Program information 
- Softonic Rating:
- License:
- Free (GPL)
- Added:
- August 20, 2007
- Updated:
- March 5, 2008
- Publisher:
- Website
- File size:
- 3.4 MB
- Downloads:
- 3,376
“Free DVD to MPEG-4 converter”
Forget paying for a program to rip your DVDs to your computer because thanks to the wonders of open source, HandBrake is here to convert disks to MPEG for free. Considering it doesn't cost a dime, the application delivers exceptional results. Converting any type of DVD through a simple-to-understand UI, the program whizzes through the process of producing an MPEG-4 file to save on your machine.
You'll need to have the right codec installed for the type of file you wish to convert (DivX, Xvid, OGM, 3ivx, etc.) but HandBrake lets you perform two-pass conversions and to codify a double soundtrack. Another great feature is the bitrate calculator, which alters the quality of the video according to the final file size you wish to achieve. You can even trim the black bands around a movie to maximise the size of the file. Although I experienced a couple of crashes with this version of HandBrake, it's nevertheless a great open source solution for ripping your DVDs.
Languages:
English
Recent changes in HandBrake:
- Completely rebuilt UI for Windows
- "re-envisioned" interface
- Picture quality has been improved quite a bit through new effects, filters and deinterlacing techniques
- Overall speed has also been boosted
- You no longer have to customize your encoding settings for the iPhone
OS requirements for HandBrake:
- OS: Win2000/XP/Vista
- Quick conversion
- Alters video quality to suit required file size
- Chops black bands around a video
- Sometimes crashes
From the publisher of HandBrake
HandBrake is an open-source, GPL-licensed, multiplatform, multithreaded application that enables you to convert any DVD video file to MPEG-4 in a very easy way. The program supports converting from any DVD-like source such as VIDEO_TS folder, DVD image or real DVD. It works both with encrypted or unencrypted DVDs, although protection methods other than CSS are not supported and must be handled externally with third-party software. The results are saved as MP4, AVI or OGM and the audio is encoded in AAC, MP3, Vorbis or AC-3 pass-through (supports encoding of several audio tracks).
Have a look at what this program has to offer:
- Chapter selection
- Basic subtitle support (burned into the picture)
- Integrated bitrate calculator
- Picture deinterlacing, cropping and scaling
- Grayscale encoding
Posts about HandBrake in our blog
- Convert DVDs to MPEG for free by Cyril Roger
Programs similar to HandBrake
HandBrake options
Reviews for HandBrake in other languages
HandBrake in other platforms
- HandBrake (Mac)
Your opinion is important!
