Convert DVD to MP4: Simple Methods to Rip DVD Movies to MP4

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Digitize your DVD movies to the MP4 format for free
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This wikiHow teaches you how to convert a DVD's contents into an MP4 file on your computer, which will allow you to play the DVD without having the disc itself. Keep in mind that performing this process with a disc you don't own or attempting to distribute the MP4 to other people is illegal in most places.

Ripping a DVD to MP4 Format

  • To convert DVD contents to MP4, download and launch HandBrake. Insert the DVD.
  • Select the DVD as a source and set the output to MP4.
  • Select a save location, and then click Save . Click Start Encode .
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using HandBrake

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  1. If you don't already have it, you can download it for free at Handbrake.com on Windows, Mac, and Linux. To install Handbrake:
    • Go to the link above and click Download HandBrake .
    • Select a location to save the installation file (usually the Downloads folder).
    • Double-click to run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
      • For Windows, continue clicking Next and Install once you've selected a location to install HandBrake.
      • On a Mac, drag the icon from the installer to the Applications folder.
    • If you get a pop-up the first time you open HandBrake to install the current .NET Desktop Runtime, click Download it now to download it, then open HandBrake again.
    • Handbrake can only rip DVDs that aren't protected. [1] If your DVD, ISO image, or DVD folder is encrypted, you can try downloading a free library called "libdvdcss" . Once you download libdvdcss, copy the .dll file and paste it into your Handbrake folder.
      • If you try to rip a protected DVD to MP4 without libdvdcss, you might see error messages like "copy-protected sources are not supported" or "no valid source or titles found."
  2. In most cases, you'll accomplish this by sliding the DVD into the disk reader on the right side of your laptop (or in front of the CPU for a desktop computer), though you'll need to first press a button on most Windows computers to prompt the disk tray to eject.
    • Most modern computers don't have built-in CD/DVD ROM drives anymore. If yours doesn't have an optical drive, you can buy an external disk reader for less than $50.
    • You may have to close your computer's default audio program once you begin running the DVD before continuing.
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  3. It's the circular disc option on the left side of the window, just below the File tab.
    • If you don't see the "Source Selection" panel on the left side of the window, click Open Source from the main dashboard.
  4. HandBrake will typically default to an MP4 conversion, but you should double-check the following aspects before continuing: [2]
    • Format - Below the "Summary" heading in the middle of the page, look for "MP4" in the drop-down box. If you don't see it, click the box and select MP4 .
    • File resolution - Select your preferred resolution on the right side of the window (e.g., 1080p). This setting dictates the file quality.
  5. It's to the right of the "File Destination" box. A pop-up window will appear. [3]
  6. Select a save location by clicking a save folder in the left-hand pane, then type in a file name in the text field near the bottom of the pop-up window. Finally, click Save to save the file.
  7. It's a green button at the top of the HandBrake window. Clicking it will prompt HandBrake to begin converting your DVD's files into a playable MP4 in your specified save location. After this process is complete, you'll be able to double-click the MP4 file to play it.
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    Brandon Phipps

    Technology Specialist
    Brandon Phipps is a Technology Specialist based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Second Star Technologies and specializes in Managed IT Services for small and mid-sized businesses in Bakersfield, CA. With over 23 years of experience, he offers expert cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network management solutions. Brandon is a committed community member and coach who leads and innovates in tech and sports coaching. His dedication to local businesses and communities is evident in his hands-on, tailored approach to IT solutions.
    Brandon Phipps
    Technology Specialist

    The MP4 file format is the international standard for video files. This format is widely preferred due to its remarkable compression capabilities, which makes it possible to retain high-quality resolution in smaller video files.

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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using VLC Media Player

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  1. It's an orange-and-white traffic cone icon.
    • To confirm that you have the latest version, you can click Help at the top of the window and then click Check for Updates . If there's an update available, you'll be prompted to install it.
    • If you haven't yet downloaded VLC, you can do so from VLC's website .
  2. If you don't have a CD/DVD ROM drive, you can use an external optical drive, which plugs right into your computer with a USB cable.
    • You may have to close your computer's default audio program once you begin running the DVD before continuing.
  3. It's in the top-left corner of the VLC window. [4]
  4. You'll see this item close to the top of the Media drop-down menu.
  5. It's in the "Disc selection" section of the "Open Media" window.
    • If your computer has more than one DVD tray, you'll also need to click the "Disc device" box and select the movie's name.
  6. This option is near the bottom of the page. Doing so will invoke a drop-down menu.
  7. It's an item in the drop-down menu here. [5]
  8. You can do so by looking in the box to the right of "Profile", which is near the bottom of the screen.
    • If you don't see "(MP4)" in this box, click it and then select an option that ends with "(MP4)".
  9. It's near the bottom-right corner of the window.
  10. You can select this location from the left side of the window.
  11. To do so, type filename.mp4 into this window, where "filename" is the name of the movie.
  12. This will save your settings.
  13. It's at the bottom of the Convert window. Your DVD will begin to convert to an MP4 format.
    • This process will take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on your computer's speed and the size of the DVD.
    • The video progress bar at the bottom of VLC Media Player's window will show how much of the video has been converted.
  14. Doing so should open it in your computer's media player, although you may want to open it specifically in VLC Media Player to ensure that it runs properly.
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      Tips

      • Consider plugging in your computer while converting your DVD, since having it die will negate the conversion process.
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      Warnings

      • Files converted in VLC Media Player tend not to work in most other media players.
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      • Ripping DVD files from DVDs you didn't purchase, and/or distributing ripped DVD files, are illegal actions.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://videobyte.org/rip-dvd-with-handbrake/
      2. ↑ https://handbrake.fr/docs/en/1.7.0/workflow/adjust-quality.html
      3. ↑ https://handbrake.fr/docs/en/1.7.0/workflow/start-encoding.html
      4. ↑ https://www.sussex.ac.uk/its/help/faq?faqid=2785
      5. ↑ https://www.sussex.ac.uk/its/help/faq?faqid=2785

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Install and launch HandBrake.
      2. Click the DVD icon.
      3. Select MP4 as the format.
      4. Adjust other settings as needed.
      5. Click Browse .
      6. Select a location and click Save .
      7. Click Start Encode .

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