Learn to Convert DVD to H.264 Using the 4 Approaches Available Here

Want to turn your DVD into a digital video encoded with high-quality compression that does not degrade the overall quality of it? If so, you are on the right track. This article will show the best steps to convert DVD to H.264 and save your videos with the best compression and digitalized version.

1. Tipard DVD Ripper

Known for having an easy-to-use yet powerful interface, Tipard DVD Ripper gives you a simplified version of DVD ripping into a digital format like the H.264. Aside from H.264, it also supports diverse output formats, ensuring compatibility with most devices. Though ripping is comprehensive, the software remains well-optimized for speedy conversion needs without sacrificing overall video quality and is suitable for daily and professional needs. Not only is it limited to ripping, but it also allows its users to optimize the result settings and perform several video editing needs by the user. Without further ado, follow the guide here to convert the DVD to H.264 for free.

Step 1 Get the newest version of this ripper by clicking the right download button below. Then, install the package you have downloaded and set it up before you are able to launch the app without a problem.

Step 2 Inside the main interface, load up the DVD on the optical drive and click the Load DVD to import it successfully here.

Step 3 Go to the output format, choose the format you want to use, and click the cog button to change the settings of it. Change the encoder to H.264 inside it to get it for your converted DVD.

Step 4 After that, click the Rip All button to start the processing you need to do.

2. HandBrake

HandBrake is a multipurpose, free, open-source video transcoder that converts DVDs into today’s most popular format, such as H.264. HandBrake has its uses well-documented for its high functionality. It enables users to control most parameters of the ripping process, with settings such as frame rate and resolution and audio tracks. It has default settings for various gadgets, which will be suitable for people who once again want to listen to music with increased volume directly on phones, tablets, or PCs. Its GUI might be a bit complex for easy users, but with a broad online sub-community that can help novices, the program can be for everyone.

Step 1 Open the HandBrake and upload the DVD video you want to rip.

Step 2 After that, choose the output you want to achieve based on what is available here and the setting.

Step 3 Then, click Start Encode to process the DVD into an AVC format.

3. VLC

VLC Media Player is the perfect multimedia player; apart from that, it is also an excellent tool for converting DVDs to H.264 MPEG-4 AVC. This free, cross-platform software supports numerous codecs and file formats and has the H.264 codec. Its ripping functionality is simple: users must choose the source DVD, set basic output parameters and start the process. Even though VLC is not filled with additional functions and options like many DVD ripper programs, the simplicity of using these tools and the ability to work with various formats makes this tool very useful when quick conversion is needed, and additional applications are not needed.

Step 1 After downloading, open the VLC, click Media, and choose Convert/Save to activate its ripper feature.

Step 2 Go to Disc and set it to DVD to upload the file you want to rip once you have clicked Browse.

Step 3 Choose the H.264 format by clicking the dropdown button, set the destination, and click Start. Aside from ripping, you can also burn DVDs with VLC.

4. FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a powerful and versatile multimedia framework that works only on the command line. It allows for transcoding DVDs into a format of one's choice, such as H.264, providing unrivaled encoder control. That is why, with FFmpeg, users can adjust the parameters like bitrate, codec or resolution to achieve the best result. Its chief weakness is that it’s console-based, but it wins the hearts of geeks and developers who need to customize ripping procedures. Unlike other media players, FFmpeg can be modified fully with additional commands, making it the best for anyone willing to learn its usage.

Step 1 Download the FFmpeg on your PC, and if your DVD is encrypted, you will need to install libdvdcss.

Step 1 Insert the DVD and find its device path so you can copy it. Then extract the title you want from it and run the command:

ffmpeg -dvd_device <path_to_dvd> -i <device_path> -map 0:0 -map 0:1 -c:v libx264 -preset slow -crf 23 -c:a aac -b:a 192k output.mp4

Do not forget to change the value of the path to DVD into where the DVD is, the device path with the title you want to rip, and the output.mp4 with the output name you want to use.

Step 1 When that is done, hit the Enter button to process it. Moreover, if you want to extract audio from video on FFmpeg, you will need to use another code to do so,

Which Is the Best Solution? Check This Comparison

Specifically, regarding DVD to H.264 conversion, Tipard DVD Ripper has outcompeted others as the all-around ripper with its user-friendly interface and high-quality output. This tool provides a Beginner-level environment with many advanced, user-friendly features, such as setting particular output types in the video editor, and it supports many format types. Thanks to the high-speed ripping mode from Tipard, it is possible to rip DVDs as fast as possible with the same levels of video and audio quality. Furthermore, it comes equipped with cutting, cropping and optimizing tools that can be used before the conversion process, making it a strong package for users who want value-added enhanced videos. The software also supports most current devices, making it the best software for smooth video playback between devices.

HandBrake is another free application with more options for customization and device settings. However, it has a complex interface that most users will find complicated. VLC Media Player has DVD ripping capabilities and its normal media player functionality, but the software is not very complicated and is best used for simple and fast copying. In contrast to FFmpeg, it offers exceptional flexibility in the encoding process, but if complicated, it will need a command-line interface, which is useful for IT professionals only. Each of the tools has its strengths. Still, Tipard DVD Ripper stands out from other tools by offering high usability coupled with various essential options, making Tipard DVD Ripper the only tool to recommend to beginners and professionals who need a stable DVD to H.264 converter.