How to Rip DVD Easily: Everything You Need to Know

How to make a good DVD-rip? My colleague told me a couple of days ago: “Every person has tried to rip DVD at least once in his life.” Well, that’s not about me. I’m the one who simply buys a DVD with a favorite movie or downloads a ready-made rip without any kind of troubles and time loss. But gaining experience is always useful, so having read a good dozen of related articles, blogs and forums I decided to get my feet wet. Here are 3 programs I used to make my first DVD Rip.

Auto Gordian Knot

Since Auto Gordian Knot was among most advised programs (and seemed easy) I chose it to be the 1st one. I thought it’d be a berry! But it only seemed so. As soon as I inserted a DVD and tried to add it in the program there appeared a message “error parsing ifo file”. Since my DVD was protected, so I had to download one more program – DVD Descrypter to prepare the DVD for further ripping.

The process took the better part of an hour but, fortunately, I finally managed to add the .IFO file in Auto Gordian Knot. The next bit was pretty easy. Choose an output folder, audio track or tracks and subtitles you need. Then select an output size. I’d recommend using a custom one, because if you chose a predefined size your video would be cut in two parts. Not sure we should go back to old “2 CD set” times. The output size depends on video file duration: usually it’s about 1,5 GB for a 90-minute-movie and over 2GB for a 2-hour-one. In advanced options I set parameters for output audio, video resolution and type of a codec (often XviD). By the way, whatever frame size you choose the program will cut the black bars automatically. As for the audio quality I think it’s better keep the original one.

Here, in advanced options, can be also found subtitles settings: “display only forced subtitles” or “use external subtitles”. The difference between these two options is that the 1st one won’t allow you to turn off the subtitle track.

When you have finished with settings press “Add the job” and then “Start”. Now you can go to bed. Really, the best way to work with Auto Gordian Knot is to leave it in progress for a night since sometimes it requires a lot of time to rip one DVD. During the process of ripping the program will start various additional utilities, don’t close them!
After several hours of waiting, I got pretty good results for audio playback while the picture lost original quality.
What I didn’t like about my experience with Auto Gordian Knot is:

• The necessity to use additional software (DVD Descrypter) which copies the DVD to your HDD
• A folder with temporary files that you should later delete manually
• Low ripping speed
• Conversion only to AVI
• Video quality is not high

Among its pluses I’d name:

• Possibility to add multiple audio and subtitle tracks
• Possibility to set output file size

Freemake Video Converter

I made one more rip of the same DVD but this time with Freemake Video Converter which I chose because it can rip DVD in whatever format and it’s very easy-to-use. The program has a lot of ready presets for Apple and Adroid devices and mobile phones so you don’t need to think what parameters to set. Click “+ Video” and choose your DVD-movie. When you see a list of titles in the program  mark those that regard to the movie and activate “Join Files” option if it consists of several VOB-files. Then choose a video format (AVI, MKV, MP4 etc) or a preset you need and click “Convert” button.  Don’t be afraid when you see “Convert”!  This process will rip your DVD turning it into a usual video file.

As for the speed, it took me less than an hour to rip my DVD. Seems great, doesn’t it?

What I didn’t like here is the possibility to add only one audio or subtitle track and the pluses of the program are:

• High conversion speed
• Good quality of audio and video playback
• Possibility to convert DVD in whatever format needed
• Ready presets for portable devices

Handbrake

The third program I tried was Handbrake. One of its great pluses is that it can run under all most popular systems -Windows, MacOS and Linux, though it can rip DVDs only in MVK or MP4 formats. Insert a DVD in a drive and start Handbrake. The DVD should appear in the program automatically but if it doesn’t click Source and choose a DVD drive or a folder with the movie if you have it on your hard drive. Then add an output file destination and check the name of a title. There must be titles of the movie, not the extra features or whatever kind of trailers, ads and so on. Choose the container (MKV or MP4) and the desired preset in the right column, so the program will set the necessary parameters automatically. In fact after this you can press “Start” button and wait for a ready rip. Though, if you are in the know you can also edit output image, add more audio and subtitle tracks, crop video and create chapters.

I didn’t notice any minuses in this program so I’ll just name its pluses:

• high conversion speed
• good audio and video quality
• ready presets for portable devices
• possibility to add as many audio and subtitle tacks as needed
• possibility to control all the settings of an output file

By the way, if you need a high-quality output video go to Video tab and mark “Avg Bitrate”. As you see you need to insert a bitrate number. There is a special formula to calculate it but I’d recommend keeping it from 4000 to 5000 for excellent quality, between 2000-4000 for good quality and round 2000 for normal one. Don’t forget to mark “2-pass encoding” as well! It will take more time but the quality of your rip should be higher.

Now let’s have a look at the results (click to enlarge):

1 – original file

2 – Auto Gordian Knot rip (avi)

3 – Freemake Video Converter Rip (mkv)

4 – Handbrake automatic settings (normal quality)

5 – Handbrake manual settings (high quality)

As you see rips made with Freemake Video Converter and Handbrake are a bit brighter that the original but the quality is much better than that of Auto Gordian Knot. But I can’t see such a great difference between the 4th and the 5th screenshots. It took me 4 hours to make a “high-quality-rip” which appeared to be almost the same as the normal quality one. Well, experience is an experience, and let’s value it!

Software	Time	Presets	Output Format	Output Quality
Auto Gordian Knot	>4h	no	AVI	satisfactory
Freemake Video Converter	<1h	yes	many	good
Handbrake	<2h	yes	MKV/MP4	good

Keek Makes Awesome Free Video Updates for Facebook & Twitter

There were times when teens spend hours at Chatroulette watching bizarre unknown people. Then we’ve got Google+ Hangouts for real-time chatting with circle friends and SocialCam on our iPhones. Now there’s a better thing called Keek, a new service for fun video recording and sharing on your cell phone.

Live video sharing was never that easy and awesome as with Keek. If you don’t know Keek yet, let’s make your first keek!

The tool is incredible simple to use. It helps you to record a shot video with your Webcam, iPhone, Android phone and share it on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or post the video directly to Keek video community.

In fact, Keek works like Twitter but with video messages. You can shoot a video with your camera and let the world see your face and emotions or publish it privately to friends you trust. If Twitter is limited by 140 characters, then Keek video is limited by 36 seconds. Fortunately, you can post unlimited number of videos absolutely free!

Thanks to this easiness, Keek has already attracted thousands of young people worldwide which

• post sweet Facebook video updates to say “Hello” to friends and family;
• show off with new iPad, Mercedes, or a party with LMFAO;
• meet new friends via their hot videos inside Keek community and grab everyone’s attention;
• entertain watching and commenting others’ video stuff.

Doesn’t it sound cool? Do you plan to use Keek app?

10 Killer Video Tutorials from Freemake Users

If picture is worth thousand words, then video should be priceless. That’s why we, Freemake team, regularly post how-to videos which tell you about the popular tasks performed with Freemake software. Meanwhile, our users don’t fall behind and post their own tutorials describing how they use Freemake for their own needs. We appreciate such contributions and are happy to share them with you. Maybe, you’ll discover new possibilities to use Freemake freeware.

1. How to record Minecraft with Fraps and Freemake Video Converter

To record your Minecraft adventures, you’ll need the app Fraps which captures your gameplay and outputs it in AVI format. The recorded videos are slightly compressed, so they have large file sizes and require much HDD space. Freemake Video Converter lets reduce video file size, cut unnecessary parts and send Fraps videos to directly your YouTube channel right after the conversion.

2. How to convert DVD to Innotab

Innotab is popular learning tablet for kids which can play videos in AVI format. So if you want to transfer DVD cartoons into your child’s Innotab, you have to convert them. Follow the video or the guide “How to convert video or DVD for Innotab” to learn how to create a custom preset for Innotab and convert any videos for this gadget.

3. How to convert and upload videos to Kindle Fire

Kindle is a famous tablet from Amazon. Like most other tablets Kindle Fire has a limited number of supported video formats – MP4 and VP8. Still you can use Freemake Video Converter to encode videos for your Kindle. The author of this video guide suggests using of the preset 1024×600 (MPEG4, AAC) for Android.

4. How to download YouTube songs to iPod

It’s always a problem to find free music for an iPod. Thanks God, we have YouTube with tons of original audio tracks and Freemake Video Downloader which can download YouTube songs without any quality loss (“Extract audio” option). Alternatively, you can convert YouTube videos to MP3, as shown in this video tutorial.

5. How to rotate iPhone 4S video

It’s a well-known issue that most iPhone 4S videos get wrong orientation after importing in Windows 7. With Freemake Video Converter you can easily rotate videos from iPhone free and easily as brilliantly described in the how-to.

6. How to convert DVD for playback on Archos A70 tablet

Want to back up your DVDs for playback on your Archos tablet? Freemake Video Converter is a perfect solution: just pick up HD 720p preset for AVI and this is it!

7. How to remove black bars in output video

If you convert video to a preset which brings a different aspect (e.g. 720×496 DVD to 640×480 AVI), your output video is likely to get black bars. You can escape this using the “Adjustment” feature in Freemake Video Converter – just choose the means of adjustment to the output aspect: Stretch, Zoom&Crop and Auto.

8. How to reduce video file size

In most cases video conversion is the only way to reduce video file size. There are two ways to do this with Freemake Video Converter: either choose a smaller resolution or reduce video bitrate leaving the same frame size. If you choose the latter, just use the “weight” button in the format parameters window – it lets you set the desired file size, bitrate will be calculated automatically.

9. How to create a video from pictures and music

Ever wondered how you can create a video by yourself? No problem – combine your pictures and music with Freemake Video Converter and upload your video directly to YouTube.

10. How to convert CamStudio recording

CamStudio records your desktop in AVI format. Output files are rather huge file size because of lossless video codec (e.g. 5-second video weights 150 MB). Freemake Video Converter can shrink the video file size and output your recording in a variety of formats – WMV, MKV, MP4, AVI, 3GP, FLV, SWF.

Printing the Future: The Wonder of 3D Printers

3D may be the hot new thing in Hollywood movies, but there is another 3D revolution going on that does not involve blue aliens or ocean liners that sunk 100 years ago. This revolution is 3D printing and it is quickly changing the way we think of design and manufacturing. These new printers can create physical objects the way traditional printers create an expense report. And while this technology is the wave of the future, the things that are currently being done with them are truly futuristic. Read on to find out the amazing things 3D printers are making.

How They Work

3D printers at their most basic level use an additive process to create 3D physical objects from 3D computer models. They build the objects layer by layer by laying very (several microns) thin sheets of material down. Most use a jet similar to the one in an inkjet printer. The material used can be anything from chocolate, rubber, plastic, metal, or a combination of different materials. One benefit of creating things this way is that there is almost no waste compared to standard manufacturing.

Prototypes

One of the main uses of 3D printers today is prototyping. Manufacturers need prototypes of products they intend to produce in order to perform tests, create accessories, and show off to gain investors. Prototyping is typically expensive because it involves adjusting complicated production lines in order to produce a few copies of the prototype. With 3D printers, prototypes can be made in house for a fraction of the cost and time.

Medicine

Another new frontier for these printers is in creating medical devices. 3D printers can easily and quickly create custom implants and replacement parts for all sorts of medical uses. An 83 year old woman recently received a titanium jaw replacement (below) made in a 3D printer. Pharmaceutical companies are even beginning to produce pills using 3D printers.

Fashion

3D printers are a great way to design and produce one-off items cheaply. Take for example this shoe produced by The Cube 3D printer.

Food

3D printing is even being used to print food. Chocolate makers are starting to use printers to create intricate confections out of chocolate and other tasty ingredients. The printers work well with liquid ingredients such as melted chocolate and are being used to create intricate designs on food and even produce food with interesting and new textures.

As you can see, this truly is an amazing technological advancement. You may one day soon have a 3D printer in your own home that you will use to print spare parts, create fashion accessories, and even make dinner.

This post is written by Sabina Cao. She has a B.A. in Journalism and currently blogs for inkfarm.com, which specializes in Dell printer cartridges.

* Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

6 Programs to Deal Easily with PC

How many programs do you have on your PC? I bet a good few. New programs both for entertainment and work appear every day as well as numerous articles about which one to choose. The older is your computer, the more programs and files you have. Some of them you use several times a day while others have been waiting for their turn for ages. Maybe it’s time to clean your PC and replace some old stuff with new up-to-date programs? Which ones? Maybe those which will make your work with various types of files much easier?

File transfer – PCmover

There are things in a life you do just a couple of times. Moving files and programs from an old PC to a new one is among such things. So this moment must be special and full of good memories. If you own a 1 or 2TB external HDD you could move all the files to it and then from the HDD to a new PC. But you’ll have to download and to install almost all the programs again! What a nightmare! Fortunately, here comes PC mover that turns to be our Superman. Although this Superman asks for a reward for his service it’s you to choose the sum. When you make a bargain, PCMover will prepare your old and new PCs for file and programs transfer and asks to select files and applications you need on a new computer. In a few minutes you’ll hardly understand which computer is old and which one is new.

Get PCmover for Windows 8

File recovery – Recuva

Recuva is an application to restore files that have been accidentally deleted from your computer. Usually I don’t trust such things since I’ve used many of them but all the time the result left much to be desired. But I must admit that Recuva is really good and easy-to-use. After you start the program choose a type of a file you need to restore (image, audio, video, document etc) and then a folder where you deleted it from (Bin, flash card, My documents…). Recuva will show all the files that were deleted and tell you whether it’s possible to recover this or that file. I’ve tried to restore several video files deleted from my bin days ago and for my surprise I got them back.

Get Recuva for Windows

Screenshot saving – Screenshot2Disk

This is a small but very good screenshot taking tool in PNG format. Being devoted to Mac, I used to get all the printscreens saved right to my desktop I felt quite uncomfortable being forced to open Paint or Word all the time I need to get a picture of my screen. Fortunately I managed to solve this problem by installing Screenshot2Disk. The program integrates in context menu accessible by right click button so you can easily paste a printscreen in whatever folder you want. Pretty handy, isn’t it?

Get Screenshot2Disk for Windows

Easy audio editing – MP3 Direct Cut

If you want to use a chorus of a song as a ringtone or just don’t need any parts of it MP3 cut is a must-have tool. The software is free and user-friendly. No complicated conversion or long editing processes. Choose the beginning and the end of an undesired part with two sliders and then press the “Cut” button to crop it. Save the rest of a file and upload it to you mobile phone.
Recently there has appeared an online version of MP3 cut so you can use it everywhere – at home, at work, on a Mac or a PC.

Get MP3 Direct Cut for Windows

Video Downloading – Freemake Video Downloader

Every day I see one and the same question almost 10 000 times. Guess what? How can I download video or audio from YouTube? It seems almost everyone wants to do but for YouTube developers. Well, let’s finally clarify the issue! You can do it with Freemake Video Downloader. This is a free and user-friendly application that thinks of you and for you. The only thing you should do is to copy paste a video URL and choose an output format for audio or video. When the download process is completed the file will appear on your desktop. What can be easier?

Get Freemake Video Downloader for Windows

File deleting – Unlocker

Have you ever been in a situation when you can’t delete a file? You can rename it, maybe even move to another folder but when you try to cancel it you fail. It looks like the file has stuck to a system and ever restart doesn’t help. That’s when you need an Unlocker – a free application that helps you to kiss it goodbye. Right click on a file you want to delete, choose Unlocker and if the file is looked the program will show all the processes that use it. Press the “Unlock All” button and you are done. Now you can delete the file without troubles.

Get Unlocker for Windows

Reputable Tech Experts about Freemake

Freemake’s 2nd birthday celebration is in full swing. We continue to receive congratulations from all over the Internet. This time we asked reputable tech editors, bloggers, and writers to answer one simple question: “What do you think of Freemake software?”. Have a look at what they said to us.

We’d like to thank people featuring in this video:

1. Andy Shaw, Reviews & Technical Editor @ Web User Magazine;
2. Doug Bardwell, National Technology Writer @ Examiner.com;
3. Nick Peers, Freelance Technology Writer @ BetaNews, PC Authority, TechRadar;
4. Samer Kurdi, Software Reviewer & Blogger @ FreewareGenius.com (read the interview with Samer here);
5. Rob Boirun, Editor-in-Chief @

5 Best Fashion Apps for Your Smartphone

There were times when we relied solely on fashion magazines and shop collections to give us style tips and information about latest fashion trends. Today we have one more fashion assistant – a smartphone.  There’s a wide variety of fashion apps available for Apple and Android phones, and it might surprise you  just how useful these apps can be. This post summarizes 5 of the most essential fashion apps available for your smartphone.

Pose

Pose allows you to take a snapshot of any clothing item you find in the retail world, catalog it and discuss it with friends. The item is tagged with its location and price, and can be shared via Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr. This app allows you to post your finds to the entire Pose community and follow certain “Featured Posers” for inspiration. Think of it as a vast interactive wish list that’s fully integrated into social media. This app is free.

Google Catalogs

For people who love the catalog experience but hate the clutter and environmental repercussions that physical catalogs create, this app is perfect. Google Catalogs aggregates your favorite catalogs, gives you additional information on every item, purchase links, shows retail locations and notifies you whenever a new catalog from your favorite retailer is released. In addition, the app lets you save your favorite items, create collages and search the entire Google Calendar universe. There’s a lot to do here. This app is free.

Fashism

Put simply, Fashism allows you to take a picture of your outfit (or a potential outfit), upload it and ask for feedback. Need advice for what you plan on wearing to a party or job interview? The Fashism community is happy to help. You can leave comments yourself, rate different looks and just poke around for inspiration. The community is large and the app is sleek and functional. Fashism seals the fissure between what you think looks good and what the rest of the world thinks looks good. There’s even more to dig into, but for fashionistas seeking advice and feedback, Fashism is the app of choice. This app is free.

Stylebook

Stylebook is a wardrobe organization tool. You can take pictures of each piece of clothing in your closet and sort them by category. Stylebook has a feature that removes the background from your photos, alowing you to drag different pieces together to create outfits. You can mix and match to your heart’s content without ever venturing into the closet to try something on. Stylebook also lets you archive and track when you wore certain pieces of clothing to avoid repetition and lets you plan and save outfits for future use. This app is $3.99.

Chicfeed

Chicfeed exists for inspiration purposes only. It aggregates featured photos from leading street fashion blogs and puts them into a simple slideshow. Though the interface is relatively Spartan, it’s easy to use and the photos are of the highest possible quality. Chicfeed showcases the latest in street fashion in a way that offers no frills and no clutter. This app is free, although there is also a $0.99 version that removes all ads.

There are many more fashion apps than the 5 listed above, but these should cover most of your basics. After all, cataloging your wardrobe, viewing your favorite catalogs, creating a virtual wish list, keeping up with the latest trends and getting practical advice on your outfit should take up a lot of your free time if you do it correctly.

The post is written by Adam Farwell, an online publisher for the custom T-shirts creator bluecotton.com. He enjoys blogging about design, fashion, marketing, and creative projects.

* Image source