Cross-platform video transcoder Handbrake reached a milestone over the holiday break with the release of version 1.0.0 of the app after over 13 years in beta.

Despite the lengthy beta-test format and the demise of the built-in DVD drive in Apple's Mac line-up, the free open source transcoder has remained the go-to application for converting video files for playback on iOS devices and Apple TVs.

handbrake
The program has stood the test of time thanks to its ease of use, vast array of options for more advanced users, and extensive video format support.

Version 1 brings a raft of new tools to the Mac version of the app, with updated presets for the latest devices and a number of interface improvements and added settings to keep the app relevant and broaden its appeal. The new features include:

- Updated all tooltips
- Added undo/redo support to the graphical interface
- Improved drag and drop support
- Added Open Recent to the File menu
- Added Add Titles to Queue... to the File menu (batch queueing)
- Preview prompts to open in an external application when the internal player does not support the format
- Preview now displays volume and audio/subtitles language selection during playback
- Picture and Filters settings are now part of the main window
- Settings are preserved when selecting a new title (instead of reloading the last selected preset)
- Improved support for importing/exporting comma-separated (.csv) chapter markers
- Queue is now automatically paused when available disk space is low
- When Done action can now be changed directly from the Queue window
- When Done notification is now interactive (reveals the encoded file in Finder)
- Activity Log window is now searchable (press "?"+"f" to activate)
- XQuartz is no longer required for subtitle burn-in
- Updated Sparkle software update library
  - Enabled DSA signature checking for improved security
- Usability improvements
- Miscellaneous bug fixes

Handbrake is a free download available directly from the Handbrake website.

Tag: Handbrake

Top Rated Comments

DanTheAppleMan Avatar
DanTheAppleMan
55 months ago
Still that terrible icon huh?
It's iconic.
Score: 47 Votes (Like | Disagree)
maflynn Avatar
maflynn
55 months ago
Wow, I didn't even realize it was a beta product. 13 years, that must be some sort of record.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
squirrelist Avatar
squirrelist
55 months ago
I used the Beta all the time until it stopped working on Mac because it wasn't compatible with Sierra (or maybe it was El Capitan when the compatibility issues began.) I ripped my entire DVD library with it so I have them all in my iTunes now and I can play them on my Apple TV.
[doublepost=1482844838][/doublepost]

The way this worked in Beta pre-El Capitan was so long as you had a libdvdcss.dll file on your Mac it would decode the copy protection (which is what is needed to playback DVDs on any platform) and allow Handbrake to rip it.
The old location for libdvdcss got protected by SIP in 10.11. There is a different folder that is sanctioned that it can be manually moved to that works just fine. Search Google for specifics.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
69Mustang
55 months ago
Wow, I didn't even realize it was a beta product. 13 years, that must be some sort of record.
13 years in beta. Dayum. Handbrake... the cicada ('https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=cicada%20life%20cycle') of video converters. :p:D
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
budselectjr Avatar
budselectjr
55 months ago
Wow, I didn't even realize it was a beta product. 13 years, that must be some sort of record.
Siri will break that.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ignatius345 Avatar
ignatius345
55 months ago
It's iconic.
"Put down that cocktail."
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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