The Microsoft Zune can play videos and movies in WMV, MPEG and other media formats, but it doesn't support most DVD formats. If you want to download DVD movies to your Zune, you must first convert the movies to a supported format using third-party "ripper" software. This procedure of converting and downloading is very similar to downloading movies to an iPod, but here you use ripper software designed for the Zune.
Step 1
Download and install ripper software capable of converting DVD movies to a format that plays on your Zune. Two such applications are DVD to Zune Converter and ImTOO DVD to Zune Converter (links in Resources). Run the application on your computer and then insert the DVD into your computer's optical drive.
Step 2
Import the DVD into the ripper program. This is typically done by clicking "File" on the toolbar at the top of the application and selecting "Open DVD" or a similarly named option.
Step 3
Play the DVD movie in the ripper program using its playback controls. You will have the choice of playing the movie in full or navigating to the DVD's chapter menu. The movie will appear in the program's video screen.
Step 4
Look for a popup window to open when the movie begins. If a window does not open, go to the "Convert" option in the program. Select a name and destination folder for the converted file you will be saving. Click "Yes," "OK" or "Convert," depending on the ripper software, to begin converting the DVD movie to a Zune-compatible format.
Step 5
Locate the converted file on your computer and import it into your Zune software application. Plug your Zune into the computer and let it sync with the application, transferring the video file to the Zune.
Tip
- Conversion programs will often have other options to help you create the output file. For example, you may be able to choose the exact format of the video (such as WMV or MPEG), adjust the size and quality of the file, and set a time point on the DVD movie at which to begin recording. The program may have an Options window in which you can configure these parameters, or an abbreviated set of options may display in the popup window.
