This wikiHow teaches you how to convert DVD content to MP4 files on your computer so you can play DVDs without inserting the disc. Keep in mind that converting content using discs that you don't legally own or sharing MP4 content with others is illegal in most places.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using HandBrake
Step 1. Visit the HandBrake download page
The page can be accessed at https://handbrake.fr/. HandBrake is a free file converter program for Mac and PC platforms.
Although HandBrake is already optimized for most versions of Windows and MacOS, you may encounter problems when running this program on MacOS Sierra
Step 2. Click Download HandBrake
It's a red button on the left side of the download page. HandBrake will immediately download to your computer.
- You may need to confirm the download or have the file saved, depending on your browser settings.
- You can see the latest HandBrake version number (eg "1.0.7") on the button.
Step 3. Double-click the HandBrake installation file
This file icon looks like a pineapple. You can find the file in your computer's main download folder (eg desktop).
If you're having trouble finding the file, type "handbrake" into Spotlight (Mac) or the "Start" menu (Windows) and click the top result
Step 4. Follow the installation instructions
The HandBrake installation process typically includes the following steps:
- Windows – Confirm the access of the HandBrake program to the computer (if prompted), then click the “ Next ", click " I Agree, and select " Install " Complete the installation by clicking the “ Finish ”.
- Mac – Open the installation file and drag the Handbrake icon to the “Applications” folder.
Step 5. Insert the DVD into the computer
Usually, you can insert the DVD into the disc reader on the right side of the laptop (or the front of the CPUB for desktop computers). You may need to press a special key first on most Windows computers to eject the disc cross-section.
- Some Mac computers don't have a built-in CD tray. You can get around this problem by buying an external disc reader for around 80 US dollars or one million rupiah.
- You may need to close your computer's main audio player program when the DVD starts playing before moving on to the next step.
Step 6. Open HandBrake
The program is marked by a pineapple icon to the right of a drink.
You can see the HandBrake icon on the desktop automatically. Otherwise, search for the program in Spotlight on a Mac, or the “Start” menu on a Windows computer
Step 7. Click the DVD icon
It's a circular disc icon on the left side of the window, just below the “ File ”.
- It is possible that you can also view movies in this window.
- If you don't see the DVD icon, close and reopen the HandBrake program.
Step 8. Change the conversion settings if necessary
HandBrake will usually have an MP4 conversion automatically, but you need to double check the following aspects before proceeding:
- File Formats – Under the " Output Settings " heading in the middle of the page, look for the " MP4 " option in the box next to the " Container " heading. If not, click the box and select “ MP4 ”.
- File resolution – Select the desired resolution from the right side of the window (eg 1080p). This setting will determine the quality of the file.
Step 9. Click Browse
It's to the right of the "File Destination" box. A pop-up window will appear after that.
Step 10. Select a file storage location, then enter a file name
Click a storage folder in the left pane of the window, then type a file name into the text field at the bottom of the pop-up window.
Step 11. Click Save
It's at the bottom of the window.
Step 12. Click Start Encode
It's a green button at the top of the HandBrake window. Once clicked, HandBrake will immediately convert the DVD files into playable MP4 files, and save them to the specified directory. Once the conversion process is complete, you can double-click the MP4 file to play it.
Method 2 of 2: Using VLC Media Player
Step 1. Open VLC Media Player
The program is marked by an orange and white traffic funnel icon.
- To make sure you are running the latest version of the program, click the “ Help ” at the top of the program window and select “ Check for Updates " If an update is available, you will be prompted to install it.
- If you haven't downloaded VLC yet, you can get it from
Step 2. Insert the DVD into the computer
The CD tray used to place the DVD is usually on the right side of the computer cover (laptops), or the front of the CPU case (desktop computers).
- Some Mac computers don't have a built-in CD tray. You can solve this problem by buying an external disc reader for around US$80.
- You may need to close your computer's main audio player program when the DVD starts playing before moving on to the next step.
Step 3. Click the Media tab
It's in the upper-left corner of the VLC window.
Step 4. Click Open Disc
This entry is at the top of the drop-down menu “ Media ”.
Step 5. Click the "No disc menus" box
This box is in the " Disc selection " section of the " Open Media " window.
If your computer has more than one DVD viewer, you will also need to click the " Disc device " box and select a movie name
Step 6. Click the arrow next to the Play option
This option is at the bottom of the page. Once clicked, a drop-down menu will appear.
Step 7. Click Convert
This option is in the drop-down menu.
Step 8. Make sure the video type is set as MP4
You can confirm this by checking the box to the right of the " Profile " text at the bottom of the screen.
If you don't see the label " (MP4) " in this box, click the city and select an option ending in " (MP4)"
Step 9. Click Browse
It's in the lower-right corner of the window.
Step 10. Click the save location
You can select a directory from the left side of the window.
Step 11. Save the file with MP4 extension
Type filename.mp4 into the window, with the phrase "filename" replaced by the name of the movie.
Step 12. Click Save
The settings set will be saved.
Step 13. Click Start
It's at the bottom of the “Convert” window. DVD content will soon be converted to MP4 format.
- This process can take a few minutes to several hours, depending on the speed of the computer and the size of the DVD.
- The video progress bar at the bottom of the VLC Media Player window will display the percentage of videos that have been converted.
Step 14. Double-click the converted file
After that, the file will open in your computer's media player program. You may need to open it specifically using VLC Media Player to make sure the file plays properly.
Tips
Try connecting the computer to a power source while converting the DVD because if it turns off, the conversion process will be aborted
Warning
- Files converted via VLC Media Player usually won't play through most other media players.
- It is illegal to rip DVD files from discs you did not purchase and/or share the files.
