Getting DVDs onto a hard drive

["rb_ziggy" <rb.lists@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think this is a bit of a simple question but I don't seem to be able
to find a 'good' answer...

I want to copy my dvds onto a hard drive so that I can access them
directly from a pc/mac (i.e. Media Centre type apps here).  I haven't
fully decided the playback route and I'm quite keen to retain maximum
quality for display on a large screen.

In the past I used DVD shrink to copy a few onto my laptop for
traveling purposes.  That retained the VIDEO_TS format but squished
things down a bit.  Then, with a Mac, it seems to prefer Quicktime/MP4
(but will play VIDEO_TS) with a cludge.

So anyone any advice on the best way to download dvds.  (Can I just
copy the VIDEO_TS folder) or is there a better way?

Many thanks

Richard