Copying DVDs to your computer not only preserves your favorite films and shows but also enhances convenience, allowing you to watch them anytime, anywhere, without the need for a disc. Whether you want to create backups of your cherished collections or simply prefer the ease of digital storage, understanding how to effectively rip DVDs is essential. This article will guide you to handle how to copy DVD to computer and how to rip DVD to computer, ensuring you can enjoy your media library in a more portable and versatile way.
How to Copy DVD to Computer without Software
What Kind of DVDs Can Be Copied Directly?
Certain DVDs can be copied directly to a computer. Data DVDs, which contain unprotected files, are straightforward to copy. Home videos created from personal recordings also lack copy protection, making them easy to duplicate. Additionally, some older or independent commercial DVDs may be unprotected, allowing for direct copying.
- Data DVDs: These discs contain files such as documents, images, or videos that are not protected by copyright. They can be easily copied to a computer without any legal issues.
- Home Videos: DVDs created from personal recordings—like, like family events or amateur films—usually lack copy protection, making them straightforward to copy for personal use.
- Unprotected Commercial DVDs: Some older or independent films may be released without copy protection, allowing users to copy them freely. However, this is less common with mainstream titles due to copyright laws.
Detailed Steps of Copying DVD to Computer
At first, you must be aware that DVD player or drive is necessary for copying DVDs to a computer, as it reads the data on the disc. Ensure the drive is compatible with the DVD type (e.g., DVD-R, DVD+R). If your computer doesn’t have a built-in drive, an external USB DVD drive can be used instead.
Copy Unprotected DVDs to Windows (Using File Explorer)
- Insert the DVD :Place the DVD into your computer's DVD drive.
- Open File Explorer :Click on the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.
- Locate the DVD:Find the DVD drive under “This PC.”
- Open the DVD: Click on the DVD drive to view its contents.
- Select Files: Choose the files you want to copy (hold Ctrl to select multiple files).
- Copy Files: Right-click the selected files and choose “Copy” (or use Ctrl+C).
- Choose Destination: Navigate to the folder on your computer where you want to save the files.
- Paste Files: Right-click in the destination folder and select “Paste” (or use Ctrl+V).
Copy Unprotected DVDs to Mac(Using Finder)
- Insert the DVD: Place the DVD into your Mac's DVD drive.
- Open Finder: Click the Finder icon in the dock.
- Locate the DVD: Find the DVD under "Devices" in the sidebar.
- Open the DVD: Click on the DVD to see its contents.
- Select Files: Choose the files you want to copy (hold Command to select multiple).
- Copy Files: Right-click the selected files and select “Copy” (or use Command+C).
- Choose Destination: Navigate to the folder on your Mac where you want to save the files.
- Paste Files: Right-click in the destination folder and select “Paste” (or use Command+V).
How to Save a DVD to Computer (Protected DVD)
The question of how to rip protected DVDs to a computer has certainly caused concern for many people, , as many commercial DVDs include digital rights management (DRM) to prevent unauthorized duplication. However, there are legitimate reasons to make a personal backup of your collection, whether for preservation or convenience. In the following, I'll introduce the top 6 solutions to help you rip dvds to computer.
Copy DVD to Computer with DVDFab DVD Ripper
DVDFab DVD Ripper is a comprehensive tool that can convert DVDs—including the latest releases and protected titles—into various mainstream audio and video formats compatible with different computer systems, mobile devices, and media players. It provides preset output profiles to meet diverse ripping and playback needs, while also offering customizable options for a personalized experience. Users can modify subtitles and audio tracks, adjust video and audio settings, and edit the DVD video to their preferences.
- Utilize constantly updated technology to remove protection from old and new commercial DVDs.
- Rip DVDs to over 1,000 digital video and audio formats, including MP4, MKV, MPEG, AVI, and MP3.
- Support for more than 260 preset devices, such as Android, iPhone, iPad, HTC, LG, and Sony.
- Adjust video, audio, and subtitles settings, including codec, frame rate, resolution, and output size.
- Rip specific titles, chapters, audio tracks, and subtitles from DVDs.
- Use a versatile editor to customize and design your video.
- Achieve up to 50x faster DVD ripping speed with GPU hardware acceleration.
- Process multiple DVD-ripping tasks simultaneously with one click.
- Only MP4 and MKV formats are supported in its lifetime-free version.
Detailed steps of Ripping DVD to Computer
Step 1: Download and install DVDFab on your computer. Launch the software, select the 'Ripper' module, and insert your DVD disc into the optical drive. If you're using an ISO image file or a folder, you can simply drag and drop it into the software.
Step 2: After importing your DVD, you'll see the basic information about the file. Click on 'Choose Other Profile' and select 'Format' > 'Video' to convert the DVD into formats like MP4, MKV, AVI, TS, WebM, or WMV. To rip audio, click 'Audio' and choose from options like AAC, AC3, DTS, FLAC, M4A, MP3, TrueHD, WAV, or WMA.
Step 3: Then go back to the main interface and you can set the options for titles, chapters, audio, and subtitles to choose your favorite DVD clips to rip. you can also add external subtitles as you like.
Step 4: You can edit your videos using two options: 'Advanced Settings' and 'Video Edit.' The 'Advanced Settings' option allows you to adjust parameters for video, audio, and subtitles according to your preferences.
At the same time, Video Edit allows you to crop, trim, rotate, speed up or down, zoom in or out a video, and adjust video properties like brightness, contrast, etc.
Step 5: Click the 'Folder' icon to set the output destination on your computer. Finally, click the Start button to rip DVD to hard drive at lightning-fast speed.
DVDFab HD Decrypter can remove nearly all DVD protections (including CSS, RC, RCE, APS, UOPs, and Sony ARccOS) as well as Blu-ray protections (AACS, RC, UOPS, and BD-Live) from DVDs and Blu-rays released within the last year. This free disc decrypter provides seamless access to your encrypted DVDs or Blu-rays, allowing you to create backup copies for later use.
Copy DVD to Computer with MakeMKV
MakeMKV is a popular software tool specifically designed for ripping DVDs and Blu-rays to the MKV format. It stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness in preserving the original quality of the media while extracting multiple audio and subtitle tracks. With MakeMKV, users can easily convert their physical media collections into digital files, making them more accessible for playback on various devices.
- Maintains the original video and audio quality without compression loss.
- The simple interface makes ripping DVDs accessible for beginners.
- It preserves all the video and audio tracks, chapter information, and meta-information.
- Primarily outputs to MKV, which may not be compatible with all devices and players.
- MakeMKV focuses on ripping and does not provide video editing capabilities.
- The speed and efficiency may vary based on the hardware and the complexity of the source media.
- It does not compress files. Therefore, the output files are usually large.
Copy DVD to Computer with VLC
VLC Media Player is not just a popular media player; it also includes a built-in feature for ripping DVDs. This makes it a convenient option for users looking to convert their physical DVD collections into digital files. While VLC may not offer the advanced features found in dedicated DVD ripping software, it provides a straightforward way to extract video content and save it in various formats.
- VLC is completely free to use, with no hidden costs or subscriptions.
- The interface is intuitive, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
- VLC can handle a wide range of formats and media types, making it a multifaceted tool.
- It doesn't require much system resources, ensuring smooth operation even on older machines.
- The DVD ripping feature lacks advanced customization options found in dedicated software, such as selecting specific audio tracks or subtitles.
- VLC may struggle with DVDs that have strong copy protection, potentially preventing successful ripping.
- The quality of the ripped video may not always match that of specialized ripping software, particularly when adjusting advanced settings.
- While basic functionality is easy, some users may find advanced features more complex.
Copy DVD to Computer with HandBrake
HandBrake is a powerful, open-source video transcoder that is widely used for ripping DVDs and converting video files into various digital formats. Known for its robust features and versatility, HandBrake allows users to create high-quality digital copies of their DVD collections while providing options for customization and compression. It’s a popular choice among both beginners and experienced users looking to manage their media libraries effectively.
- HandBrake can convert DVDs into various formats, including MP4, MKV, and WebM, ensuring compatibility with most devices.
- The software offers a range of presets for different devices, making it easy to optimize video settings for specific playback requirements.
- Users can adjust video and audio settings, including codec selection, resolution, frame rate, and bitrate, for tailored output quality.
- HandBrake allows users to include subtitles and select specific chapters or titles for ripping.
- Users can queue multiple DVDs or titles for conversion, saving time and effort.
- HandBrake cannot handle DVDs with strong copy protection. Users may need additional tools to bypass these protections before using HandBrake.
- The ripping process can be time-consuming, particularly for high-quality output settings.
- Unlike some media players, HandBrake does not include playback functionality, so users need a separate player to view the ripped content.
Copy DVD to Computer with Winx DVD Ripper
WinX DVD Ripper is a user-friendly software designed specifically for ripping DVDs into digital formats. Known for its fast processing speed and high-quality output, WinX DVD Ripper allows users to convert their DVD collections into various video formats, making it easier to watch content on a range of devices. The software is especially popular among those looking for a straightforward and efficient way to back up their DVDs.
- WinX DVD Ripper utilizes advanced technologies, including hardware acceleration, to ensure quick ripping of DVDs.
- The software supports numerous output formats, including MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, and more, catering to different playback needs.
- Users can choose from presets optimized for various devices, such as iPhone, iPad, Android, and game consoles, ensuring compatibility.
- WinX includes basic editing tools, allowing users to trim, crop, and adjust video settings before ripping.
- The software can bypass various DVD protections, enabling users to rip commercial DVDs without hassle.
- Ripping DVDs can be demanding on system resources, potentially slowing down other applications during the process.
- While it handles many protections, some DVDs with the latest DRM may still pose challenges.
Choose the Best Solution to Rip DVD to Computer
|
Feature/Software |
DVDFab DVD Ripper |
MakeMKV |
VLC |
HandBrake |
WinX DVD Ripper |
|
Price |
Paid (Free trial available) |
Free (with limitations) |
Free |
Free |
Free (Paid version available) |
|
Output Formats |
1,000+ (MP4, MKV, AVI, etc.) |
MKV only |
MP4, AVI, MKV, etc. |
MP4, MKV, WebM, etc. |
250+ (MP4, AVI, MKV, etc.) |
|
Speed |
Up to 50x with GPU |
Fast |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Fast (with hardware acceleration) |
|
Advanced Settings |
Yes |
Limited |
Basic |
Extensive |
Basic to moderate |
|
Batch Processing |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
DRM Removal |
Yes |
Limited (mostly DVD) |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Video Editing |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Device Compatibility |
260+ presets |
N/A |
N/A |
Presets for various devices |
Device presets available |
FAQs of Copying DVD to Computer
What file formats can I rip DVDs to?
Common file formats for ripped DVDs include MP4, MKV, AVI, and WMV. The format you choose may depend on your playback device and personal preferences.
How to Rip DVD to Coputer without affecting its quality?
Ripping can maintain the original quality of the DVD, especially if you choose a lossless format. However, if you compress the video to save space, there may be a reduction in quality.
Rip DVD to Computer: How long does it take?
The time required to rip a DVD can vary based on the software used, the speed of your computer, and the length of the movie. Typically, it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour.
Conclusion
Ripping DVDs to your computer offers a convenient way to preserve and access your favorite films and shows without the need for physical discs. With a variety of software options available, including DVDFab, MakeMKV, VLC, HandBrake, and WinX DVD Ripper, users can choose the tool that best fits their needs and technical expertise. Each software has its unique features, advantages, and limitations, making it essential to consider factors such as output formats, speed, and ease of use when selecting the right one.