How to get a DVD title into a single file

[Case]

Ripping a DVD to a single file VOB

ffmpegX only allows the use of VIDEO_TS folders as input if you use a preset that uses the mencoder or mpeg2enc engine. In order to have more freedom of choice in conversion engines, users may want to get a DVD title into one single VOB file to use as input, so that other engines work as well. So the goal is to get the same information from a folder of VOB files into a single large VOB file.

This is not about ripping per se, but about getting your movie into a single file.

As this issue comes up every now and then, this thread could serve as a pointer for questions relating to conversions with DVD as source.

[Case]

Using MacTheRipper 2.6.6 to create a single file movie.

MacTheRipper 2.6.6 (2005-03) is not the latest and greatest, but it is easily available, and works fine for unprotected or not-so-new 'silver' discs. MacTheRipper needs a disc volume to read; this may be a physical disc or a mounted disc image.

To rip a DVD title to a single file, switch from Disc to Mode, from Full disc extraction to Title only extraction, and select the title you want. Most likely the title marked 'MF' (main feature), the largest title.

_______________________________________________

Using MacTheRipper 3.0 builds to create a single file movie.

MacTheRipper 3.0, donationware, keeps up with the latest hurdles to rip difficult discs. MacTheRipper needs a disc volume to read; this may be a physical disc or a mounted disc image.

To rip a DVD title to a single file, switch from Disc to Mode, from Full disc extraction to Title - chapter extraction, and select the title you want. Most likely the title marked 'MF' (main feature), the largest title.

_______________________________________________

Using D-Vision to create a single file movie.

D-Vision 3, primarily a Mencoder based mpeg-4 encoder, has a Tools section. In there, under Misc. tools, is a function for Joining vob files. These source vob files should not be CSS encrypted.

To join DVD title files to a single file, drop the vob files of the chosen title to the Files to join window. Skip the smaller VTS_xx_0.VOB file (where xx is the title number), as the 0-file has menu stuff, not the actual title video. Make sure the files are in the correct order, then create the task and launch that task.

_______________________________________________

Using Yade X to create a single file movie.

Yade X, Yet Another DVD Extractor, used to do CSS decryption (v0.99b), but the final release (v1.02b, 2006-03) has that function removed for obvious reasons. The final version seems to be available in French only.

To rip a DVD title to a single file, open (Ouvrir) a VIDEO_TS folder. The app will then show the content of the DVD. The DVD name on top, followed by numbered menus (Menu x) and titles (Piste x). Each of those has its size and duration listed beside it. The main feature of a DVD will be the largest and have the longest runtime. Select a title, then 'record' the vob file (Enregistrer le VOB). A save dialog box will prompt you for a location and filename.

_______________________________________________

Using 0SEx to create a single file movie.

0SEx was the first CSS decrypter for Mac, afaik. The last version we saw was 0.0110a1 in 2002, so CSS only, not more advanced c.p. tricks. Its interface takes some getting used to, but it has some powerful selection features. It won't work on VIDEO_TS folders on your hard disk or on mounted disc images, thus only on physical discs in your optical drive.

To rip a DVD title to a single file, set format (Fmt) to program streams. Then select the title (Ti) that you want. The duration should help you selecting the correct one. You can deselect audio streams (Aud) or subtitle streams (Sub) that you don't need.

_______________________________________________

Using Terminal to create a single file movie.

Terminal can be used as well, using the cat command. Cat stands for concatenate, for linking together, or joining. The syntax is: cat inputfile1 inputfile2 inputfile3 inputfile3 > outputfile

To join DVD title files to a single file, type "cat " (including the space, but without the quotes), then drop the first vob file on the terminal window. Terminal will translate this action into the complete path in the Terminal window. The drop the second vob file, third vob file, etc. until all vob files of your title are there. Then type "> " to separate the input from the output, followed by a path and filename to tell where the output should go. E.g. "/Users/username/Desktop/joined.vob". Then hit Return or Enter to execute the command. The process is ready when Terminal gives a new prompt like Computername:~ username$

You may drag-and-drop multiple files to the terminal window. If you do that, they will be added in the order in which they were selected. You can select the first file, then Cmd-click the second to add to the selection, etc. to ensure control over the order in which they are in the selection.

For the output location, you may drag-and-drop a folder to have Terminal fill in the path, so you just have to type the output filename.

Just like with the D-Vision method, do not add the VTS_xx_0.VOB file.

[fegge]

Hi

If you already have a video ts map on your hard drive and want to make a single vob file how do you then ?


Tx Freddy

[Case]

If you already have a video ts map on your hard drive and want to make a single vob file how do you then ?

Try D-Vision's 'Join vob files' tool, as described above.
If, for some reason, you really want to do it with MTR, then you could make a disc image from your video_ts folder, then rip from the mounted image.

[Case]

Using MPEG Streamclip to create a single file movie.

MPEG Streamclip is a versatile editor and transcoder, reading MPEGs, (unencrypted) VOBs, AVIs and QT files. After ripping a DVD to a VIDEO_TS folder on your hard drive, the VOBs are readable, playable and editable in MPEG Streamclip.

To join the VOBs to a single file using MPEG Streamclip, open the first segment, VTS_xx_1.VOB. MPEG Streamclip will ask you "Would you like to open all the files of the stream together?". Choose "Open All Files" to load the whole video title. Then "Fix time code breaks" and Save As a new file.

NB: MPEG Streamclip requires the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component for playback of MPEG-2 video, such as in VOB files. Without it, some functions still work, but you'll be working 'in the dark' for MPEG-2 content.

_______________________________________________

Anyone else knows other single file methods that may be useful in this thread?

[Herve]

hello, just an explanation:

Yade X, Yet Another DVD Extractor, used to do CSS decryption (v0.99b), but the final release (v1.02b, 2006-03) has that function removed for obvious reasons. The final version seems to be available in French only.

This "final version" is just the same as the previous one but without CSS decryption.
Because of "new" french laws (2007), CSS decryption is illegal in France
its author just removed it. This version is available in french 'cause it's only to be conform to french laws.

bye