How would you go about this??

[tommccann]

Been given a DVD that every class will use, so it needs putting on the network. i was thinking shared drive, but the only way i know how to copy the dvd is by using vlc to play the VOB file. (teachers will complain they forgot how to open vlc > open> shared >dvd PLAY)

The School will not entertain paying for a format convertor nor will they waste dvd copying it directly.

 

Any Ideas??

[plexer]

If you want to convert it to something else just use ffmpeg.

 

Ben

[LeMarchand]

Can't you use the command line options in VLC in some way? A couple of my schools used to have CD servers that could automount and play CD/DVDs, and one of my back-burner projects is re-using an old server to store iso images that can be opened by the teacher clicking on a shortcut that launches a script to mount and execute/play the iso - the teacher just needs to double click and the rest is done "behind the scenes If you're feeling a bit more ambitious/have the time you could look at that.

 

Or just use a free DVD ripper.

[kili]

Been given a DVD that every class will use, so it needs putting on the network. i was thinking shared drive, but the only way i know how to copy the dvd is by using vlc to play the VOB file. (teachers will complain they forgot how to open vlc > open> shared >dvd PLAY)

The School will not entertain paying for a format convertor nor will they waste dvd copying it directly.

 

Any Ideas??

 

I'd advise against doing what you suggest on the grounds that if every class ( in form time say) plays this DVD across your network it will affect all other users trying to open close/save files due to the load across the network. Without some sort of network streaming device/software your going to have problems.

 

I delete/block all video files from our servers and advise staff to play DVD's directly from the computer DVD drive to the class - no network traffic - no problems

 

Kili

[laserblazer]

Depending on what the dvd is, there may be a copyright issue?

[DAZZD88]

Works well for us and totally free, as well as being idiot proof.

 

Only til a better idiot comes along...

[ricki]

HI

 

You need to make sure of the copy write but if thats ok have a look at DVD shrink

[tommccann]

Thanks for all the replys guy! in the end i told them due to network traffic it would be unethical and a few dvds and an email aksing for copying permission was the best way. They seemed to agree after discussing the network proformance would suffer

[Willith]

I had to perform something similar where i ripped a DVD and used Handbrake to convert the VOB files into m4v. It's a lot easier for teachers to start a video by simply double-clicking on the video file. From what i understand, Windows 7 already has the codecs. Windows XP users have Quicktime installed.

[maniac]

Note to self: read post first! Edited September 29, 2010 by maniac
Didn't read post properly. Doh!

[chazzy2501]

Free DVD Ripper - Rip DVD to AVI Freeware - Free DVD Ripping Software

 

Download the free version, it won't copy copy protected DVDs but all those unprotected DVDs (home recorded, election, BBC Discs) will work fine. I convert them to WMV so I can use the windows media streamer. It's not really nessisary though I'd be happy to bung the finished WMV file into a network share and let them run it. A WMV bitrate is normally 1Mbp so even 20 simultaneous reads won't tax the network.

 

EDIT: also I don't believe that there is a copyright violation issue with regards to Intranet playback.

[gumbygaz]

Install the free Unreal Media Server:

 

Unreal Media Server - Products

 

Rip DVD to a XVid AVI file (DVD Decrypter and Auto GK) and stream into a web page. Works well for us and totally free, as well as being idiot proof.

 

 

Cheers for the top tip, that's a cracking little program and working a treat here! Cheers!