Reduce BluRays - so it'll work

BluRays quickly take up a few gigabytes, but the high-resolution films can only be reduced in certain circumstances.

Shrink BluRays - when is it possible?

• If you have burned a BluRay yourself, you can use software to download the film to your computer and at the same time reduce it. Instructions can be found in the next paragraph.
• If you have bought a BluRay, the film is provided with a copy protection. You can bypass this, but this is not legally permitted. With the MakeMKV software you can get the BluRay on your computer and then follow the instructions in the next paragraph.
• Note: After the new copyright law has come into force, the use of this tool is illegal if it bypasses copy protection. Please understand that we therefore do not offer this tool for download.

Shrink BluRays - how it works

1. Download the free Handbrake tool and install the software.
2. Click on the "Source" button at the top left to select the BluRay in the drive or the file path from the PC.
3. Under the category "Destination" you now have to enter the destination path of the reduced BluRay. Simply select the desktop using the "Browse" button.
4. In the "Output Settings" you have the choice between the MKV and MP4 format. The MP4 format is usually a little more space-saving.
5. If you switch to the "Video" tab below, you can change the "Video Codec". Select a desired codec here, which reduces the video but does not deteriorate the picture too much according to your requirements.
6. Click on the "Preview" button in the top right corner and you will see a short preview clip as a test. Then take a look at the file size and video quality. If you are not yet satisfied, change the settings and preview again.
7. Once you have found the right settings, click the "Start" button in the top left. Depending on the size of the BluRay and the performance of your computer, the process may take some time.

In the next practical tip we will show you how to copy a BluRay to the PC.