HandBrake

I realize I'm asking for a Jesus-format here, and there will have to be some compromises. Basically the sources will be DVD or Blu-Ray. If the format is coming from Blu-Ray, I want it to be ripped in 720p, and DVDs of course will be in standard def.

These files will be played on one or more of the following: AppleTV 2, iPad 2, iPhone 4, and a Windows 7 HTPC. I'm looking for something I can play on the go but also enjoy reasonably on a big screen and surround system. File size isn't too big a concern, I have a plenty-big file server. I'm more of looking for ease of ripping, and a single-source solution so I don't have multiple formats of the same movie.

Is there any reason not to use the AppleTV2 preset for this? It encodes to 720p if the source is high definition. It makes a 2-channel AAC track that iDevices can play but also keeps an AC3 passthru stream. And from what I understand, Apple recently lifted restrictions, and you can now play these files on the iPad and iPhone. Additionally, Windows supports MP4 in Media Center as of W7. It seems this would be a great general-purpose DVD and Blu-Ray ripping preset. Thoughts?

Based on your playback devices, the Apple TV 2 preset is the best compromise.

Stevoman wrote:And from what I understand, Apple recently lifted restrictions, and you can now play these files on the iPad and iPhone.

FWIW, there were no such restrictions. The iPhone 4, iPod touch 4G and iPad could play 720p from the start; older iPhone and iPod models couldn't and still can't.

I have both the AppleTV (original) and AppleTV 2 and have not been using the (original) for a while (meantime I've been using the new AppleTV 2 presets to convert new movies). I just discovered that the AppleTV (original) hangs up when trying the playback an AppleTV 2 formatted movie. I can't find any reference on the net as to anyone else having this issue. Any ideas? ? ? ?

The appletv2 preset uses advanced x264 features that are not compatible with the appletv1.

jdonbrake wrote: AppleTV (original) hangs up when trying the playback an AppleTV 2 formatted movie.

I have the same problem but do not own an Apple TV gen 2. Do you know if Apple TV gen 2 will play AppleTV formatted movies?

The Apple TV2 will play movies encoded using the Apple TV1 preset.

nightstrm wrote:The appletv2 preset uses advanced x264 features that are not compatible with the appletv1.

Yeah the main one being cabac.

Not entirely true... dynaflash's advanced Apple TV preset uses cabac to good effect. Pyramidal b-frames will choke the ATV1 forcing a reset.

http://dynaflashtech.net/2010/07/06/han ... -b-frames/

tennisbgc wrote:

nightstrm wrote:The appletv2 preset uses advanced x264 features that are not compatible with the appletv1.

Yeah the main one being cabac.

As TedJ pointed out, the AppleTV 1 supports CABAC (albeit with more risk of stuttering). The main incompatible features are weightp and b-pyramid.

I too have AppleTV 1st Gen. and 2nd Gen. My question is which preset would be best for me to use? I use and love the hard drive capability of the 1st gen atv. What are the disadvantages of me using the 'Apple TV' present vs. 'Apple TV 2' present in Handbreak if I want to keep my 1st Gen ATV in play. I also have a 1st Gen iPad, 4th Gen iTouch, iPhone 3GS and 4S that I would like to use these movies in. My limited experience has shown me that I can use a rip in Apple TV present with these devices. I do not rip movies based on the Apple gadget I have but a single format.

On a seperate topic, I just purchased a MacPro. I understand I can use Handbreak for MacPro but what apps could I download for free for MAC as the ripping engine. I currently use DVD43 (not sure if this is the best option) for PC for that purpose.

The AppleTV 2 preset is not compatible with the first generation AppleTV.

For ripping DVDs under OS X, there's Mac DVDRipper Pro or MakeMKV.