OldSynths

>I'm still trying to find a Mac OS X application that can rip DVD video,
>audio (into .MP3 files, etc.), and do still-image screen-capture from DVD
>discs (into .JPEGs, etc.). 
>
>I'm no pirate! ...I just want to, for example, rip some DVD audio discs so
>I can put the music on my iPod. 
>
>I'd also like to burn a private DVD disc with a montage of some favorite
>music videos from various DVDs. 
>
>I was referred to a public-domain program called OSeX some time ago that
>supposed to be able rip DVD video and/or audio, but I could never get it
>to work right.  Anyone have a link to a working version of OSeX, or
>something else?

A good source of info on all this is http://www.vcdhelp.com/

First off, DVD-audio ripping. As of this moment there is NO way to do this
because the format hasn't been cracked--yet. Basically all you can do is
dub through the audio port in real time from a player.

As for DVD video, try the other Mac ripper, DVDbackup. I've heard people
swear by both, swear at both. Go to versiontracker.com (the OS X section)
and search for the name. You'll see comments from people who've used it
there.

As for still capturing from DVD playback, I've seen a couple of programs
that claim to do it but I can't think of any names. While you're at
versiontracker.com search for "image capture", etc. Also search on "DVD".
You'll see all sorts of interesting programs--shrinkers (fit a whole DVD on
a single, smaller DVD-R), transcoders, burners, etc.

Burning a "slide show" of still images an a DVD: the latest Toast (6)
includes an app that does this but again there are others--another thing to
look for on versiontracker.

Combining some videos and burning them: Once you've gotten the videos off
the discs combine them in iMovie. Burn with iDVD, Toast, etc.

>What's the Unix-based screen-capture/image processing program called...
>'gimp'?  Is it built-in to OS X or is there a version or other program
>that'll work with OS X?

There's a version or two of gimp already compiled for OS X but it's a huge
downlaod or you have to buy a disc. They're listed on VT as well.
-- 

Terry Bowman, KA4HJH
"The Mac Doctor"

"There is no Main Street anymore except at Disneyland--and try and buy a
gun there"--Hank Hill