I have been using a program called MakeMKV for some time now to rip my SD DVDs to mkv. It is a great little program that will decrypt your DVD (no additional software such as AnyDVD is required), allow you to pick and choose what parts of the DVD you want to keep, and put into an mkv. The one drawback (and the reason why I stopped using MakeMKV for my Blu Ray collection) has been MakeMKV did not support HD audio (such as DTS-MA or TrueHD), so you would only get the core audio when creating the mkv (the core audio is AC3 for TrueHD and DTS for DTS-MA). Well, with yesterday’s release of version 1.4.10 MakeMKV now officially supports these HD Audio tracks. Another interesting feature added, although I have not had a chance to test, MakeMKV can instantly stream decrypted video without intermediate conversion to wide range of players. MakeMKV is free while in BETA and is available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. NOTE - whether or not you will be able to use the HD audio stream in the mkv is for another discussion 
Files To Download:
Using MakeMKV:
When you first run MakeMKV you will have the option to choose the source you want to use. If you have a disc in your ROM drive you can simply select the correct ROM drive from the Source and click the DVD disc icon. If the source is files already saved on your computer you will need to select from “File” on the toolbar.
Once MakeMKV is done analyzing the disc, a list of all available titles to choose from will appear. It should be obvious which title is the main movie based on the description (chapters and the file size should be much greater then all other titles). Uncheck all the titles you don’t want.
Now click on the black carrot which will expand the list to show all available audio, video, and subtitle tracks. Unfortunately you may have to do a little trial and error to get the correct audio and subtitles. Generally though the main audio track with be the first one listed (in this example I wanted the DTS HD Lossless English audio track). Once done with your selections assign an output folder and click the “Make MKV” button.
After clicking the “Make MKV” button the movie will be processed. You can monitor the program, MakeMKV will show how much time has elapsed and how much time is remaining.
Once completed a pop up will appear stating whether the title was saved or if there was an error.
After the mkv was created use media info to confirm that all my selections are part of the mkv (in particular note Audio #1 which shows the DTS-MA track). You now have a 1:1 copy of your movie in mkv format for playback on various media devices. Always make sure you do a test run of the movie (play a couple minutes worth) to make sure the rip went ok and there are no issues (such as A/V sync, etc…).
Article by Damian
Hi, my name is Damian, and I'm tech gadget addict! Although I always had some interest in technology, it wasn't until I got my EX470 and more importantly found Mediasmartserver.net, that my interest became an addiction. My goal, aside from world domination and to see the Mets/Broncos win another championship, is to set up the perfect digital home where all my media is available at the click of a button. When I am not writing for Mediasmartserver.net you can find me over at my blog at http://dbone1026.blogspot.com.
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Hello,
I just dowloaded and installed the latest MakeMKV software. I tested it using a regurlar DVD (non Blu-ray). It created the MKV file which I moved to my HP EX470. When I try to play the file through my PS3 using PS3 Media Server, the audio and video are out of sync. The video looks like it’s on fast forward while the audio is fine. Tried stopping and restarting the PMS and I even re-booted the server…no luck. The rest of my collection are DVD’s I ripped using DVD Shrink to create one large VOB file and simply renaming them to .MPG. They are working fine. I’d like to start ripping a few Blu-rays but I need to fix the sync issue first.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
P
Phil,
If you play that mkv on your PC does it play fine? Just want to see if PS3 Media Server is causing the problem.
Wow. Thanks for the quick response.
Haven’t tried it yet. My laptop is running Vista. What codec/player should I use to view the MKV file?
Thanks.
Phil,
To keep it clean I would just install MPC HC on your pc and use that for playback.. This way you don’t have to worry about messing around with codecs/filters. You can download the player here (http://mpc-hc.sourceforge.net/) or the latest svn is here (http://www.xvidvideo.ru/media-player-classic-home-cinema-x86-x64/media-player-classic-homecinema-x86-x64-svn-1771.html).
Try not to read this response at least for an hour, that way it won’t seem like my response was fast
Thanks Damian.
I’ll try this as soon as I get home. I will let you know what happens. LOL about your comment about your speedy response.
Hey Damian,
Okay so I tried the software and the file played fine on my laptop. As a matter of fact I played the file from my HP EX470 through my WD Live using the PS3 Media Server to another TV and it worked fine. No problem. I guess the problem is with the PS3 since it worked fine with WD Live using the PS3 Media Server.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Phil
Now they got v1.5.2 beta out for makeMKV. I actually ripped my first Blu-Ray disc with it. Funny thing is my desktop had a horrible time playing the movie from its own hard drive, it played better streaming from the server but it was perfect when I watched if from my WDTV Live. Its not makeMKV thats the issue it did it job wonderfully accept the subtitles were not preserved but that could be just my error. The movie I ripped was 2012 but the issues I experienced is just from an aging desktop which I know I need to replace.
Please help,can some one tell me which program i have to use for good engoding from mkv to blu ray,or fo mp4 to blu ray
Christos,
So you have mkv or mp4, and want to put into a Blu Ray structure?
@ Phil,
Not sure, I honestly haven’t turned on my PS3 in a while. The PS3 is not exactly a fully functional media player, so it sounds like the PS3 is just not processing the stream correctly.Is this happening for all files you play on the PS3 or only certain ones?
@ COmp1962.
Welcome to the dark side of Blu Rays
. I don’t know the specs of your PC but if the CPU is not strong enough or you do not get DXVA that is probably why your PC struggles with playback. One other caveat, 2012 has forced subs. If MakeMKV grabs it outputs as PGS which is still somewhat unsupported on many players.
i dowload movies from torrentz mp4,dvdrip,mkv and i convrting to blu ray disc with programe iamtoo,or xilisoft or nero,sometimes i succed but sometimes dont
For converting dvd i always suceed but in blu ray its dificult
Do you know what programe i have to use
Thank a lot for reading this
@ Christos,
Here is a hint, don’t mention in public forums where you get your movies from
You can try using a program like Clown_BD which should convert the mkv into a Blu Ray Structure/ISO so you can burn to a Blu Ray disc. I don’t burn to discs so I don’t have much experience with.
Ok thanks for the tip
@ Damian ~ Oh the darkside is an understatement. I have conqured many things already with the Blu-Ray install and so far all my old friend the computer is only able to run makeMKV and rip the Blu-Ray discs which is ok because now I have an excuse to go out and start buying components for a new build and maybe 2 builds and 1 purchase in that I would like to have an HTPC, a 64 Bit Windows 7 system and a new Mac but before I do that I have to finish my Server Projects and travel to China so new toys will have to wait till the end of Q3-Q4 this year.
Now back on topic. I am using the makeMKV 1.5.2 and I have 22 more DVD’s to rip that I was not successful with with previous version. I am hoping to get these into MKV format so my entire collection will be done. Will know more as the week progresses. I do not know anything about HD Audio, will tackle that another time but as I have said before I am just happy to hear and so my needs are simple.
Hey Damian,
I’ve only tried it with one file so far (Casino Royale). I’ll try it with another and see if I still get the Video and audio out of sync when I go through my PS3. Still waiting for my USB Blu-ray player to arrive so I can’t test a Blu-ray disc. I’ll keep looking into why my PS3 is doing that.
Thanks.
Phil,
Yeah, definitely try another movie. Let me know how it goes.
Cheers
Damian
Damian, you mentioned in the early part to “(play a couple minutes worth) to make sure the rip went ok and there are no issues (such as A/V sync, etc…)”
I have exactly that issue–audio starts out right, or almost, then drifts as much as two syllables late by the end of the movie. If I pause for a while–to answer phone, etc.–then resume, the sound is synched again. I make mkv s with Makemkv and with handbrake, so cannot say for sure which is the source of this fault, but seems to be with ALL of the .mkv I have. I prefer handbrake for I can burn the CCs, and compress the sound. (Do I hear you say, “OH! NO!” ) But I can still see well enough to wan the sound synched. Any thoughts?
Stan
Stan,
What player are you using for playback of your mkvs, are you playing back on your PC, a media extender, etc… This is happening for every mkv you create?
Unsure of your meaning of “Player”–files are on a server, fed via cat6 enet to a HP s5150t PC, HDMI to a samsung audio amp, via HDMI to HDTV. Tried going to TV first, but audio ALWAYS delayed. THe PC uses Win7 Media center, with the Haali media splitter and Matroskasplitter installed. Server is windows home server. Just incase it matters, the DVDs are ripped by AnyDVD to a server, then processed by handbrake or MakeMKV.
Thanks for your inputs.
Stan
Stan,
What I meant was how are you playing back. From what you wrote I can see that you are playing your mkvs back in WMC.
Why are you using Haali and Matroska? Can you try playing an mkv back in MPC HC to see if you get the same delay. If you use FFDShow you can actually set a delay timecode for audio, but if everything is working correctly you should not have any delays.
Well, well, I cannot find the source of just WHY I am using Haali and Matroska. I would have bet money that it was from your blog on the size of the container resulting from .ts, .mkv, etc, but just reread it, and nope, not there!
I have never tried MPC HC. I have tried .ts, .m2ts, .avi, .m4v, .mp4 and all of them have at least one drawback–BUT I have been playing all through the same setup named above. Will tryout the MPC. Any guidance there?
Stan
MPC HC is a great player that has its own codecs/filters. You can download the latest version here (http://www.xvidvideo.ru/media-player-classic-home-cinema-x86-x64/media-player-classic-homecinema-x86-x64-svn-1771.html). I don’t know if having both Matroska and Haali is causing the problem
Phil and Damian.
Ive been ripping my library with makemkv and playing them fine with MPCHC and mediabrowser on a 58″plasma in the living room.
My ps3 is downstairs on a projector setup and would love to try to use those files downthere. Im hardwired but still cant get ps3mediaserver to play these big files without stuttering. (i think its PC processing power issue)
im thinking that maybe squeezing the mkvs down to mp4 with ripbot and then directly feeding them to the ps3? Any other thoughts or ideas. Just started with ripbot but getting errors:
DirectShowSource: RenderFile, the filter graph manager won’t talk to me
(G:\temp\RipBot264temp\job1\getinfo.avs, line 2)
so im sort of at a loss on really how to use the thing.
i guess i could just stick the bluray into the ps3 and enjoy it, but that would defeat the purpose and i would like to do stuff with files.
Maybe time to invest in a smoking HTPC for the projector room?
and probably hit the ps3mediaserver forums.
thanks for any advice and help,
Do you have the latest FFDShow, AVISynth, and Haalli? I got that error message back in the day but had Ripbot working for a while without issue (to be honest haven’t used in quite some time). Another option would be to use Handbrake
yeah i reloaded all of those. it goes all the way to 100% audio muxing and then i get the error . i had it working in the past but could never get sound only picture. might need to remove everything and start over.
ill try HB in the meantime.
would love to hear how you use all your MKVs especially for big screens.
thanks for the quickest response inthe world. do you just get a direct feed from blog to brain??!!
All the devices I use play back mkvs without issue (I only use my PS3 for Blu Ray discs and games, basically my PS3 has not been turned on in several months). My mian playback is via my 2 HTPCs on my 58″ and 42″ plasmas, and then my PCH C-200 hooked up in my Sons playroom (which a bunch of other devices collecting dust but ready for duty if need be!!!)
For handbrake I would grab the latest SVN (http://forum.handbrake.fr/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=15452)
You didn’t know, I am a robot :-p
I use MAKEMKV for all my stuff. I just powered up my new WHS and for some reason cannot see the server as a network shared device. Still working on the share issue. However, on my A-110 and A-200 I see the server on the main listing of devices as Rhinoserver(The server name) , then the Number 1., and then Windows Media (something), dont recall if it is center or what, however, it can not see any of the MKV files. In the music folder, it does see all the music files. I guess, what ever this Windows medai thing is on the popcorn hour, it cant see MKV because it is not a supported format. Anyways to resolve this issue? When I went to network share, and tried to set up a SMB share, it keeps saying invalid username or password. I used the following SMB://RHINOSERVER/VIDEOS and I use the user name as the servername and the server password. Am I doing something wrong???
@ Rhino,
Right now your PCH is trying to connect via Windows Media Connect which does not support mkv, so you don’t want to go that way.
Did you enable your guest account? See my writeup here for smb, you can comment over on that post if you have questions:
http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2009/11/10/simplifying-samba-sharing-from-whs/
Hey Damian,
My USB Blu-ray drive came and I ripped Transformers to a MKV file using MakeMKV. I tried viewing it through my PS3 using the PS3 Media server and I got a “Format not supported” error. Tried viewing it on my other TV using my WD TV Live and it started playing then began to freeze. I downloaded MKV2VOB and created a MPEG-2 file of the MKV. It seemed to play fine n my laptop but I haven’t had a chance to upload it to my Ex470. My PS3 and WD TV Live doesn’t seem to have a problem playing MPEG-2 file. Pardon me if this question has been discussed before, but what am I losing when I covert it to MPEG-2? The file size didn’t seem to change (32GB). Is the a more efficient file format as far as space is concerned that will play on my PS3 and WD TV?
Does the mkv play fine on your laptop? Just wondering if it is a network issue. With MPEG-2 you lose the HD Audio. MKVs should play fine on the WD TV. As for the PS3 since you are playing via PS3MediaServer it is hard to say what the software is doing to alter the track. I would make sure the mkv plays fine on y our laptop first to make sure the rip wasnt bad
so i downloaded makemkv and I’m ripping separate episodes off a futurama box set, problem is the episodes are about 1.12GB each is there some way to reduce size but still keep the quality good and still remain an mkv file? thanks.
@ spencer,
You can run those mkvs through Ripbot or Handbrake to encode
Damian,
I am a new reader to your blog, and I am amazed at your involvement in followup comments. I have got everything working great with MPC (Celeron + 4670 = Win) and I now have all of my 1080p MKVs DXVAing like a champ.
My question to you is: while a DVDRip (~700mb) has a small file size, would it be worth it to rip everything to 1:1 MKV? Is there any quality that I could gain back, and would it be worth the filesize tradeoff if one exists?
Thanks in advance.
@ Joe,
Great to hear everything is working. I am assuming when you talk about a DVDRip (~700mb) that the file has been encoded down from the original movie. In theory a 1:1 MKV or other will always have better quality over an encoded rip. However, whether or not you will see the difference really depends on you as well as how well the DVDRip was encoded. The best way is to make a 1:1 and compare it against the encode. If you are happy with the quality of the encode then there is no reason not to stick with it, really just a matter of opinion on your part
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