You can configure HandBrake to copy source material to many different types of formats, including creating files to play on your iPod, iPhone, or Apple TV, and in iTunes. Before you start the copy process, you must tell HandBrake what the destination will be, and fine-tune a few settings to produce the best results.
Configure the Source and Destination
We're going to configure HandBrake to create a file we can play back on a Mac, either with the VLC media player or from within iTunes. If you wish to make copies for the iPod, iPhone, or AppleTV, the process is very similar. You just need to change the HandBrake presets for the target device.
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If you haven't already, insert the DVD you wish to copy to your Mac and launch HandBrake.
HandBrake will display a dropdown sheet asking which Volume should be opened. Select the DVD from the list, and then click 'Open.'
HandBrake's main window will appear. After HandBrake spends a few moments analyzing the selected DVD, the DVD's name will appear as the Source in HandBrake's main window.
- Choose the title to copy. The Title dropdown menu will be filled in with the DVD's longest title; this is usually the main title for the DVD. HandBrake can only create a copy of a single title on a DVD. Of course you can run HandBrake multiple times if you want all of the DVD titles. In our example, we will assume you only want the main movie on the DVD, and not any of the extras.
- Choose a destination. This is the file that will be created when the copy is made. You can use the suggested file name, or use the 'Browse' button to select another location to store the destination file and create a new name. Do not change the file extension, which will probably be .m4v. This file type will ensure you can use the resulting copy in iTunes, or directly on your Mac, using the VLC media player or Apple's QuickTime Player.
Configure HandBrake's Output Using Presets
HandBrake comes with 10 output presets that make converting video to popular formats a simple process of selecting the right preset. Presets can also be a starting place for customizing the conversion process to meet your specific needs.
- If the preset drawer is not visible on the side of HandBrake's main window, click the 'Toggle Preset' icon located in the top right-hand corner of the HandBrake window.
- The preset drawer will list 10 presets, grouped under three headings: Apple, Regular, and Legacy. If needed, click the disclosure triangle next to each group name to reveal its associated presets.
- To copy a DVD for use on your Mac, select either 'Regular Normal' or 'Regular High Profile.' Normal is good for DVDs that contain movies; High Profile is better for TV shows.
Once you choose the preset to use, you're ready to create the copy of your DVD.
