Complete Idiot Attempting to Convert DVD Files...

[totalnewbiedumbass]

So I just downloaded ffmpeg to convert a DVD video interview to something I can upload to my website and Youtube. I have no clue how to do so. The DVD has two folders - the video with four .vob files and 2 .bup and 2 .ifo files, and the audio with no files in it. I copied them to my desktop, but now what's the next step? Do I have to convert each .vob file? What about the other files? And what's the best thing to convert them into for use on a website and Youtube? I tried looking at the documentation, but it didn't help much.

Yes, I'm a totalnewbiedumbass with this stuff, so if anyone is feeling charitable today, I'd really appreciate some help on a walkthrough.

Thanks very much!

[Case]

Empty AUDIO_TS folder - this is normal for DVD-Video. Only DVD-Audio discs should have files in there.

The IFO files hold instructions for DVD players. The BUP files are backup copies, in case the IFO is unreadable. The VOB files hold the real content: the video, audio, subtitles, stills, menus.
The VIDEO_TS.VOB file is like a start-up file: a logo, a message, a menu or similar; not your interview.
VTS_01_0.VOB, if present, is often a menu.
VTS_01_1.VOB and VTS_01_2.VOB, etc. together are one feature, split up in 1 GB segments. The first number is the title set number, the second is the segment number.

To convert for YouTube, use a setting that supports a VIDEO_TS folder as input, or concatenate (join) the VOBs of a title set to one file for conversion with more flexibility. Not all settings in ffmpegX support a VIDEO_TS folder as input: the mencoder engine does support it, the ffmpeg engine doesn't.

For YouTube, you may want to convert to MP4 (H.264 video), at 320x240 pixels (for 4:3 content) with 44.1 kHz mono 64 kbps AAC audio, and keep the bitrate low enough (~269 kbps) for an output file under 100 MB. Which means about 40 minutes max.

In ffmpegX, use the Open button to locate your VIDEO_TS folder. Notice the framerate mentioned in the Source Format window. Then use the (Menu) Load Preset functionality to locate my sample preset. In the Video tab, set the framerate to match the source. Encode.

[This is from guides by other people; I haven't used YouTube myself in ages.]

[totalnewbiedumbass]

Thanks so much Case! Any suggestions for using the video on my personal website? The interview runs 30 minutes in total.

I appreciate the help! Will try your suggestions later!

[Salva Veritate]

I believe Youtube's limit is 10 minutes though, so you'll probably have to split it up at 9-10 minute intervals using VirtualdubMod.

What I usually do is convert from DVD to AVI using the free program AutoGK (which takes 30 seconds to set up and 60-75 minutes per GB to convert which you'll just have to wait). To convert the whole DVD at once, put the .IFO file in the Input and save it on the hard drive. Then when it's done, open the video with the VDubMod free program and cut out everything other than the interview. Save the result as a separate video, and remember to select Video > Direct Stream Copy before you save. Then re-open the saved video and separate the interview into separate 9-10 minute parts.

That's what I did for all videos on my account in the last month: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=ZapatistaDiF

How long is the interview and what else is on the DVD? That's important in deciding what size to make the .avi from converting AutoGK.

[totalnewbiedumbass]

The DVD is simply the roughly 30 minute interview and that's it. I want it up at my website and then on Youtube (I'm an author and the publicity is good stuff), so I'm looking for the easiest ways to convert the DVD files into manageable files for viewing on my site and on Youtube.

[Case]

After you posted the video on YouTube, you can embed that video on your site using the code mentioned to the right of it, in the Embed field. Just copy and paste. See any YouTube video for examples.

[Salva Veritate]

The DVD is simply the roughly 30 minute interview and that's it. I want it up at my website and then on Youtube (I'm an author and the publicity is good stuff), so I'm looking for the easiest ways to convert the DVD files into manageable files for viewing on my site and on Youtube.

Alright, then convert the whole DVD to a 280 MB file. The option for that is on the middle left of the AutoGK screen.

Cut the video into 4 parts with VDubMod, splitting at appropriate locations and save each video separately.