Best free software to rip DVD's?

[sonambulo]

How long has it been since you've had to answer this question

Seriously, I have been importing a TON of DVD's lately and I'd like to start ripping them so I can watch them on the go (and probably on my big TV as well). Can anyone please recommend some free software for this?

I'm on XP by the way...

 

[Evander]

I use DVDFab HD Decrypter, which is free and often updated:
http://www.dvdfab.com/hd-decrypter.htm
They also sell other commercial products

Edit: I reread and it looks to me like you might have already ripped them uncompressed to disk and looking to convert? In that case, FairUse Wizard (they have a free version) is a decent choice:
http://www.fairusewizard.com/lang_en/fairuse_wizard_dvd_divx_****_backup_tool_light_edition.html

I find it very easy to use and enjoy the interface and the auto-calculation method: you select the desired file size, it automatically suggests an optimal resolution and bitrate and you can change if desired.

 

[sonambulo]

::bow::

Thanks very much for the reply. Downloaded already and will be trying it out in a couple hours!!

 

[TheELF]

Check out XmediaRecode it's free and it has profiles for many popular devices,that way you can transcode directly to the format your portable device or tv will be able to play.(If they wo'nt play divx)

 

[deltaforce]

DVD Fab is best but it is pathetic if you decide to use it to convert it to avi/mp4.

Rip it using DVDFab and then use AutoGK or VidCoder for avi or mp4 resp. AutoGK is not developed anymore but I have tried a ton of programs to check the replacement. None of the applications could beat AutoGK in ease of settings and quality. It is slow but best for avi.

P.S. - I am not too sure why open source Xv1D codec name is censored on this forum.

 

[taq8ojh]

I use the good old DVD Shrink myself.
(and DVDFab 9 if by some matrix error I can't get the former to work with specific disc)

 

[Gintaras]

Why need to rip DVDs?
External HDDs - WD Elements - these are pretty good are pretty cheap now.
Just copy VIDEO_TS folders from DVD to HDD drive...

I have 2 2TB WD Ext. HDDs - one - Music, other - Films, hooked to my Argosy Media Player.

If average of DVD(video_ts folder) is ~4GB, on 2TB HDD you can copy about 500 DVDs...

 

[taq8ojh]

Some people hate to wait 30 seconds and click through menus, and want to simply start a movie right away without any voodoo.