Member Avatar for MiketheBook

Does anyone know how I can convert an .ismv file to a DVD compatible format like MP4 on a Mac without buying expensive software?

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Dani AI

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Brief, practical context and next steps tied to the thread: downloaded an .ismv file (BBC Store) and correctly flagged DRM as the likely blocker. An .ismv is the Microsoft Smooth Streaming fragmented‑MP4 (PIFF) form; when not encrypted it is essentially MP4 fragments that tools can remux or transcode, but when protected the fragments include DRM headers (PlayReady/Widevine) and cannot be decrypted without the vendor’s license. FFmpeg formats (ismv). IIS Smooth Streaming manifest / Protection element. BuyDRM announced for BBC Store. (ffmpeg.org)

Quick, non‑DRM workflow (macOS): inspect the file first; if there is no protection metadata the streams can often be remuxed without re‑encoding or transcoded if needed.

mediainfo file.ismv
ffprobe -v error -show_format -show_streams file.ismv

If mediainfo/ffprobe report H.264/AAC (and no encryption), try remuxing:

ffmpeg -i file.ismv -c copy output.mp4

Or transcode for compatibility:

ffmpeg -i file.ismv -c:v libx264 -crf 20 -preset slow -c:a aac -b:a 192k output.mp4

See MediaInfo and ffprobe usage, and FFmpeg’s ismv support. MediaInfo support. ffprobe docs. FFmpeg formats. (mediaarea.net)

Legal and practical caution: if tools report encryption or ffmpeg fails with “encrypted/unsupported,” the files are DRM‑protected and removing that protection can violate anti‑circumvention laws (e.g., 17 U.S.C. §1201 in the U.S.). Contact the seller/distributor for a DRM‑free copy or refund — BBC Store historically used DRM and offered remedies when it shut. U.S. Copyright Office — Section 1201 overview. Coverage of BBC Store DRM/closure. (copyright.gov)

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Member Avatar for rproffitt

Mike, first I must write this must not have DRM. If it's from say the BBC with the usual DRM then you have issues beyond conversion.

Anyhow, does it play in VLC Player? If it does, use that to save in some other more open encoding. This is not an offer on how to use VLC Player. After that save you can use Handbrake or your usual tools to make the Video DVD.

Member Avatar for MiketheBook

It does probably have DRM and is from the BBC. I thought I'd bought a DVD from the BBC Store but it was a digital download which is not much use when a few of us want to watch it. Is there any way around the DRM? VLC won't play it.

Member Avatar for rproffitt

Wait, did you just ask me "help me jack this car?"

Please don't ask me such a thing. I write apps, have worked on video projects and well, please don't ask me this. You can google how to do such things, and if it's not worth paying for, well, it's not worth doing.

Member Avatar for MiketheBook

Sorry, my understanding is that I've paid the BBC for this video that I thought was a DVD and therefore I've a right to save it on a DVD. I'm unlikely to do this again so I don't want to pay out further good money for an app that I just won't need again. My apologies, however, if my request offends you.

Member Avatar for rproffitt

Then you have the discussion with who you bought this. I can't guess how you play it but on a Mac, use a screen recorder then put that on your Video DVD with the tools you use to make Video DVDs.

How to make a Video DVD on a Mac is something well done on the web. Same about screen recording.

PS. Adding with edit. Remember a Video DVD is all of 480p (see Wikipedia) so the result is going to be somewhat horrible compared to BluRay or streaming. But at least it's possible to convert and get it to Video DVD. Yes, it will try the user's patience.

Edited by rproffitt
Member Avatar for MiketheBook

Thanks very much.

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