Challenges converting VOBs (ripped DVDs) to Kindle HD 8.9 compatible files

[hotwired99]

I have several DVDs ripped to pc in such a way that there is a MOVIE folder, and within it, 2 other folders: An empty AUDIO_TS folder and VIDEO_TS folder with VOB and BUP files. I use DVDFAB to rip, VLC player to play on my laptop, while “second screening” to our TV. This works beautifully .


My Challenge: I want to convert a copy of each so my daughter can play on her Kindle HD 8.9”. I am not having good luck using DVDFAB or DivX for conversion. They get “some” of the job done, but not all.
Problems:


DVDFAB: using the “convert” feature, it does work but resultant MP4 won’t play on Kindle. And sometimes the captions are blurry and green. No error message or specific reason, just “cannot play this file”. Using converter, it seems to start out good but just hangs on the 4th or 5th VOB file. It doesn’t freeze up or anything, it just shows “0” seconds left and just doesn’t move any further. Also, any option with DVDFAB results in multiple files, one for each VOB and my goal is ONE file per movie. And finally, the resultant conversions have captions “on” which is OK but I’d like to be able to turn them off or on.



DivX does have the nice result of leaving me with ONE file but they simply will NOT play on Kindle. Also, no “Kindle” option, only iPad, and I don’t think the iPad settings are quite the same. Same captions issues too. “Always on” which is ok, but rather be able to turn off.



I am open to using a 3rd party app to play the videos on the Kindle if using alternate file type is necessary. Right now I’m using Kindle’s own and MoboPlayer. Neither work.



My understanding is that I can have MP4 in h.264 OR vp8.



DVDFAB even has a “kindle HD” setting for output and it does NOT work for me. And again, I’ve tried both “convert” and “rip” and have different, but equally frustrating roadblocks.



Any hints in the right direction would be appreciated. Even if it’s just a list of programs that MIGHT work but won’t give me too much malware to get rid of later.



Thanks much!

[Kerry56]

Handbrake or VidCoder would be my first suggestions. The Android tablet preset should work for you.

I use MX Player Pro in my Nexus 7 for video.

[hotwired99]

Thank you. I'm no longer able to find Mx player but so far, tried Handbrake...did best so far...had to use VLC media player which is only one that allowed larger size full screen pic. Still no captions....will keep trying. 3.5 hours so far trying to get an ordinary DVD onto the Kindle. Once I succeed, I'm taking a day off and hijacking it from my daughter and watching movies all day to reward myself. I am sure of one thing. Amazon does NOT want us doing this ....

[Kerry56]

Captions? Did you go to the subtitle tab and add subtitles to the project? If you "burn them in", they will appear all the time.

You also have an option to include only the forced subtitles if they are available. Forced subtitles would only appear when someone is speaking a foreign language, but would not be constant recital of all the dialog. Not all movies have forced subtitles.

[aedipuss]

if you can install programs from apk files i would suggest trying a vlc daily build. it would allow playing a much wider variety of video files such as mkv with dts audio. you need to know what processor the kindle has. most likely an arm7 but verify. http://nightlies.videolan.org/build/

if by captions you mean subtitles i'd suggest using vidcoder as it's easier to figure out than handbrake.

[hotwired99]

I'm not quite at the point of installing w apk, though I love vlc products.

However, I think I'm close to good workflow... I've downloaded the trial of DVD catalyst 4.1.1.1 and installed the ap CineX player (Xvid) player for the Kindle. So far, it's flawless. Captions not quite where I want them but I'm not going to worry about that for now. It appears I need to either have them burnt in and always on or nothing. That's actually acceptable because the ones I burn for HER will only BE for her and she doesn't need cpations. If I get my own Kindle then I'll burn them WITH captions for me. Makes sense. Why kill myself over this whole captions thing? Gosh it's a pain being hard o' hearing! But the movie size seems good (1G vs. 4G) and the play is nice, and it fills up the screen well.

[hotwired99]

UPDATE: used handbrake, set captions for "default" and also can allow both subititles (SDH) and CC so there's two choices. Used android tablet setting. THEN the tough part. Getting MX Player .... I had to jump through a hoop or two to get it installed plus the necessary codec. I believe though that I have found the perfect pair. The resultant videos are great. there's actually a CC button right on the screen, and unlike EVERY SINGLE other player I tried, including VLC, MOBO, CineX, this one is perfectly responsive. It's as if it's made exactly for the Kindle. Beautiful stuff!! I'm a believer again! Thanks to all, noteably Kerry56