbrake but it struggled with copy protection on newer DVDs. Since DVD catalyst was half price I tried it and it's handled everything I've thrown at it so far. I have no links to it either but it is good and much cheaper than other paid DVD Rippers out there.

Profiles for a load of devices including N7, plus advanced mode for tinkering with settings if you're that inclined.

 

[ndoren]

DVD Catalyst looks good, and yes, I've had issues "cracking" a few DVDs with Handbrake. One distinct advantage of Handbrake is that it runs graphically on linux and Mac, as well as Windows.

By the way, note that both DVD Catalyst and Handbrake will import and convert MKV format videos for your Nexus 7. Why is this relevant? If you have a Blu-Ray player in your computer, you can rip Blu-Ray HD videos into MKV format, then use DVD Catalyst or Handbrake to transcode them for your Nexus.

If you're wanting to rip Blu-Ray disks, look at makemkv at:
MakeMKV - Make MKV from Blu-ray and DVD
As with Handbrake, MakeMKV will run on Macs, Windows, and linux.

From there, you can import into Handbrake, DVD Catalyst, or whatever, and make movies for your Nexus 7. MakeMKV is also free. Neall

 

[whs37]

Thank you! I'll definitely take a look at it. If you don't mind me asking, why should the resolution not be something to consider? That is good to know since that's been one of my biggest stumbling blocks! Not having the tablet here to see how things look, I was so afraid that the pictures would be all pixilated if the program had a smaller resolution. And thanks for the video tutorial, too--I'm afraid I'll need all the help I can get!

If you want, you can adjust the reolution with Format Factory (if you know what resolution you need). After adding the file, click on 'output setting and then click on 'video size'. On the right side there is an arrow down which gives you the options.

 

[SirGrant]

By the way, note that both DVD Catalyst and Handbrake will import and convert MKV format videos for your Nexus 7. Why is this relevant? If you have a Blu-Ray player in your computer, you can rip Blu-Ray HD videos into MKV format, then use DVD Catalyst or Handbrake to transcode them for your Nexus.

If you're wanting to rip Blu-Ray disks, look at makemkv at:
MakeMKV - Make MKV from Blu-ray and DVD
As with Handbrake, MakeMKV will run on Macs, Windows, and linux.

From there, you can import into Handbrake, DVD Catalyst, or whatever, and make movies for your Nexus 7. MakeMKV is also free. Neall

I haven't tried this (no Blu Ray drive), but DVD Catalyst says just put the Blu Ray in and it'll do everything, one step. True?

Also for the original post, you mention having several devices, the catalyst program optimizes it's conversion for multiple devices.

One last thing, if there is a dvd which has issues, it has a link to bypass the specific issues for the specific problems. I've converted about 40 dvds with about 3 with issues. The links provided had quick & easy fixes for the issues.

 

[-=Jeff=-]

I haven't tried this (no Blu Ray drive), but DVD Catalyst says just put the Blu Ray in and it'll do everything, one step. True?

Also for the original post, you mention having several devices, the catalyst program optimizes it's conversion for multiple devices.

One last thing, if there is a dvd which has issues, it has a link to bypass the specific issues for the specific problems. I've converted about 40 dvds with about 3 with issues. The links provided had quick & easy fixes for the issues.

No you need MakeMMKV or AnyDVD HD to allow DVD Catalyst to work for Blu Ray

AnyDVD HD is more intergrated to DVD Catalyst, as I understand it, making it a one step process.

using MakeMKV I believe you use that for the Blu Ray to create a MKV and then you run DVD Catalyst to covert it for your device.

I will try this sometime this week. I like the DVD catalyst as I have a N7 and my kids have iPod Touches.

 

[sparksd]

I use AnyDVD HD & DVD Catalyst for Blu-Ray conversions - works great.