Help with a rip from DVD to iPad compatible format

Please, I need help.

I have read each of the threads I could find on this, so linking to them will not help unless you can highlight the information I am just not getting.

I am barely computer competent. I can use internet, word processing, light power point, etc. But I understand very little of the jargon.

I would like to get my DVDs of the Star Wars trilogy ripped and onto my iPad. They are currently on a DVD. I don't have a .avi or .wav or .pcp or .opp or anything of them. So if you can explain to me (as some threads seem to) how to turn a .avi file into an .m4v or .mp4 (I believe those are the types iPad plays nice with), that is great, but not helpful.

I downloaded DVDDecrypter and Handbrake, because from the threads I read, I understood that these two in conjunction can get me the .mp4 or .m4v I desperately need. I tried to find a "how to" that would hold my hand through the process. I followed some instructions I could find - but even when I believed I was following to the letter, I got nothing. Or more precisely, I got a pile of files that do nothing.

Would some willing, tech savvy, and merciful soul please walk me through this process in detail a 92 year old grandma can understand (I am not afraid of computers, see, I just can't get this to work) or provide a link to a place I might find the information?

I thank you in advance for your time.

 

Are you using a Mac or a PC?

 

Great question - the type of thing I should have written about in my initial post. I use a PC.

 

Have you seen this video?

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJCINO48CiU]YouTube - DVD to iPad-How to Convert DVD to iPad and Watch Movie on iPad.mp4[/ame]

 

Isn't that the one that advocates paying to buy a program that can do what other programs do for free? Because if it is, I'd rather use the free programs.

 

I use a paid program, and it's simple as hell. Plus it comes with a lot of other valuable software, like converting AVI files to DVD etc, and a regular burn software.

I use Nero Suite 10, it's like 70 bucks. If you change your mind about going the more difficult but free route, I would suggest trying this out.

 

OK, so I am half way home - maybe. I managed to get DVD Decrypter to make a very nice VOB file of the movie I am working on. But I cannot get Handbrake to do anything with it, and Videora claims it will work, but the product is garbage. Any suggestions that don't involve throwing money at the problem?

For the record, I don;t want to sound ungrateful to those who suggested buying a program. It is just that the money has to come from somewhere, and right now I'd rather not.

 

I got ti figured out! Star Wars has never looked better than on the screen of the iPad.

 

Well done Philip. Can you detail what you did so the next person with a similar query will learn what to do?

 

So what problems are you having with Handbrake? It is the only thing I use for converting video to mp4 format... after decrypting the DVD... and it works great!