How to Import Video From a DVD Disc Into a Computer

The process of importing the video information contained on a DVD disc onto a computer's hard drive is called "ripping." During this process, the digital video files on the DVD are recreated as computer video files on a hard drive. Despite the fact that a wide variety of programs allow you to do this, it is still illegal to rip video from copyrighted DVDs to your computer, even if you own the original disc. DVD ripping is designed to allow you to rip video from DVDs you've burned yourself (containing home movies and other video clips) back to your computer.

Instructions

1. Use Handbrake (see References). This program allows you to take the video information contained on any DVD and convert it to a wide variety of computer video formats. Choose formats that will be played by video programs like Windows Media Player or iTunes, or even choose formats that allow you to upload the ripped video to devices like iPods and other types of digital media players.

2. Use Magic DVD Ripper (see References). This program, unlike Handbrake (which is completely free), is a DVD ripper utility that you'll have to pay for. Though a free trial is available, it expires after a limited time. If you want to continue using the full functionality of Magic DVD Ripper you must pay ($34.97, as of May 2010) for a full copy of the program.

3. Use ImTOO DVD Ripper (see References). This is another DVD ripper that you'll have to pay for after a free trial period. ImTOO DVD Ripper has the ability to rip both video and audio from a DVD, or just video or just audio. This program is particularly good if you want to rip only the audio from a DVD (to listen to a music-only track, for example, or a commentary track).

References

• Handbrake
• Magic DVD Ripper
• ImTOO DVD Ripper