How can I watch DVDs on an iPad?
May 25, 2022 12:15 PM Subscribe
I own some DVDs that I would like to watch on my iPad. How can I do so, as safely and legally as possible?
I don't watch very many TV shows and movies. Most of the shows and movies I would like to watch can be found through streaming services, and I stream them on my iPad. I own some DVDs of shows and movies that I can't stream. Is there a safe and legal way for me to watch such DVDs on my iPad?
If the answer is no, as I suspect is the case given the iPad's usual lack of support for peripheral devices, what is the least expensive way to watch these DVDs on a small, portable screen? Something like a dedicated portable DVD player? A small laptop? I'd rather not have a dedicated "DVD watching device" but I'll consider it if that's going to be the most viable option.
I've seen some older questions that focus on using HandBrake to rip DVDs. I'm open to a solution like that if it can be done safely and legally.
I don't have a TV. Nor do I have a standalone DVD player. As you might imagine from my modest setup, to say nothing of my asking this question at a time when DVDs have largely been superseded by streaming technology, you can safely assume that I also have rather modest technical skills. Still, I'm willing to put in a little time to learn to use certain software if that's a viable option.
I don't watch very many TV shows and movies. Most of the shows and movies I would like to watch can be found through streaming services, and I stream them on my iPad. I own some DVDs of shows and movies that I can't stream. Is there a safe and legal way for me to watch such DVDs on my iPad?
If the answer is no, as I suspect is the case given the iPad's usual lack of support for peripheral devices, what is the least expensive way to watch these DVDs on a small, portable screen? Something like a dedicated portable DVD player? A small laptop? I'd rather not have a dedicated "DVD watching device" but I'll consider it if that's going to be the most viable option.
I've seen some older questions that focus on using HandBrake to rip DVDs. I'm open to a solution like that if it can be done safely and legally.
I don't have a TV. Nor do I have a standalone DVD player. As you might imagine from my modest setup, to say nothing of my asking this question at a time when DVDs have largely been superseded by streaming technology, you can safely assume that I also have rather modest technical skills. Still, I'm willing to put in a little time to learn to use certain software if that's a viable option.
Best answer: Some DVD or Blu-Ray purchases included the right to digital download. Did yours?
If not, look in online sales places for a portable DVD player, used ones should be pretty cheap. That's the simplest answer. Other answers involve a laptop with a DVD drive, at the least.
posted by TimHare at 12:28 PM on May 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
If not, look in online sales places for a portable DVD player, used ones should be pretty cheap. That's the simplest answer. Other answers involve a laptop with a DVD drive, at the least.
posted by TimHare at 12:28 PM on May 25, 2022 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Handbrake is perfectly safe to use, I've used it a ton to rip old DVDs.
posted by VirginiaPlain at 12:32 PM on May 25, 2022 [4 favorites]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 12:32 PM on May 25, 2022 [4 favorites]
Best answer: I would use Handbrake. It generally works, although I've had a few things I've tried that had some kind of copy protection. Also, it takes a long time to do its thing, so be prepared for that.
I don't know what you mean by "safely"? You're not going to get a computer virus, if that's what you're talking about.
As far as legality, you most likely are going to be breaking some kind of copyright agreement/statute/law/whatever; but I assure you: none of us here are going to report you.
posted by jonathanhughes at 12:34 PM on May 25, 2022 [3 favorites]
I don't know what you mean by "safely"? You're not going to get a computer virus, if that's what you're talking about.
As far as legality, you most likely are going to be breaking some kind of copyright agreement/statute/law/whatever; but I assure you: none of us here are going to report you.
posted by jonathanhughes at 12:34 PM on May 25, 2022 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Thanks for the answers so far. sagc, I don’t have a computer than can read DVDs. jonathanhughes, I’m sorry to have been vague. By “safely” I meant, yes, safe from viruses or malware that might accompany software used to rip the DVDs.
posted by cheapskatebay at 12:42 PM on May 25, 2022
posted by cheapskatebay at 12:42 PM on May 25, 2022
Best answer: You say you don't have a computer that can read DVDs, but do you have a computer with a USB connection? You can get DVD drives for about $30.
posted by jonathanhughes at 12:47 PM on May 25, 2022 [7 favorites]
posted by jonathanhughes at 12:47 PM on May 25, 2022 [7 favorites]
Best answer: Not sure if this counts as too complicated by your personal standards but... you could rip them to the hard drive of a computer (Mac or PC) with the aforementioned Handbrake, install Plex Media Server on that computer (which is free and relatively easy) and install and use the (also free) Plex client in your iPad to reach that server and see the movies. That would probably be the most elegant way to do it.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 12:57 PM on May 25, 2022 [9 favorites]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 12:57 PM on May 25, 2022 [9 favorites]
Best answer: As far as legality, you most likely are going to be breaking some kind of copyright agreement/statute/law/whatever
It is not legal to copy commercial DVDs with the intention of manufacturing and selling those copies. However, it is legal for consumers to circumvent copy protection on recordings that they have lawfully purchased, and copy portions of their content for personal use, including format-shifting the content to other viewing methods.
This is essentially what I have done with my entire DVD library over the past several years, ripping the discs to digital files and then storing those files on my personal media server (I use Plex) to stream or upload content to devices around my home. The files are mine and mine alone, and are not sold or shared aside from an offsite backup on a portable hard drive that I keep in a secure location in case my house burns down.
This LifeHacker article got me started about 10 years ago, and all of the advice in it is still current for modern computers with DVD drives, either internal or external. On newer hardware, the process is blisteringly fast and mostly hands-off once you've taught yourself how the various audio/video settings work as well as language/subtitle tracks, etc.
(On preview, what dirtyoldtown said.)
posted by Strange Interlude at 12:58 PM on May 25, 2022 [4 favorites]
It is not legal to copy commercial DVDs with the intention of manufacturing and selling those copies. However, it is legal for consumers to circumvent copy protection on recordings that they have lawfully purchased, and copy portions of their content for personal use, including format-shifting the content to other viewing methods.
This is essentially what I have done with my entire DVD library over the past several years, ripping the discs to digital files and then storing those files on my personal media server (I use Plex) to stream or upload content to devices around my home. The files are mine and mine alone, and are not sold or shared aside from an offsite backup on a portable hard drive that I keep in a secure location in case my house burns down.
This LifeHacker article got me started about 10 years ago, and all of the advice in it is still current for modern computers with DVD drives, either internal or external. On newer hardware, the process is blisteringly fast and mostly hands-off once you've taught yourself how the various audio/video settings work as well as language/subtitle tracks, etc.
(On preview, what dirtyoldtown said.)
posted by Strange Interlude at 12:58 PM on May 25, 2022 [4 favorites]
Best answer: However, it is legal for consumers to circumvent copy protection on recordings that they have lawfully purchased, and copy portions of their content for personal use, including format-shifting the content to other viewing methods.
It is not a violation of regular copyright, but it is likely to be a violation of the DMCA. Which is, frankly, bullshit, and, even as a lawyer, I would not lose any sleep over it, ethically or practically, as long as it was in fact merely for my personal use.
If you have a Mac and use Handbrake or similar to rip a copy to your Mac, you could then use Infuse to stream to your iPad.
posted by praemunire at 1:09 PM on May 25, 2022 [7 favorites]
It is not a violation of regular copyright, but it is likely to be a violation of the DMCA. Which is, frankly, bullshit, and, even as a lawyer, I would not lose any sleep over it, ethically or practically, as long as it was in fact merely for my personal use.
If you have a Mac and use Handbrake or similar to rip a copy to your Mac, you could then use Infuse to stream to your iPad.
posted by praemunire at 1:09 PM on May 25, 2022 [7 favorites]
Best answer: My personal software preference for ripping is MakeMKV - I found it to be more foolproof than Handbrake.
Agreed that you will need a computer and a DVD drive. Double check what kind of power the drive requires (2 USB ports vs regular power cord, etc) and make sure that your setup can accommodate that.
Once you get the movie files onto your iPad, you might consider the video player app VLC in order to play them. It's great software.
posted by aquamvidam at 1:21 PM on May 25, 2022 [2 favorites]
Agreed that you will need a computer and a DVD drive. Double check what kind of power the drive requires (2 USB ports vs regular power cord, etc) and make sure that your setup can accommodate that.
Once you get the movie files onto your iPad, you might consider the video player app VLC in order to play them. It's great software.
posted by aquamvidam at 1:21 PM on May 25, 2022 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I am not aware of any software for the iPad which could talk to a DVD drive (via some unholy chain of adapters and dongles), and play those DVDs. VLC will play darn near any digital media, but you have to rip the DVDs first.
Most of the suggestions above are predicated on you using another computer to convert the DVD to a file (e.g., by using the excellent Handbrake). Am I correct to assume that you don't have another computer?
If so, then I think you are hosed, unless you send the DVDs to someone who rips them for you and sends the files back via...something. (Google Drive now scans video files for copyrighted movies and will turn off sharing of them.) Maybe a separate Google account to which both of you have the password?
Honestly, this is why people hate DRM. :7)
posted by wenestvedt at 1:42 PM on May 25, 2022 [6 favorites]
Most of the suggestions above are predicated on you using another computer to convert the DVD to a file (e.g., by using the excellent Handbrake). Am I correct to assume that you don't have another computer?
If so, then I think you are hosed, unless you send the DVDs to someone who rips them for you and sends the files back via...something. (Google Drive now scans video files for copyrighted movies and will turn off sharing of them.) Maybe a separate Google account to which both of you have the password?
Honestly, this is why people hate DRM. :7)
posted by wenestvedt at 1:42 PM on May 25, 2022 [6 favorites]
Best answer: The iTunes Store usually sells movies and shows that aren’t streaming. Sometimes they are expensive (think $2 per episode) but sometimes they have sales. I got the complete series of 30 Rock for about $40.
posted by Monochrome at 1:53 PM on May 25, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by Monochrome at 1:53 PM on May 25, 2022 [2 favorites]
Best answer: A small TV will run you less than $50 on Craigslist or your version of that, and a DVD player will be less than $20. That's the easiest I think, and pretty close to the cheapest.
posted by miles1972 at 12:22 AM on May 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by miles1972 at 12:22 AM on May 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for all your thoughtful and helpful answers. Much to consider! I really appreciate it.
posted by cheapskatebay at 12:13 PM on May 26, 2022
posted by cheapskatebay at 12:13 PM on May 26, 2022
You've got good advice above but it is likely worth mentioning that streamers regularly remove stuff from their services and despite the promise of having "everything" available there are loads of films and television not available to stream but have had a physical media release. Unfortunately I think that state of affairs will continue and may in fact get worse (it is already especially bad in places that are not the US or the UK).
posted by Ashwagandha at 3:25 PM on May 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Ashwagandha at 3:25 PM on May 26, 2022 [1 favorite]
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Some options I can think of would be using a bootable copy of Linux on a library computer to rip them and then copy them to your ipad, or borrowing someone's computer and doing the same.
posted by sagc at 12:20 PM on May 25, 2022 [2 favorites]