If you’re like most people, you probably have a substantial library of favorite movies on DVD. That works great, except the newest generation of computers don’t have DVD readers and even if yours still has an optical drive, you’re completely out of luck if you’d prefer to watch that movie on your tablet or smartphone.
What most people do is either purchase a new digital copy – which is expensive! – or they’re just trapped watching their movies on TV when they’re at home. Quite inconvenient and frustrating both, because I have hundreds of my favorite movies and don’t want to be tied to my couch so I can enjoy them.
Which is why DVD ripping software is such a beneficial addition to your system. Using a program like WinX DVD Ripper Platinum, you can now convert your old DVD movies into digital copies in MP4 format and view them on the device or devices of your choice. Old library, new technology. A win:win.
You might be worried that it’s pretty complicated because of all the digital rights management and protection baked into that favorite movie disc. Totally not the case, though. Let’s have a quick look at how to convert one of my favorite musicals on DVD into an MP4 digital copy I can watch on whatever device I prefer…
That’s most of the work already done, believe it or not. At this point you merely check to ensure its chosen the right output format, the correct audio track, any closed captions as desired, and press RIP to proceed. It’s going to take a while because it’s a big job behind the scenes, but you’ll get this progress screen so you can know what’s happening:
Finally it’s done. In my case it took about 15 minutes to rip a movie that’s actually just a bit under two hours long. Not bad at all. The end result is an MP4 file that I can watch in Windows Media Player or even drag into my favorite Web browser and watch right within the browser. Ready to enjoy:
It’s that easy. Really. Now, go check those boxes in the basement for your favorite movies and give WinX DVD Ripper Platinum a shot converting your DVD to MP4. Oh, and if you’re on a Mac system, there’s a Mac version too: Mac DVD Ripper. Cool.
NOTICE: Rip copies of your DVDs for your personal use. Don’t then share or post the resultant MP4s. That’s not cool and probably illegal too.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by WinX DVD Ripper Platinum. The opinions expressed within are my own, however.
Hey Dave!
Thanks for the tip on coverting DVDs to Mp4!
One question, what if you want to keep the commentary track or any documentaries or extra material that DVDs usually have along with the main movie?
Does this process convert them too, and can we “select” to watch them somehow?
thanks!
b
Dear Hey Dave,
Thanks for giving WinX DVD Ripper Platinum a shot.
Yes, WinX DVD Ripper Platinum is able to rip DVD with commentary track or any documentaries with the original DVD.
Please just select the audio track with commentary and then it will be along with the output MP4 file.
Please just leave a message, if you have any more questions.
Hi Dave – I’m a relatively new subscriber and I’ve learned a lot. As a retired graphic designer I can’t help but comment on how difficult it is to read these tips on the dark blue background,especially the blue ‘llnk’ fields. On my laptop, the links are virtually invisible. It looks like all of your body text is grey and doesn’t offer enough contrast with the blue background. I’d suggest making your text white and larger or go to a darker background. My 2 cents worth. Otherwise, a great site. Cheers, Susan
Hello, thanks for your sincerely suggestion.
We will consider to adjust the background enough contrast.
Really thanks.