Can VLC Media Player Be Used to Rip DVDs?

You may already know that DVD Media Player is widely used to play multimedia files. Do you know that the VLC can do other tasks like video and DVD conversion? Do you want to be able to watch your DVD movies without depending on a DVD player?

If so, VLC Media Player is the perfect choice! It's open-source software that can rip DVDs while supporting multiple audio and video formats. And here’s the best part - it's free of charge.

In this article, we will reveal how easy it is to use VLC Media Player (with a step-by-step guide) for ripping DVDs, giving you access to unlimited entertainment options.

How to Use VLC Media Player to Rip DVDs?

Before we begin, ensure that you have the latest version of VLC Media Player installed on your computer. If you don't have it, you can download it from the official website: Videolan.org

Once downloaded, you need to install the program. To do that, just double-click on the downloaded .exe file and follow the instructions on the screen. Usually, you just click on the “Next” button to complete the installation.

Now, let's dive into the process of ripping a DVD with a VLC player by following the steps below:

Step 1: Insert a DVD Disc into the DVD Drive

Insert the DVD you want to rip into your computer's DVD drive. If your computer or laptop doesn't have a built-in DVD drive, you can use an external USB DVD drive.

Step 2: Open VLC Media Player

Launch VLC Media Player on your computer. If you're using Windows, you can find it in the Start menu under "VideoLAN" or by searching for "VLC" on a Mac, it can be found in the "Applications" folder.

Step 3: Access the "Open Disc" Option

In the VLC Media Player menu, click on "Media" (for Windows) or "File" (for Mac), and then select the "Open Disc" option. This will open a new “Open Media” window. Select the “Disc” tab, and choose the “DVD” option under the "Disc Selection" section.

Step 4: Choose "Convert" Mode

Then, look for a small arrow next to the "Play" button (Windows) or "Open" button (Mac). Click on the arrow and select "Convert" from the dropdown menu. This will open the "Convert" window.

Step 5: Set the Output Format

In the "Convert" window, click on the "Profile" dropdown menu and choose the output format you want for your ripped DVD. VLC supports various formats, including MP4, MKV, and more. MP4 is the most widely compatible format, so it's recommended for most users. So you can choose the option "Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4)".

Step 6: Configure Audio and Video Settings (Optional)

If you want to customize the audio and video settings, click on the small wrench icon next to the "Profile" dropdown menu [Edit selected profile]. Here, you can adjust the codec, bitrate, resolution, and other settings as needed. Most users can skip this step, as VLC's default settings provide good quality results.

Step 7: Select the Destination Folder

Click on the "Browse" button next to the "Destination file" field. Choose a folder on your computer where you want to save the ripped DVD file and enter a name for the output file, including the appropriate file extension (e.g., ".mp4" for an MP4 file).

Step 8: Start the Ripping Process

Click on the "Start" button in the "Convert" window to begin the ripping process. The progress bar at the bottom of the VLC Media Player window will show the conversion progress. The ripping process may take some time, depending on the length of the DVD and your computer's performance.

Step 9: Locate the Ripped File

Once the ripping process is complete, navigate to the destination folder you selected earlier. Your ripped DVD file should be present in the folder. Now, you can play the file using VLC Media Player or transfer it to your desired device for playback.

Note: You also can convert existing files from your computer hard drive and convert them to the intended format (not only MP4). Once you converted to the intended output format, you can transfer the files to portable devices like smartphones for playbacks.

Additional VLC Media Player Features

VLC Media Player is much more than just a free tool to play videos or rip DVDs. It offers a host of other features that can enhance your multimedia experience. Let's take a look at some of these features:

1. Video and Audio Playback

VLC Media Player supports a wide range of video and audio formats, making it a go-to media player for many users. It can play most standard video formats, including MP4, AVI, WMV, MOV, and MKV, as well as lesser-known formats like OGM and 3GP. For audio files, it supports formats such as MP3, FLAC, AAC, and OGG.

2. Subtitle Support

VLC Media Player allows you to add subtitles to your videos, which can be helpful when watching foreign films or for viewers with hearing impairments. It supports various subtitle formats, including SRT, ASS, and VTT. You can also customize the appearance of subtitles, such as font, size, and color.

3. Audio and Video Filters

VLC Media Player comes with a range of built-in audio and video filters that can enhance or modify the playback of your media files. For example, you can use the "Adjustments and Effects" panel to tweak brightness, contrast, saturation, and other aspects of your video. You can also use the "Equalizer" panel to adjust the audio levels for better sound quality.

4. Network Streaming

One of the most powerful features of VLC Media Player is its ability to stream media over a network. This means you can use VLC to play media files located on another computer, a network-attached storage (NAS) device, or even an online streaming service. To access this feature, go to the "Media" menu and select "Open Network Stream." Enter the URL or network address of the media file you wish to play, and VLC will stream it directly to your computer.

5. Screen Recording and Capture

VLC Media Player also offers built-in screen recording and capture capabilities. You can use it to record your computer screen or capture still images from videos. To start a screen recording, go to the "Media" menu, select "Open Capture Device," and choose "Desktop" as the capture mode. Set the desired frame rate and click "Play" to start recording. To capture a still image, pause the video at the desired frame, then go to the "Video" menu and select "Take Snapshot."

Conclusion

Ripping DVDs with VLC Media Player is a convenient and cost-effective way to digitize your movie collection, making it accessible on a variety of devices. This step-by-step guide has shown you how to rip DVDs using VLC, from inserting the DVD to locating the final ripped file.

While there are dedicated DVD ripping software options available, VLC Media Player offers an easy-to-use and free alternative for those looking to convert their DVDs without investing in additional software.

Of course, the VLC player is not just a video player or DVD ripper and you can use it for other tasks as outlined in this article.