Extracting footage from a DVD
The procedure for extracting footage from a DVD is threefold; first, you need to convert the DVD files into a useable format, then you need to select which part/s you would like and finally you need to 'export' those selected parts out into separate files for use in your lecture.
I would recommend using the following software, regardless of what operating system you are using (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc):
Quicktime Pro (available here: < (under £30 and worth it)
Handbrake ( free to use
Convert DVD files into useable format;
A. I recommend using a free-to-download program called 'Handbrake ( or google 'handbrake') as it is designed to convert a number of formats into mp4.
Once you've installed the software, insert the DVD and copy the files into a folder on your desktop,
the whole thing, folder structure and everything (this contains lots of metadata which you'll need later).
B: Open Handbrake and choose the DVD folder you've just created. Handbrake will take a little time in setting files up for you (the metadata contained within the helps handbrake work out where chapters are split, subtitles, etc). From the handbrake menu, select the following settings so that you can extract the DVD footage properly.
Format: MP4 file
Video Codec: H.264
Framerate: 25 frames per second
Quality: Average bit rate: 1500KBPS
2-Pass Encoding (ticked/yes)
In the top menu bar, you'll find picture settings, you need to have the settings at the maximum possible to ensure the quality is high enough to extract scenes from the DVD.
C: Press start in the top left hand corner of the program. A progress bar will appear at the bottom.
Select which part you would like to use for the final version
A; Once Handbrake has finished encoding your dvd, you will be left with a single mp4 version of the dvd which you can use to select the appropriate content. It will appear on you desktop (or wherever you set it to appear).
B: Open your file in Quicktime player. You can trim the clip using the small triangles at the start and end of the clip timeline (the grey line across the bottom of the viewer pane, indicating the duration and current position of the clip).
C: Go to the Edit menu and select 'Trim to Selection', this will restrict the clip to the portion you would like.
Exporting the edited footage:
A: Still in Quicktime Pro, with your trimmed clip, go to File> Export and choose the following settings (I recommend these settings as they are best for web based viewing and can be played on a number of different operating systems, please let me know if you have other requirements, e.g. burn onto DVD, etc)