To watch your DVD movies on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, you need to install a DVD ripper software program on your computer. These programs read the DVD disc, decode the DRM protection,* and copy the video files to your computer’s hard drive in the file format of your choice. From there you can upload your movie to any device you like, or watch it on your computer.

Icoolsoft DVD Ripper for Mac Review

Reg. $39.95
Special Sale $34.95

Mac OS X v10.4-10.6
(If you don’t need the “Extended Download Service” add-on, you can delete it from the order form.)


Icoolsoft DVD Ripper stands out as the best among all the Mac software we tested. There are hundreds of software brands selling DVD rippers over the internet. Choosing the best one can be overwhelming. Here’s what we like about Icoolsoft:

• The software finds the DVD disc on its own and presents each chapter as a preview image on a menu. It’s super easy to identify what’s in each chapter and check off the ones you want to convert, or just convert the entire disc. Icoolsoft DVD Ripper is the smartest software we’ve ever seen when it comes to choosing input files to rip. Most ripper programs give you a long list of coded video file names with no preview image and no explanation of what’s inside them.
• Editing and trimming functions come built into the software. Instead of ripping the files to your hard drive and then editing them, Icoolsoft lets you edit them before you rip. You get to choose which data you want in your output file and how it will look.
• The output file format menu is very well organized and easy to navigate. It integrates functions (such as HD) and device names (such as iPhone 4) into one menu, with an icon for each option. No more scrolling through long lists of file extension names and guessing at which one will work for your device.
• The image quality of the converted files is just amazing – really the best we’ve seen. It’s sharp, crystal clear, and the audio and video synch perfectly. It’s so good that it’s actually hard to tell it apart from the original DVD, even on the Mac’s high-resolution display. Even the preview window image quality is excellent!
• The user interface is well designed. We didn’t have to squint and hunt for the important functions like output format and the “Convert” button.
• Outputs to all devices, including iPad 2.

How to Use Icoolsoft DVD Ripper

Here’s a quick demo of the product in action. Check out the image quality in these screenshots!

The first step is to slide the DVD into your computer’s drive slot. When you open Icoolsoft DVD Ripper, it automatically finds the DVD drive and prompts you to click “Go” to start the scan.

After scanning, you’ll see a screen like this:

Each small preview icon is one chapter of your DVD movie. By checking and unchecking the boxes next to each icon, you can rip one chapter off the disc, or check them all and rip the whole thing. If you click the “Play” arrow on a preview icon, you can look at the preview window and see exactly which chapter you’re getting – complete with audio soundtrack.

We picked one chapter to rip, a 5-minute clip from the second DVD of Bruce Springsteen’s Live in Barcelona concert movie. The output file is set to MP4 so we can play it back on an older iPod.

Click the big blue “Convert” button and the ripper goes to work. It’s wicked fast – the rip took about 2 minutes for a 5-minute clip. You can watch progress in real time in the monitor window – there’s no audio for this function (it would sound funny anyway since it’s not at real time speed), but the image quality in this screenshot gives you some idea of how nicely Icoolsoft preserves the original.

Here’s the output, uploaded to YouTube. Watch The Boss and enjoy!

*This software is only to be used for copying digital materials that you either own yourself, or which the copyright owner has granted you permission to copy.

Audio conversion software saves you unnecessary hassles. When you work with clients who desire a particular file format, the old way is to find a program that will allow you to save files in that format. Of course, this is a hassle because you have to switch between several programs, and your computer will become cluttered. If you have audio conversion programs, you can do everything from one piece of software.

You can convert files between multiple file types with just a couple of pushes of the button. Audio conversion programs will allow you to load a file into the program that is in any format, and it can be converted to whatever format is desired. To save time, you can convert multiple files at once by loading them all into the program and then just click one button that allows them to be converted

These two benefits alone demonstrate that nobody should be without audio converter software. This is especially the case if you work with audio professionally because it can enrich your work experience. Just think of how many more jobs you will be able to do because you will have more time to do them, since this software will dramatically speed up the process and lessen the work load.

Adaptable
The best software can convert a wide variety of text, whether it be sales letters, articles, comics, or anything in between. These are the best ones to go with, particularly if you have a wide variety of content.

Easy to figure out
Some software is a lot simpler to install and run than others. Some of the cheaper ones require a degree from MIT to figure out, whereas others are easy for even the most basic internet user to navigate. The best software will easily allow you to figure out how to change the voice that reads the script, pick the background music, and do countless other functions. You might have to pay a bit more for one like this, but the investment will be worth it for the serious online marketer.

Fast file upload
If you have a site that gets a lot of visitors, many people are going to want to upload their videos to your site. This means that your servers will take a hit, and it could cause the speed to get reduced. Finding a converter that can handle many videos being uploaded at the same time is very important if you run a popular site like this.

Conclusion
Obviously the fastest way to find the best video converter software is to just ask other online marketers what they use. Failing that, reading online reviews is a great way to find the best. The important thing is that you look for a converter that meets the 3 guidelines above. If you find such a one, you will have a great converter for years to come.

In audio file formatting, those with larger file sizes are usually of better quality than those which have smaller file sizes. The three general categories are uncompressed audio, lossless compressed audio, and lossy audio formats. WAV, AIFF, and AU are the most common filename extensions for uncompressed audio format such as PCM (pulse-code modulation). This type of audio file retains every bit of information which accounts for a typically large file size.

With a lossless audio format, most of the pieces of information are retained while unnecessary data are eliminated by audio processing optimization techniques such as deletion of silent portions of the audio track. Hence, the original uncompressed audio is re-encoded into a smaller file size of the same audio quality. FLAC, WavPack, and ALAC are the most common container formats for this type.

Lossy audio generates the smallest file size but also has the lowest quality. It achieves compression by analyzing audio tracks and reducing the complexity of the digital audio signals. MP3 and AAC are the most common lossy audio data. Although this type of file has the least quality, this is still the most popular file encoded in an audio converter due to its portability for use in mobile devices.

Firstly, the software should support as many video formats as possible. The best products will support both the formats the users inputs and outputs. Generally if a video product supports several popular formats, it is good enough to use.

The more popular programs support common multimedia devices. In order to ensure that the videos will play on a specific multimedia device, users will need to ensure that the conversion has the correct settings. Areas to look at include zoom mode, bit rate and dimension.

People who are on a budget will be pleased to know that there are free software packages out there. However, these products tend to be very simplistic in nature. Those who want full functionality will generally have to pay for their software. Paid packages generally have more features and are easier to use.

Lastly, buyers should ensure that the read some online reviews before they choose a product. This will allow consumers to see if others are happy with the software. It is also a good way of checking whether the software has bugs and is easy to use.

Better Quality

While free versions may perform the job, you never know what you’re going to get in terms of quality output. Even the best free converters cannot match the quality you’ll get if you shell out a few bucks for a converter. Look for products with high quality ratings to avoid annoying pixelation and discoloration in your converted videos.

More Features and Options

Free and online converters typically provide only the bare minimum in features and options. A premium application, however, will allow you to convert more types of files, optimize conversion for different devices, and even convert more than one video at once. If you convert lots of videos, paying for a program will increase your conversion speed by eliminating the time-consuming hassle of converting one file at a time. You’ll also have the option to choose your own output size, type, and quality.

Safer and More Secure

When you use a free video converter, you never know what you might be getting yourself into. Some of these services are malicious and will install spyware onto your computer in the guise of plugins or required downloads. If you use a paid converter, you can rest assured that you will not be using harmful or malicious software.

A quality converter is well worth the money in most cases, particularly if you are a frequent user who wants the convenience of video conversion without the technical problems and risks of using a free service.

Today we’re reviewing AVS Video Converter 8, which has undergone some terrific improvements since their latest major upgrade in October 2011. The developer releases regular small upgrades on an as-needed basis throughout the year, which is one of the best features of this software. All upgrades are free after your original purchase.

So what does AVS Video Converter do?

Video files come in a number of different file formats, and not all video files will play on all devices. AVS Video Converter takes a raw video file in just about any format and converts it to just about any other format. For example, it will take a video file from a camcorder in AVI format and convert it to H.264 so you can upload it to your iPhone. It will copy a DVD movie to your computer’s hard drive and let you upload it to your iPad so you can watch it away from home. AVS Video Converter 8 has even added support for Blu-Ray Disc format, which is just amazing in a converter at this price.

The software comes bundled with 17 other built-in tools for one low price. The most attractive one if you’re working with video files is AVS Video Editor, which lets you clip the parts of your video you want and add special effects. You can add a soundtrack, voice-over narration, slow motion, freeze frames, and special effects, along with text subtitles and credits. It’s like having a film editing studio on your home computer.

Another tool in the AVS bundle that you might like is the built-in screen capture feature. Instead of paying over $200 for Camtasia Studio, you can set AVS to record your screen activity as a video file in any format and use the video editor tool to snazz it up before posting it on your blog or on YouTube.

Does AVS Video Converter Work?

Compared to other video converter programs, this tool is one of the best, and for the price, it is the best. Here are some of its best features:

• Works with a huge number of file formats, for both input and output files.
• Strips out DRM protection on DVD movies and music files. (You should only do this with media that you own the rights to. Anything else is illegal!)
• Lets you convert video and audio files in batches while you’re away from your computer.
• Output quality of the converted video files ranges from very good to excellent.
• AVS Video Converter 8 added a one-click upload feature for popular media sharing sites, including YouTube and Flickr, so you don’t have to visit those sites to upload your files
• Comes with lots of other cool media tools
• Free to try out and see if you like it.
• Compatible with all recent versions of Windows, including 32 and 64 bit XP, Vista, and Windows 7. The problems with 32-bit Windows have been fixed in the AVS Version 8 upgrade.

Problems with AVS Media Converter

The most common customer complains about this software are:

• No telephone support. This isn’t limited to one company, though – in this price range, online support is all you’re going to get no matter who you buy your software from. Fortunately, the upgrade to Version 8 solved virtually all of the issues in previous versions, so odds are excellent that you’ll never need to open a support ticket.
• Watermarks in the trial version. The AVS trial version puts a watermark on your converted videos that you can remove by purchasing the software. This is standard practice in the industry.
• No preview window. This doesn’t get a lot of customer complaints, but it really should be part of any video converter package. Look for it in future upgrades.
• No way to transfer your license between computers. The “Unlimited Subscription” means you get all 18 software tools for the life of your computer, not your life. If you plan on replacing your computer in the next year, buy the cheaper “One Year Subscription” instead.
• No Mac version. Check out our Mac DVD ripper review if you need a video converter for your Apple machine.

Top Pick:

If you’re interested in a full suite of media tools, choose AVS Video Converter.
Reg. $59.99 Special Sale $41.30

If you’re planning to upgrade your computer in the next year, you want the 1-Year AVS4you Subscription $29.25.

18 Tools Included in the AVS bundle:

Video:

• Converter
• Editor
• Recorder
• ReMaker
• DVD Copy
• Media Player

Audio:

• Converter
• Editor
• Recorder
• Ringtone Maker
• Disc Creator

Images:

• Converter
• Photo Editor
• CD/DVD Cover Editor

Miscellaneous

• Registry Cleaner
• Document Converter
• Firewall
• Antispam