How to Use HandBrake: Features, Pros & Cons, Best Alternative!

Many users and film enthusiasts rip DVDs to preserve and access their favorite movies on various devices. HandBrake software is a powerful, open-source tool that simplifies this process, enabling you to convert DVDs into digital formats with ease. Whether you're looking to back up your collection or enjoy films on the go, HandBrake DVD rip has you covered. Stay tuned as we explore what HandBrake is, its features, usage, potential drawbacks, and the best alternative to enhance your DVD-ripping experience!

What is HandBrake DVD Ripper

HandBrake is a widely used, open-source video transcoder that converts multimedia files and unprotected DVDs or Blu-rays into digital formats like MP4, MKV, and WebM. While it doesn't remove DVD copy protection on its own, pairing it with libdvdcss allows users to tackle encrypted DVDs. This powercful tool supports various formats and devices, making it easy to prepare videos for iPhones, iPods, Apple TVs, and Android devices. Always download the newest version from the official HandBrake website for optimal performance.

Features or Pros of HandBrake DVD Ripper

HandBrake DVD Ripper boasts an array of impressive features designed for seamless DVD conversion. Its intuitive interface, customizable settings, and broad format compatibility makes it a workable choice for users seeking efficient, high-quality video rips. Let's explore its top features.

• HandBrake offers a friendly user interface, making it easy for beginners to navigate and use beneficially.
• Users can customize encoding settings to optimize video quality and the file size according to their specific requirements.
• The software supports batch processing, allowing multiple DVDs to be ripped simultaneously for efficiency.
• HandBrake provides extensive format support, ensuring compatibility with various devices and media players.
• It includes advanced options like video filters and chapter markers, enhancing the final output experience.

Best Settings for HandBrake DVD Ripper

Resolution is not the sole factor in achieving high-quality video outputs. Many factors are considered to achieve the desired results. Try these recommended HandBrake settings for the best quality output at ultrafast speed.

1. High Quality Settings:

General:

Video Codec: H.264 (x264) video

Encoder Profile: High

Audio Tab Settings:

• Codec: AAC (avcodec)
• Bitrate: 128kbps
• Sample Rate: 48kHz

2. Fast Speed Settings:

Common Problems When Ripping DVD with HandBrake DVD Ripper

Ripping DVDs with HandBrake can be rewarding, but users often face common challenges. Understanding these issues can help streamline the process and enhance your overall experience with the software. Let's look at the limitations of HandBrake DVD Ripper.

• The ripping process can be time-consuming, especially for longer videos
• Users may encounter errors during the conversion or ripping process without proper guidance
• HandBrake cannot directly rip copy-protected DVDs without additional software installation
• Some popular video formats are not supported by this open-source tool
• Limited compatibility with certain devices can hinder user experience and accessibility
• Advanced features may overwhelm beginners, making initial setup challenging for newcomers

How to Use HandBrake DVD Ripper to Rip Copy-protected DVDs

Step 1: Download HandBrake and libdvdcss

Navigate to HandBrake's official site and download the latest version, 1.8.2, for your macOS High Sierra 10.13 and above, Windows 10 and above, and Linux computers.

Next, download and install libdvdcss to your Windows and macOS to prevent this step in the future, and rip your encrypted DVDs with handBrake without hassle.

A. Install libdvdcss to Use HandBrake for Windows Computers

Step a. Download the library file on your PC and move to the Downloads folder.

Step b. Copy-paste your file into the C:/Program Files/Handbrake directory. Your libdvdcss will be successfully installed on the computer.

B. Install libdvdcss to Use HandBrake Mac Computers

Step a. Open Terminal on your Mac. Then, copy the text: /usr/bin/ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)" and paste it into the Terminal window.

Note: If the above-given command does not work on Apple M1 and M2 Macs, try this other command:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)".

Once installed, edit the .zshrc file and the following at the bottom:

export PATH=/opt/homebrew/bin:$PATH

export PATH=/opt/homebrew/sbin:$PATH

Step b. Click Return and type your administrator password to install Homebrew. During the installation, you'll need to authorize the download of certain components from Apple's Xcode developer software. Please confirm when prompted.

Step c. After installing Homebrew, open Terminal and enter brew install libdvdcss. Click Return again to download and install libdvdcss on your Mac.

Step 2: Insert the DVD into your computer's drive and launch Handbrake. Select your DVD drive from the sidebar. Allow Handbrake a moment to scan the DVD titles. If libdvdcss isn't installed correctly, you may encounter an error indicating the disc cannot be read. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 3: HandBrake automatically picks a title, but you can manually choose from the Title drop-down menu. Typically, the longest duration indicates the main movie on standard DVDs, but this might not apply to multi-title discs. Select your desired episode for the TV series or rip all episodes.

Once you've chosen a title, select a preset, then click the drop-down arrow next to Add to Queue. You'll see three choices:

• Add Current, which queues the currently selected title;
• Add All, which adds all titles at once;
• Add Selection, which opens a window for choosing specific titles to queue.

Choose one based on your needs.

Step 4: HandBrake enables users to convert DVDs into MP4, MKV, and WebM formats. It features numerous output presets categorized into General (e.g., 1080p, 720p), Web (like YouTube and Gmail), Devices (including Android and Apple), Matroska, and Production formats. You can also create custom presets by selecting Save New Preset for personalized settings.

When selecting a preset, avoid using 720p and 1080p for DVDs, as PAL DVDs have a resolution of 720 x 576 (576p), and NTSC DVDs are 720 x 480 (480p). Opting for higher resolutions won't enhance quality; it will only increase file size.

Additionally, "Fast" and "Very Fast" presets may compromise output quality, while "HQ" and "Super HQ" can slow down the ripping process and result in larger files.

HandBrake also lets you adjust subtitles, audio tracks, video codecs, and framerate, but it's best to leave defaults if you're unsure.

Step 5: Go to the Save As section and tap Browse to select where you want to save the output file. HandBrake lets you store rips on your computer or external drives.

Step 6: If you're satisfied with your settings, click the Start Encode button in the top menu to begin ripping the DVD's video and audio using HandBrake.

A progress bar will also appear at the bottom, indicating the remaining time for the process. Be patient, as higher-quality settings will increase the encoding duration.

While the end result is what you wanted: a ripped DVD, the steps may appear cumbersome to many beginners or non-tech savvy users, especially when installing libdvdcss on the computer.

Moreover, even if you install libdvdcss to work with HandBrake, it only lets you remove two types of copy-protections: CSS and Region Codes.

So why don't you opt for a solution that's more wholesome and easy to use? We are talking about the DVDFab DVD Ripper! Let's explore its amazing features, functions, and use.

Best Alternative to HandBrake DVD Ripper: DVDFab DVD Ripper

DVDFab DVD Ripper is a phenomenal ripping software for Windows and Mac users. It can rip any DVD to a wide range of digital formats in as quick as 5 minutes for seamless playback across all devices. Furthermore, its built-in video editor tool helps you make your videos outstanding by letting you crop, trim, merge, add a watermark, adjust brightness, and even add external subtitles in any format to your video.

Besides ripping, the software boasts many advanced functions to enhance your video output. For example, it can AI-enhance your video quality up to 1080p HD resolution. In addition, the OCR Technology lets you decide how the subtitles will appear in the vidoe: direct rendering, remuxing, or extracting to SRT/IDX/Sub file.

How to Use DVDFab DVD Ripper

Step 1: Download DVDFab DVD Ripper ripping software and browse to the Ripper module on the main interface. Navigate to the Add button to access the DVD drive and select the DVD disc to rip. Load your DVD into the Ripper tab or drag your ISO/folder into the main program.

Step 2: DVDFab DVD Ripper can automatically analyze and recognize the source file to disable the copy protections from your disc. Tap the Info button to learn about all the DVD protections of your loaded disc.

Customizing the default settings of your chosen profile is always better to match your specific requirements. You can select the output file format, choose the desired audio track(s), and even add or extract your subtitle(s).

Choosing advanced audio and video parameters helps you achieve your desired output quality. To continue, opt for the Advanced Settings and Video Edit options. Then, be careful to select the output path for your ripped file. This helps you locate the copied copyrighted DVD without hassle.

Step 3: Finally, proceed with the Start button to rip the DVDs speedily in any video format. You can actually see the progress on the main page of the program. Then, hibernate, exit the program or even turn down your computer once the ripping job is done!

Note: If you don't wish to continue ripping, you can cancel the task in between, too!

FAQs about Ripping DVD with HandBrake DVD Ripper

Q. 1. Is HandBrake safe?

Yes. HandBrake is absolutely safe to use for your DVD ripping and conversion needs. However, ensure that you install it from the official site only.

Q.2. Is it legal to rip copy-protected DVDs?

Yes. Ripping copy-protected DVDs is legal, provided you use it for personal use only. If you pirate or take it commercially, you may face legal consequences.

Q.3. Is HandBrake DVD Ripper free?

Yes. HandBrake DVD ripper is an effective, open-source tool that is available for free and does not impose limits on file counts or the length and file size of saved videos.

The Bottom Line

HandBrake DVD Ripper offers a powerful and efficient way to convert your favorite films into versatile digital formats. Whether you're preserving your collection or enjoying movies on the go, HandBrake rip DVD simplifies the process. You can easily tackle DVD ripping and enhance your media library with the proper setup and knowledge. While we have walked you through its top features, pros, cons, and process, you can also seek DVDFab DVD Ripper as the best ripping tool owing to its limitations. The versatile program's ease of use helps you unlock endless entertainment possibilities!