Free DVD to MPEG-4 ripper/converter
HandBrake is a useful open source tool that converts DVDs to MPEG for free.
Features of Handbrake
Forget paying for a program to rip your DVDs to your computer ever again. Considering HandBrake doesn't cost a dime, the application delivers exceptional results.
Handbrake for Mac lets you perform two-pass conversions and 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 maximize the size of the file. Other features worth mentioning are chapter selection, basic subtitle support (burned into the picture) and grayscale encoding.
Simple to use
Converting any type of DVD through a simple-to-understand GUI, the program whizzes through the process of producing an MPEG-4 file to save on your machine.
Note that you'll need to have the right codecs installed for the type of file you wish to convert such as DivX, Xvid, OGM, 3ivx, etc. Handbrake supports any DVD-like source such as VIDEO_TS folders, .VOB, .TS files, DVD images and real DVD. However, unencrypted-protection methods including CSS are not supported internally and must be handled externally with third-party software and libraries.
Although I experienced a couple of crashes with this version of HandBrake for Mac, it's nevertheless a great open source solution for ripping your DVDs.
A robust encoder
HandBrake for Mac is an incredibly impressive and efficient video encoder for all of your MPEG-4 ripping needs. Best of all, it's free!
User reviews about HandBrake
by Anonymous
Good tool for converting videos.
Great tool for converting videos. It converts video with multiple formats. Hand Brake offers several customization options. Users may optimize the quality of converted video. You may use preview option and open video in separate window once the conversion is completed. This allows to adjust settings and make sure everything is ok before you burn CD or save it. There is no need to be a compuer genius to understand how it works. Convertion speed is the main drawback. Pros:
User friendly interface
Cons:
Conversion time is the main drawback More
by Anonymous
Too easy to convert DVDs to iPad/iTouch format..
I downloaded this program to convert DVDs for use on our iProducts and could do so without reading the manual. I haven't yet needed it for anything else so I'm completely satisfied with the turn out and happy that its free! I'm 28 for 28 on DVDs I've converted so far. The conversion times are long, but are right on track with some Windows based conversion products I've used in the past. The interface 'could' be more user-friendly.
Pros:
Simple interface
Easy transition
Glitch/problem free Cons:
Long conversion times More
by Anonymous
Not that simple.
After the free download it will ask you to also have VLC media player, you will not be able to use it without the VLC download, it will automatically reject any DVD loading until this step is completed. This is not simple and easy because you then have to set up the player, not user friendly and does not load DVD easy as previous reviews have said, be prepared to spend some time messing around and then spending more time making sure it rips 5.1 surround sound for your Apple TV application. More
by Anonymous
Great program, easy to use.
Handbrake is easy to use and works on most videos I have tried. This is my first video conversion program so I was able to learn to use it from the instructions that came with the download. The program takes awhile to do the conversion so it is best to set it up and go do something else.
Pros:
easy to use
Cons:
slow More