BLU|DVD ripping
What's available
As you'll most probably be aware, Blu-ray and DVD discs are copy-protected and as such, they require ripping before you can process them further. This site doesn't really deal with 'copying' Blu-ray or DVD discs, just converting these formats, and others, to other formats. But, whether copying or converting, the initial ripping process is still required. Don't try and 'convert' a BLU|DVD disc directly, it will fail and people will laugh at you ;-) Luckily, the ripping process is fairly simple for most people.
There are currently two main programs used for ripping Blu-ray and DVD discs, DVDFab HD Decrypter and AnyDVD|AnyDVD HD, there are others but these seem to be the most common. Both companies responsible for these programs provide either a free trial or a cut-down free version. Next I'll just use their none paid version and give a quick guide in ripping a DVD, Blu-ray ripping is just the same.
DVDFab HD Decrypter
When first ran, you'll be presented with a screen asking you to select your required version, choose that which is last in the list: 'HD Decrypter' - 'Free Edition' - 'Never Expire'. Tick the 'Do not show again' (bottom-left) and select 'Start DVDFab'. The program will now start and automatically check for an update.
Insert your disc, you'll be presented with a 'Specify the DVD discs region code' pop up, so make your selection, DVDFab will now do various scanning of your disc.
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That's it, just click 'Start' and your BLU|DVD disc will be ripped. You can go through the configuration options (common settings) beforehand if you wish by clicking the little green 'tick' arrow in the top right hand corner of the main DVDFab interface.
AnyDVD
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This ripper comes in two flavours, AnyDVD and AnyDVD HD, obviously the latter deals with Blu-ray discs as well as DVD.
The usage of AnyDVD is even more simple than that of DVDFab, it runs and sits down the right-hand side of your taskbar (a little red|white fox) waiting for you to insert a disc.
Right-click the icon and select whether you wish to rip to a 'Harddisk' or rip to 'Image'.
Double-clicking the icon gives you access to further options if you feel you need to change any of the configuration settings.
Quick Information
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dvd discs
Please remember that when converting commercial DVD discs they are almost always protected. You can’t just get the files off and do what you want with them, they need to be ‘ripped’ first.
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blu-ray discs
Just like DVD discs, Blu-ray discs are almost always protected. You can’t just get the files off and do what you want with them, they need to be ‘ripped’ first.
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rippers
There are mainly two main solutions available at this present time for ripping DVD discs: DVDFab HD Decrypter, and AnyDVD. The latter having a 21-day trial available, DVDFab HD is free.