Sharing DVDs Ripped to HD in File Mode

[pwhelan81]

I have many DVD's ripped to my hard drive in file mode. I am wondering if it is possible to share these ripped videos via a uPNP media server. I have used XBMC and it can locate, identify and even play the DVDs locally.

However when I go to another Windows 7 computer and using Windows Media Player to view the library shared via uPnP protocol from the XBMC server, it lists all the videos with proper title and thumbnail but it says they are 1 minute long. When you attempt to play it gives the error "Windows Media Player cannot play the file . The player might not support the file type or might not support the codec that was used to compress the file" Now I know WMP 12 can play these files if I attached to them via a windows file share.

Any advice? Am I trying to do something that is impossible via UPnP (share DVDs ripped in file mode)?

[edDV]

What format are the files?

[pwhelan81]

The files are in what I have seen described as "file mode" That is there is a VIDEO_TS directory containing .IFO, .VOB, and .BUP file. They were ripped using DVD FAB HD Decrypter.

[edDV]

Apparently XBMC isn't dealing with the VOBs. You could use Handbreak to convert them to h.264. That will also lower the bit rate for network streaming.

[pwhelan81]

Thanks I guess if I have to lose quality by transcoding the files I will just abandon the idea of of using uPnP server and simply share the files via a file share. i would like to be able to access the DVD menus, special features etc as well and assume that if I am transcoding I will be creating individual files of the movie, special features, etc. Thanks for you suggestions