How do I rip DVDs into Final Cut? Using Handbrake/MPEG streamclip

To rip the DVD we will use HandBrake, a GPL'd multiplatform, multithreaded DVD to MPEG-4 converter.

HandBrake is not a ripper/converter. It converts video, it does not rip it byte by byte to your hard drive. It does not crack the latest copy protection schemes hatched by the studios. It converts video from DVD (MPEG-2) to MPEG-4.

HandBrake is not everything for everyone for every need. For instance, Final Cut does not support the importing of mp4 files. You will have to convert your files from .mp4 to .dv or Quicktime .mov using MPEG streamclip.

The reason for the double conversion is the MPEG format. It's not a format that can be edited natively very easily. It's kinda hard to explain, but basically, these type of video files can't just be cut wherever you want them to be....they don't actually record full frames of video (they record one frame, then record changes to that frame over the next few seconds)...therefore, you don' the have full frames to cut on when editing.