[Updated!] How to Use FFmpeg DVD to MP4

The free FFmpeg is such a strong tool that some people wonder if it can rip DVDs and what the command is if it does.Here is an example from Reddit.

“I'm new to FFmpeg and need help with commands. I want to convert a DVD (which consists of three VOB files) to an MP4, MOV, or other format that VLC can play. I want a few things: no quality loss (the bitrate is roughly 11mbps), Yadif 2x deinterlacing (the file is 59.94i), and upscale (from 720x480 to 1620x1080). I'm hoping someone can send me a command that will work with this. Thank you a lot in advance”!

So, can FFmpeg rip DVDs? Yes, but only for unencrypted DVDs, such as those shot with your own camcorder. If you need to rip a copy-protected DVD (commercial DVDs are usually copy-protected), consider HitPaw Video Converter. Next, we'll show you how to use ffmpeg dvd to mp4.

Part 1. What is FFmpeg DVD to MP4?

FFmpeg is a versatile open-source software widely used for managing multimedia content, such as videos and audio files. Among its many capabilities, FFmpeg can be employed to convert DVDs into the popular MP4 format, which offers broad compatibility across various devices and platforms. However, the process of converting a DVD to MP4 using FFmpeg typically involves two main steps.

Firstly, the DVD's content needs to be extracted or "ripped" onto the computer's hard drive, a task that FFmpeg doesn't directly handle, necessitating the use of additional software for decryption. Once the video files are on the computer, FFmpeg comes into play for the conversion process. Users can utilize FFmpeg's command-line interface to specify parameters such as the input file, desired output format, video and audio codecs, and quality settings. However, it's crucial to note that DVD ripping may be subject to legal restrictions based on copyright laws, so it's essential to ensure compliance with relevant regulations before proceeding.

Part 2. How to Use FFmpeg DVD to MP4?

If you try to use ffmpeg convert dvd to mp4, you'll probably experience difficulties or issues owing to the encryption. To use ffmpeg dvd to mp4, follow these steps:

Installing FFmpeg is more involved than installing a standard graphical software. Now let me teach you how to do it.

Go to the FFmpeg downloads page. Then, depending on your operating system, select the Linux, Windows, or Mac logo under "Get packages & executable files". I choose Windows because it is what I use.

Then it displays two possibilities for me. One is Windows builds from gyan.dev, while the other is Windows builds from BtbN. When I click the first link, I am taken to a page with FFmpeg binaries designed exclusively for Windows.

Next, scroll down to the git master builds area and choose ffmpeg-git-full.7z. It will then begin downloading the most recent FFmpeg files to your personal computer.

Once downloaded, right-click the file and select Extract Here. Once completed, you will have a new folder with the same name as the .7z file. Then, you should rename it to FFmpeg.

Cut and paste the FFmpeg folder into your hard drive's root directory, which is commonly referred to as "Windows (C:)" or "Local Disk (C:).

Type cmd in the task bar's search box to open Command Prompt, and then run the following command to set the environment path variable for ffmpeg:

setx /m PATH "C:\FFmpeg\bin;%PATH%"

Restart your computer and run the following command to validate the installation:

ffmpeg -version

When you open the DVD you intend to rip, you will notice a directory called VIDEO_TS. Inside VIDEO_TS, you'll find files with extensions.VOB, BUP, and IFO, as shown in the screenshot below.

Find VOB files in VIDEO_TS. What we are most concerned about is the.VOB files. Some VOB files contain the splash screen or extra features, while others contain the entire movie. They can be identified by their large size or verified by playing them directly with a player (such as VLC).

For example, to convert a file named VTS_01_1.VOB to MP4, you can use the command line shown below:

ffmpeg -i VTS_01_1.VOB -b:v 1500k -r30 -vcodec h264 -strict -2 -acodec aac -ar 44100 -f mp4 convert.mp4.

If you have numerous VOB files to convert (e.g., VTS_01_1.VOB, VTS_01_2.VOB, and VTS_01_3.VOB), you must combine and convert them. The command line should look like this:

ffmpeg -i "concat:VTS_01_1.VOB|VTS_01_2.VOB|VTS_01_3.VOB" -b:v 1500k -r 30 -vcodec h264 -strict 2 -acodec aac -ar 44100 -f mp4 convert.mp4

Part 3. The Best Alternative to Convert DVD with HitPaw Video Converter

While FFmpeg is a powerful tool for multimedia tasks, including converting DVD to MP4, its command-line interface can be challenging for some users. For those seeking a more user-friendly alternative, HitPaw Video Converter emerges as an excellent solution. It simplifies the process of converting DVD to MP4 while maintaining the original video quality.

Features

• It accepts DVDs, IFOs, and ISO files.
• Converts DVD to MP4 and over 1,000 other video and audio formats.
• Convert DVDs to social platforms and devices directly.
• Supports batch conversion.
• 120 times quicker speed.
• The user interface is intuitive.
• Edit the video in an appropriate way.

Here's how to convert DVD to MP4 through HitPaw Video Converter.

Step 1: On the Convert function's main screen, drag your DVD files to start the conversion, or select Add Files > Add DVD to load your DVD or folder. Install HitPaw Video Converter on your PC or Mac, then launch the application.

Step 2: Once you've loaded the DVD or IFO/ISO files into the application, double-click the video thumbnail to play and preview the chapters. Click on the file name to change its title. To edit the media metadata, select the pen or information icon.

Step 3: If you want to use the same output format for all imported files, click the "Convert all to" option in the lower left corner of the interface. This prompts you to choose a common output format for all of the files.

Step 4: Once you've decided on your desired export format(s) for the files, you may start the conversion process. If you want to convert one file at a time, simply click the "Convert" button. Alternatively, if you wish to convert all imported files at once, click the "Convert All" button. This action will start the conversion process, and you may track the progress as each file is converted.

Bottom Line

After exploring the intricacies of using convert dvd to mp4 ffmpeg , it's evident that the process can be daunting, especially for beginners. While FFmpeg offers powerful functionality, its command-line interface and technical requirements may pose challenges for those new to video conversion.

Fortunately, there's a solution: HitPaw Video Converter. This software is the optimal alternative to ffmpeg dvd to mp4, providing a user-friendly interface that simplifies the DVD to MP4 conversion process. Compatible with both Mac and Windows platforms, HitPaw Video Converter streamlines the task with its intuitive design, eliminating the need for complex commands or technical expertise.