making the most of netflix

I've been a Netflix subscriber for a few years, but recently started duplicating the DVD movies I receive for later viewing. Here's the best way I've found to do it:

1. Get a copy of the program Mac the Ripper. This program takes the DVD content and rips it to a series of files saved to your computer's hard drive. MtR is one of those incredibly handy programs that works just as you'd hope with the default settings. Just pop in a DVD and click "GO".

2. Get a copy of the program Popcorn. This program takes the files saved by Mac the Ripper, recompresses them to fit onto a smaller DVD (if necessary), and burns them to disk. Again, this program works just as you'd expect with no settings tweaks necessary. Just point it at the directory of content that Mac the Ripper created, insert a blank disk, and click the big red button.

These two programs make for a pretty easy two-step process that only involves a couple of mouse clicks and no knowledge of esoteric ripping or burning settings. On a dual 2.3ghz G5, I can duplicate an average DVD in about 25 minutes.

One word of caution. Some experimentation may be necessary with the choice of blank DVD media. I have found that some older DVD players do not do a very good job of reading burned DVDs, but that for most players, there is a magic brand that works well. Be prepared to burn a few drink coasters to find the right media.