5 Easy Steps on How to Rip DVDs Using VLC

DVD disc placed on laptop keyboard

Ripping a DVD to your computer can be a great way to preserve your favorite movies and TV shows, or to share them with friends and family. VLC media player is a free and open-source media player that can also be used to rip DVDs. In this article, we’ll show you how to rip a DVD using VLC media player.

To get started, you’ll need to have VLC media player installed on your computer. Once you have VLC installed, insert the DVD that you want to rip into your computer’s DVD drive. VLC should automatically detect the DVD and start playing it. If VLC does not automatically start playing the DVD, you can click on the “Media” menu and select “Open Disc” to open the DVD.

Once the DVD is open in VLC, click on the “Disc” menu and select “Convert/Save” to open the Convert/Save window. In the Convert/Save window, select the destination file for the ripped DVD. You can also choose the format of the ripped DVD. VLC supports a variety of formats, including MP4, AVI, and MKV. Once you have selected the destination file and format, click on the “Convert/Save” button to start ripping the DVD.

Introduction: Unveiling the Power of VLC for DVD Ripping

Prepare to delve into the realm of digital media versatility with VLC, an open-source powerhouse that transcends its humble beginnings as a video player. Its robust feature set extends to the realm of DVD ripping, empowering you to effortlessly extract digital copies of your prized DVD collections. With VLC at your fingertips, you hold the key to preserving your precious memories, freeing them from the confines of physical discs, and unlocking a world of digital convenience.

Unleashing VLC’s DVD Ripping Prowess

Embarking on your DVD ripping journey with VLC is akin to setting sail on a digital odyssey, where simplicity and efficiency reign supreme. This user-friendly software streamlines the ripping process, requiring minimal technical expertise. Dive into its intuitive interface, navigate the straightforward menus, and let VLC guide you through the steps with effortless grace.

Delve into VLC’s wealth of customizable settings and witness its adaptability firsthand. Tailor the ripping process to your specific needs, specifying the output format, video and audio quality, and destination folder. Whether you seek pristine high-definition video or space-saving compressed files, VLC empowers you to strike the perfect balance.

Harness the versatility of VLC to rip entire DVD discs or cherry-pick individual chapters that spark your interest. Its advanced capabilities extend to DVD menus, allowing you to preserve the original navigation structure or discard it altogether, creating a streamlined viewing experience. Embark on a seamless DVD ripping adventure with VLC, where customization and flexibility intertwine.

Advantages
User-friendly interface
Extensive customization options
Supports full DVD ripping and chapter selection
Preserves DVD menu structure

Preparing for the DVD Ripping Process

Inserting the DVD into the Drive:

Locate your physical DVD drive on your computer. It is typically a tray-loading or slot-loading drive.
Gently insert the DVD disc into the drive, ensuring it is facing the correct way (label side up for tray-loading drives and label side down for slot-loading drives).
Make sure the disc is securely inserted and does not wobble or shake.

Checking DVD Compatibility:

Open VLC Media Player on your computer.
Click on the "Media" menu in the top-left corner of the interface.
Select "Open Disc."

Choose Properties:

Select the "Disc" tab in the Open Media window that appears.
Under "Disc Selection," choose the correct optical drive from the dropdown menu.
Tick the "No Disc Menu" option to prevent the DVD menu from automatically playing.
If necessary, click on the "Device Settings" button to configure the drive settings.

Selecting the DVD Title:

In the "Disc Selection" section, a list of DVD titles will appear.
Choose the title you want to rip by clicking on it.

Previewing the DVD:

To preview the DVD content before ripping it, click on the "Playback" tab in the Open Media window.
Use the controls at the bottom of the window to play, pause, or skip through the DVD.

Customizing Ripping Settings:

Click on the "Input/Codecs" tab in the Open Media window.
Expand the "Video Codec" and "Audio Codec" sections and customize the settings as desired.
These settings include resolution, bitrate, and codec type.

Selecting the Input Source: Choosing the DVD to Rip

The first step in ripping a DVD using VLC is to select the DVD drive that contains the disc you want to rip. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open VLC Media Player.
2. Click the “Media” menu.
3. Choose “Open Disc”.
4. In the “Open Disc” dialog box, select the “Device” tab.
5. From the “Device” drop-down menu, select the DVD drive that contains the DVD you want to rip.
6. Click the “OK” button.

Once you have selected the DVD drive, VLC will start reading the disc. Once the disc has been read, you can proceed to the next step of ripping the DVD.

Supported DVD Formats

VLC supports ripping a wide variety of DVD formats, including:

Format	Description
DVD-Video	The most common DVD format, used for movies and TV shows.
DVD-Audio	A high-quality audio-only DVD format.
DVD-ROM	A DVD format used for storing data, such as software or documents.
DVD-RAM	A rewritable DVD format that can be used to store data or video.
DVD-R	A write-once DVD format that can be used to store data or video.
DVD-RW	A rewritable DVD format that can be used to store data or video.
DVD+R	A write-once DVD format that is similar to DVD-R.
DVD+RW	A rewritable DVD format that is similar to DVD-RW.

Customizing Output Settings: Defining the Ripped Video’s Parameters

1. Selecting the Output Format

VLC offers a wide range of video formats to choose from, including MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, and more. Each format has its pros and cons, such as file size, compatibility, and quality. Select the format that best suits your requirements.

2. Defining the Video Codec

The video codec determines the compression method used to reduce the file size. VLC supports codecs like H.264, H.265, MPEG-2, and VP9. Choose a codec that provides a balance between file size and video quality.

3. Adjusting the Resolution and Bitrate

Resolution refers to the number of pixels in the video frame, while bitrate measures the data transferred per second. Higher resolution and bitrates result in better video quality but also larger file sizes. Set these parameters based on your desired quality and storage space.

4. Advanced Settings for Video and Audio Parameters

Video Profile: Select a preset video profile that combines specific settings for resolution, bitrate, and other parameters.
Deinterlace: Remove interlacing from the video to improve quality.
Crop: Remove unwanted areas from the video frame.
Flip or Rotate: Rotate or flip the video to correct orientation issues.

Audio Codec: Select an audio codec like MP3, AAC, or FLAC.
Bitrate and Channels: Adjust the audio quality by setting the bitrate and the number of audio channels.
Sample Rate: Define the audio’s sampling rate to ensure compatibility with different devices.
Normalization: Adjust the audio volume to a consistent level.

Choosing the Desired Output Format: Selecting the Compatible File Type

When ripping a DVD using VLC, you have several output format options to choose from. The choice depends on the intended use of the ripped file and the compatibility with various devices and software.

MP4

MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is a versatile video format widely supported by media players, portable devices, and online platforms. It offers a good balance between file size, quality, and compatibility.

MKV

MKV (Matroska Video) is a flexible container format that can hold multiple video, audio, and subtitle tracks. It is ideal for archiving or storing high-quality video content with advanced features.

AVI

AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is an older but still widely compatible video format. It is best suited for ripping DVDs for playback on older computers and devices.

OGG

OGG is an open-source video format that provides good quality with small file sizes. However, it may not be supported by all devices and software.

FLV

FLV (Flash Video) is a popular format for online video sharing websites like YouTube. It offers decent quality and is suitable for streaming and sharing videos online.

Advanced Ripping Options: Enhancing the Ripping Process

6. Advanced Audio and Video Enhancements

To further customize your ripping experience, VLC offers a range of advanced audio and video enhancements.

For audio, you can specify the desired codec, bitrate, and audio channels. For video, you can adjust the resolution, aspect ratio, and frame rate. Additionally, VLC allows you to apply filters to enhance the visual quality, such as deinterlacing to remove scan lines, cropping to remove unwanted areas, and color correction to improve color balance and contrast.

Option	Description
Audio Codec	Select the desired audio codec, such as MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3) or Vorbis
Audio Bitrate	Specify the desired audio bitrate in kilobits per second (kbps)
Audio Channels	Choose the number of audio channels, such as stereo or 5.1 surround sound
Video Codec	Select the desired video codec, such as MPEG-4 Part 2 (H.264) or HEVC (H.265)
Video Resolution	Set the desired video resolution, such as 1280×720 (720p) or 1920×1080 (1080p)
Video Aspect Ratio	Specify the desired aspect ratio, such as 4:3 (standard) or 16:9 (widescreen)
Video Frame Rate	Set the desired video frame rate in frames per second (fps), such as 24 fps for cinematic content or 60 fps for smooth motion
Deinterlacing	Enable deinterlacing to remove scan lines from interlaced video sources
Cropping	Specify the desired cropping area to remove unwanted borders
Color Correction	Adjust color balance, contrast, and saturation to enhance visual quality

Initiating the Ripping Process: Starting the Conversion

1. Load the DVD

Insert the DVD into your computer’s DVD drive. VLC will automatically detect the disc.

2. Open VLC Media Player

Locate the VLC Media Player icon on your desktop or in the Applications folder and double-click to launch it.

3. Select the Disc Mode

Click the "Media" menu in the top-left corner of the VLC window and select "Open Disc."

4. Choose the DVD Drive

In the "Disc Device" dropdown menu, select the DVD drive where the disc is inserted.

5. Enable DVD Ripping

Check the "Rip" checkbox in the lower-left corner of the "Open Disc" window.

6. Select a Destination Folder

Click the "Browse" button next to the "Destination" field and select a folder on your computer to save the ripped video file.

7. Customize Ripping Options

Video Codec: Select the desired video codec for the ripped file from the "Video Codec" dropdown menu.
Audio Codec: Similarly, choose the audio codec from the "Audio Codec" dropdown menu.
Container Format: Specify the container format for the ripped file, such as MP4, AVI, or MKV, from the "Container Format" dropdown menu.
Other Options: Explore the additional options provided by VLC for fine-tuning the ripping process, such as adjusting the bitrate, frame rate, and other parameters.

Monitoring the Rip Progress: Tracking the Conversion’s Status

Once the ripping process commences, VLC offers a detailed progress report to keep you abreast of its progress. This report includes:

Elapsed Time: Displays the duration since the start of the ripping process.
Remaining Time: Estimates the approximate time remaining for the conversion to complete.
Percent Complete: Indicates the percentage of the DVD that has been converted.
Speed: Shows the current rate of conversion in megabytes per second (MB/s).
Bitrate: Displays the bitrate of the media being ripped, expressed in kilobits per second (kbps).
Frame Rate: Indicates the number of frames processed per second during the conversion.
Resolution: Shows the output resolution of the ripped file, such as 720p or 1080p.

Progress Indicator	Description
Elapsed Time	Duration since the start of the ripping process
Remaining Time	Estimated time remaining for the conversion to complete
Percent Complete	Percentage of the DVD that has been converted
Speed	Current rate of conversion in megabytes per second (MB/s)
Bitrate	Bitrate of the media being ripped, expressed in kilobits per second (kbps)
Frame Rate	Number of frames processed per second during the conversion
Resolution	Output resolution of the ripped file, such as 720p or 1080p

Finalizing the Rip: Completing the Conversion and Saving the File

9. Choose a Save Location and File Name

Select a destination folder on your computer where you want to save the ripped DVD. Provide a file name for the output video file. VLC allows you to save the file in various formats, such as MP4, MKV, or AVI. If desired, you can also specify any additional settings, such as video resolution and audio quality.

9.1 Understanding the Ripping Options

VLC offers numerous conversion options to customize the output file:

Video Codec: Choose the desired video codec to encode the video stream (e.g., H.264, H.265, MPEG-4).
Video Bitrate: Specify the bitrate to control the video quality. Higher bitrates produce better quality but result in larger file sizes.
Resolution: Select the output video resolution (e.g., 480p, 720p, 1080p).
Audio Codec: Choose the audio codec to use for the audio stream (e.g., MP3, AAC, AC3).
Audio Bitrate: Specify the bitrate to control the audio quality. Similar to video bitrate, higher values produce better quality.
Deinterlacing: If the source DVD has interlaced video, enable this option to remove the interlacing artifacts.
Demuxing: This option allows you to separate the audio and video streams into individual files instead of a single container file.

9.2 Advanced Ripping Settings

For advanced users, VLC provides additional options that can be accessed by clicking the “Advanced” button in the Convert window. These settings allow further control over the conversion process, such as:

Profile: Choose a predefined set of conversion parameters for specific devices or applications.
CRF Value: Set a Constant Rate Factor (CRF) to control the visual quality of the output file. Lower CRF values result in higher quality.
Encoding Speed: Optimize the conversion for speed or quality.

Troubleshooting Common Issues: Resolving Potential Ripping Problems

1. VLC is not detecting my DVD

Ensure that your DVD drive is connected to your computer and is in working condition. Restart VLC to see if it detects the drive.

2. I get an error message that says “This disc is encrypted”

Copy-protected DVDs may require additional software or a workaround to rip. Consider using specialized decryption software or searching for specific workarounds related to the DVD’s encryption.

3. The ripped video is of poor quality

Adjust the video settings in VLC’s “Convert” window. Try increasing the resolution and bitrate for better quality, but note that higher settings will result in larger file sizes.

4. The ripped audio is distorted or missing

Verify that the audio settings in VLC’s “Convert” window are configured correctly. Select a supported audio format and ensure that the audio codec is set to a compatible option.

5. The ripping process is very slow

Ripping speed depends on the DVD drive’s speed and the computer’s processing power. Consider using a faster DVD drive and upgrading your computer hardware for improved performance.

6. The ripped file is not recognized by my media player

Ensure that the media player supports the file format of the ripped video. Convert the video to a different format if necessary using VLC or third-party software.

7. I get a “Write error” or “Media closed” message

Use a different DVD drive or clean the DVD with a soft cloth to remove any smudges or debris. Ensure that the DVD is not scratched or damaged.

8. The ripped file has skipping or stuttering

Try increasing the “Output caching” value in VLC’s “Convert” window. A higher caching value may improve playback smoothness.

9. I can’t convert the ripped file to a different format

Ensure that your version of VLC supports the desired conversion format. Update VLC to the latest version or use a third-party video converter to handle the conversion.

10. The ripped video has a large file size

Reduce the file size by adjusting the video settings in VLC’s “Convert” window. Lower the resolution, bitrate, and frame rate to create a smaller file.

Setting	Description
Resolution	Lowering the resolution reduces the number of pixels in the video, decreasing the file size.
Bitrate	Lowering the bitrate reduces the amount of data used to encode the video, resulting in a smaller file size.
Frame rate	Lowering the frame rate reduces the number of frames per second in the video, which can reduce the file size.

Remember to balance file size with video quality to achieve a satisfactory result.

How To Rip Dvd In Vlc

1. Insert the DVD into your computer’s DVD drive.
2. Open VLC Media Player.
3. Click on the “Media” menu and select “Open Disc”.
4. In the “Open Disc” window, select the “DVD” option and click on the “Play” button.
5. VLC will start playing the DVD.
6. To rip the DVD, click on the “Tools” menu and select “Disc”.
7. In the “Disc” menu, select the “Rip Disc” option.
8. In the “Rip Disc” window, select the output format for the rip.
9. Click on the “Browse” button to select the destination folder for the rip.
10. Click on the “Rip” button to start the ripping process.