How Do I Rip Movies From DVDs to My Computer?

Need to rip your DVDs to your computer?

Ripping a DVD to your computer requires downloading software that can isolate and convert VOB files (a DVD's main content) into the format you want. Your PC or Mac does not come with standard software that can perform these conversions. If you're converting your DVDs to use on a portable media device, consult your manual for a list of supported video formats. Please note that ripping movies to other formats will most likely result in some loss of audio and video quality because of compression settings and standards.

Instructions

1. Insert your DVD into your computer after downloading and installing a ripper program. The program may read the DVD automatically; however, if not, direct your software to the DVD disk drive's Video TS folder or VOB files. Some programs will also let you select which chapters or tracks you want converted in the program's interface.

2. Choose the output format and quality settings you want, based on your needs.. For example, if you're ripping DVDs to upload them to Internet sites like YouTube or Google Video, try selecting an MP4 format with a H.264 encoder; this creates smaller file sizes with higher quality. If you're going to be editing video, choose an MOV or QuickTime movie format; this file type was made specifically for editing.

3. Select the destination folder for your converted files and rename your files before beginning your conversion.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're ripping DVDs for a portable media device, consult your manual for the device's maximum resolution, so you don't export a movie that your device cannot support.

• Allow anywhere from several minutes to several hours for conversions to complete, depending on the size of your DVD's files.

References

• MoviesMac: HandBrake Tutorial
• V.I.O. Support: MPEG Streamclip Tutorial
• Apple: QuickTime Pro Manual (PDF)

Resources

• Download HandBrake
• Download MPEG Streamclip
• Download QuickTime Player and QuickTime Pro