Help: iPad downloads for offline viewing?

[OliveMcC]

I have a long plane flight ahead of me and wanted to be able to watch movies on my iPad. Is it possible to download movies from Netflix for watching offline?

[Spindaddydad]

Nope. You can only stream them with a constant wi-fi connection. To download movies for later viewing, you'll have to buy them or load them from a copy you already own.

[OliveMcC]

Many thanks!

[Pihk]

You could just transfer a bunch of movie avi's to a flash drive and then...oh wait, no you couldn't.

[SpeakNoEvil]

Couple of comments:

If your plane happens to have Wi-Fi access, and is domestic, you may be able to stream IW. You might do a google search to see if anyone has tried.

I've found, contrary to a certain tech site's evaluation, that streaming IW using 3G works just fine, even for HD IW type movies. Of course most airlines have this inane requirement (there is no physical problem) that you can't use your cell phone (i.e. 3G) in flight.

Then there are several software DVD ripping programs available (of course assuming you own the DVD) that will rip the DVD to an appropriate, and optimized, iPad video format (even 720p) you can then load the resulting video file through iTunes onto your iPad. Or you can just buy video movies directly from the iTunes store.

I'm not sure if you can transfer videos files from a flash drive to the iPad through the camera USB accessory or not. Apparently that camera accessory USB port does work for a whole lot more than just photo files. You might google to see if video file transfers work, or if there are work-arounds.

[OliveMcC]

Thanks for this -- very interesting and helpful.

[Pihk]

Of course most airlines have this inane requirement (there is no physical problem) that you can't use your cell phone (i.e. 3G) in flight.

More accurately: some people have this inane requirement where they can't just STFU and simply read a book or something for the duration of a flight

Or you can just buy video movies directly from the iTunes store.

Why would they want to do that if they already have a Netflix subscription?

Then there are several software DVD ripping programs available (of course assuming you own the DVD)

Why would they want to watch something they already own? Oh, and how does one insert a DVD into the iPad?

Other than these quibbles: GREAT ADVICE

[Sock Puppet]

Oh, and how does one insert a DVD into the iPad?

One doesn't silly beans, that is what one uses the ripping software for, to "Rip" the movie off the DVD...

[Pihk]

And how does the ripping software on the iPad rip the DVD then?

[Sock Puppet]

Well it doesn't.... :-P

"I'm not sure if you can transfer videos files from a flash drive to the iPad through the camera USB accessory or not. "

That's what you would need the flash drive for... Presumably to move the ripped DVD from your PC or Mac, to the iPad... ;-D

Though the whole point of USB ports (I guess Apple can be as anal as they want and redefine the concept)... If the iPad has a USB port you should be able to 1.) Connect an External DVD player/drive &/or 2.) Connect it directly to your PC or Mac via a cable.

[Float]

Ok, use DVD Decrypter to make an ISO file from DVD, then use Handbrake to make the ISO file into the mp4 movie file, then transfer to your iPad.

here is a guide: http://www.ilikemall.com/convert/rip-dvd-to-mp4-mac.html

Hope it works for you....

[jbelkin]

Yes, you have to rip the movies, then copy them into iTunes (drag into your library). There are plenty of paid solution but a nice free choice is a) download VLC and b) download HANDBRAKE. (Handbrake needs VLC to decode most retail DVD's). Last I looked, there was no iPad setting but AppleTV is the highest res setting ... of course, you are not legally allowed to rip Netflix DVD's you rented, FYI :-)

Keep in mind, you can also rent movies via iTunes (of course, do that before you leave the house) - there are HD choices now - though of course, you're paying above & beyond Netflix but it basically takes two taps.

[Pihk]

though of course, you're paying above & beyond Netflix but it basically takes two taps.

That's the whole idea behind the iPad. Keep paying "above and beyond".