The media revolution continues today and video is being embraced around the world shown in the success of YouTube and other video streaming sites like the BBC iPlayer.  This has spread to consumer devices with the likes of Archos and Apple.  The iPhone and iPod Touch have revolutionised the control interface and capabilities of portable devices but due to Apple’s top down restrictions many customers have problems copying video across.  Well thankfully there are loads of software options to choose from but which one is the easiest and best to use?

I’ve tried several leading pieces of software and a simple Google search will bring up tons of shareware to try.  Here is where I’ve finally come to a decision for the most reliable in the form of Handbrake for Windows, Linux and Mac.  It’s freeware and boasts many functions including:

• Rip from DVD straight to a compatible movie format for your iPhone or iPod Touch and many other devices
• Convert from VIDEO TS folders to a compatible movie format for your iPhone or iPod Touch and many other devices
• The ability to queue up several jobs

Although the user interface isn’t a work of art like many pieces of software I’ve tried are, the job works and offers a wide range of output options not only the iPhone format.  These presets easily allow you to convert your video/DVD to formats including the rarer PSP, PS3, Xbox 360 and Apple TV.  Where this application really packs is its features and ability to get the job done and that’s exactly where it counts.  I’ve converted many of my personal DVDs through Handbrake and when converting from my ripped VIDEO TS files it took about 3 hours in total.

All you have to do is simply tell Handbrake what to convert, then choose the iPhone or iPod Touch preset on the right and finally where to save it! Simple. When it is saved just import to iTunes and sync to your device and you’ll be able to enjoy it without having to be taped to your television screen. So I hope you are able to back up and put your films onto your iPhone as easily as I have with the freeware Handbrake.