DVD to iPhone conversion

I have moved copies of a number of my DVD-based movies on my iPhone and today a friend asked how to do it so here is my method:

I use Handbrake to convert the DVD to an MPEG-4 file with AAC audio. I typically keep these files on my MacBook Pro and watch them while traveling so I preserve the native resolution, encode at a relitively high bit-rate (3 Mb/s) and use dual-pass encoding. I also de-interlace in Handbrake.

My Handbrake configuration is something like this..

Now I use another utility, FFmpeg to convert the full-res Mpeg4 file from Handbrake to an iPhone compatable format. Drag and drop the handbrake output file to the "Source Format" block of the FFmpeg window.
I use the "iPodTV" profile as the output format and change the resolution to the 480x320 required by the iPhone. Now encode.

When complete I drag the resulting file into iTunes and sync with my iPhone.

Installation tips: You will need to install FFmpeg first as Handbrake uses it as an encoder.

There are already utilities that can do both steps in a single pass. One can be seen here www.dvdtoiphone.net

I use this process since I want a high-quality intermediate format on my MBP (and to copy to my PocketDISH player, and already have both Handbrake and FFmpeg.

iPhone - Day 2

A full 24 hours later -- I am still enthralled. The display is simply stunning. It displays the smallest fonts on web pages better than anything I have ever seen.

I loaded it up with Movies, TV shows, Music, and Photos. I synced with Address Book after cleaning up my contact list -- importing about 200 contacts. Everything works as advertised.

Another trip to the Apple store yielded an inCase cover and a screen shield. $50 seems reasonable to protect a $650 phone...

Ok, I caved

I sprung for an iPhone.

I've been a Blackberry user for 4 years and consider them generally adequate for their task. I currently use a Moto Razr as my personal phone. It's a useful size and shape but the user interface is pathetic.

I watched to 30 min intro vodeo on the Apple site as was pretty much sold. I couldn't see waiting in line with the other overenthusiastic Apple fans on Thursday or Friday.
Instead I walked into the Apple store today at lunch and picked up an 8 Gig version. Activation took about as much time than updating iTunes to support the phone.

My initial opinion is that it may not be perfect but it is amazing.