how do i watch dvd's on nexus 7

There are many choices out there, but my preferred method uses two programs:
- DVDFab (free portion - called HDDecrypter - it also does Bluray)
- Handbrake

DVDFab is used to decrypt the DVD (strips off the copy protection), and then Handbrake is used to convert the decrypted files (DVDFab outputs to a directory of VOB files) into an MP4 file. Handbrake has several profiles for different types of outputs depending in the desired device. For my Nexus 7, I tend to stick to the "Android High" setting.

Once you have your MP4 file from Handbrake, it's a case of connecting the Nexus 7 to your computer using the USB cable and copying the file into the "Movies" directory (ignore the warning message that might pop up - something about unknown filetypes). The standard pre-installed video player will run the MP4 file fine. I tend to use MX Player (free app from the store) to play videos, as the controls are nicer, and it plays other filetypes too.

Hope that helps!

Rhyan

 

Although it wasn't free software, I found the following process extremely easy and it lets me keep my movies on a USB flash drive.

First:
Purchase DVD Catalyst 4 software ($9.95) for your PC (I'm sure there is other free software out there)
Purchase an OTG (On-the-Go) Cable for Nexus 7 from Amazon ($1 to $8)
Purchase a USB flash drive (my 16gb held 7 movies with space left for approx 5 additional movies)
Download the Nexus Media Importer app to your N7.


Now:
Upload your DVD to your PC using DVD Catalyst 4
Download the DVD to your USB flash drive
Connect your USB flash drive to the OTG Cable
Insert the OTG Cable into your N7. Your Nexus Media Importer app will open (click OK) and select the DVD you wish to watch.

I hope this helps.

 

x2

DVD Catalyst 4 is so worth the $10 vs messing around trying to find the right combination of freewares. It's kind of idiot-proof when there is an actual recommended settings labeled 'Nexus 7'. Very plug n play.

 

The amount of movies you can fit depends entirely on the size of the movies. I have some that are 5MB and others that are 500MB. Best is to put them on a USB stick and play them with the OTG cable.

But on the 32GB you also have quite a lot of space. And don't compress.

 

Look into the Properties of your movie files. There is says how many MBs they are. Then you can appr. figure it out yourself. 1GB is 1000MB. I always figure 300MB for 10 minutes. But that can vary a lot depending on filetype. framerate, framesize, bitrate, etc. - all this info is in Properties > Details tab.

 

How long does it typically take to convert a movie (ballpark). I downloaded DVD Catalyst 4 but can't tell if it's actually running.

 

I got the answer to my last question (it took approx 40 minutes) but the download to the Nexus would only display in vertical. Is there a way to watch (or convert-download) horizontally

 

That is very strange. It should play in both modes. I do not have that problem - but I convert with this program which is very fast: Format Factory Home Page - Free media file format converter

And here I made a little tutorial that shows you how to use it - very easy: https://vimeo.com/9283805

 

He is what I do:

1. Use DVDShrink to rip the DVD to my hard drive.
2. Use Handbrake to convert the output from DVDShrink to MP4.
3. Copy the MP4 file from my computer to my Nexus 7.
4. Clicked on the file using a file manager and play it in the default video player.

Works fine for me, landscape or portrait.