Using DVD Fab HD Decrypter

[audiobliss]

Ok, so I just downloaded and installed DVD Fab HD Decrypter and am trying to rip 300 to my hard drive.

So far, DVD Fab seems to be VERY capable and VERY user friendly. However, I haven't figured it out completely. First off, I just want to rip it to my HD for playback on my PC, not transfer it to a device or DVD. (Though in the not too distant future I would like to be able burn it to a DVD and/or sync it to my iPod.) I've also been selecting to rip just the movie itself. However, the main question here is the audio. There are five audio sections listed, three of them in English. Two of the English options are both AC-3/2, and then one that is AC-3/5.1.

Why are there two AC-3/2 files? I ripped it the first time with all the English ones selected, and got commentary. I don't want the commentary. Which is which?

[audiobliss]

Wow, this is an awesome program. I just realized that you can highlight any audio file you want, as well as any caption file you want, and it'll change the preview window in real time so you can see exactly what changes you're making.

So, now I've figured out the audio track as well as the subtitles.

However, now, how good is this program, really? Is it actually good enough for me to pay them $50 or so to unlock it and get the full version?

[Sami]

Why don't you want to use free software? DVD Decrypter and DVD Shrink are both good.

[audiobliss]

Well, I started out with DVD Fab because I read through searching the forum that it was good and initially thought it was free and then discovered the free version was really a 30 day trial version.

If DVD Decrypter and DVD Shrink are both good options, I'll certainly look into those. Thanks!

[bobman1235]

Unless something changed (I haven't used it in a while), DVD Fab does have a free version. They usually make you hunt it down on their website but I've never had to pay for it and have had it for way more than 30 days.

Go here for free products.

[billbillw]

Why don't you want to use free software? DVD Decrypter and DVD Shrink are both good.

DVD Fab Decrypter is free. The original free DVD Decrypter hasn't been updated in years and it has problems with many of the newer copy protection schemes. I had to switch to Fab about 2-3 years ago. Its updated regularly and has never had a problem getting clean, playable rips.

[heiney9]

Is it actually good enough for me to pay them $50 or so to unlock it and get the full version?

Yes if you're going to get some use out of it.

I've been using DVD Fab (non-HD version) for a couple years. It's an awesome program.

H9

[audiobliss]

I think you guys are right that it's free. It seems as though the program I downlaoded and installed is DVD Fab for free, with the Platinum version available for 30 days. Seems as though I misinterpreted that.

I definitely like DVD Fab's interface better than anything else I've used so far, and depending on how the features work out comparing to each other, I *might* end up paying for it.

However, when I rip a DVD, I end up with four or five .vob files. I'd rather end up with just ONE file to play. I'm assuming the resulting .vob files are meant to be burned to a DVD and have something to do with different chapters/sections somehow. But there should be a way to get just one final video file, too, right?

Thanks so much for all the responses!

[WilliamM2]

DVD Fab is basically just for removing the encryption. Which by the way is illegal, even if you own the disc. That's one reason I would not purchase it, no need for them to have my name when they are forced to hand over their customer list, much like DVDXCopy was years ago.

After DVD Fab, I burn the disc to a DVD-RW, and then use Alcohol 100% to rip the DVD to my hard drive. It creates a virtual DVD-Rom drive that will then play all the "DVD's" ripped to your drive. I'm sure there are other programs that will do something similar. You could also convert the VOB files into AVI's, which will also make them one continuous file.

[Sami]

Both DVD Shrink and DVD Encrypter have ISO option (image file), most likely Fab has something similar. If not, then just create an image by other means.

DVD has two folders, AUDIO_TS and VIDEO_TS, the files created by Fab go into VIDEO_TS folder.

[John30_30]

I think you guys are right that it's free. It seems as though the program I downlaoded and installed is DVD Fab for free, with the Platinum version available for 30 days. Seems as though I misinterpreted that.

I definitely like DVD Fab's interface better than anything else I've used so far, and depending on how the features work out comparing to each other, I *might* end up paying for it.

However, when I rip a DVD, I end up with four or five .vob files. I'd rather end up with just ONE file to play. I'm assuming the resulting .vob files are meant to be burned to a DVD and have something to do with different chapters/sections somehow. But there should be a way to get just one final video file, too, right?

Thanks so much for all the responses!

The VOB's, IFO's, and BUP's are native dvd format. VOB's are the movie, the others are text menus.
You mentioned wanting to play it on your iPod, which would use a compressed format that converts the native dvd files into a single compressed file. Naturally, menus are lost in the process.
The P.C. Windows freeware(audio-video codec) is xvid, which shows up as an .avi file. I think iPods can read that.
I'm not sure, but I think DVD-fab can convert as well as rip. If not, it's not worth much since DVD Decrypter and DVDShrink are freeware and rule.

[WilliamM2]

If not, it's not worth much since DVD Decrypter and DVDShrink are freeware and rule.

DVD shrink is still the best at reducing the size, but neither program has been updated in over three years, This makes them pretty much useless for decrypting newer DVD's. That's the benefit of DVD Fab.

[heiney9]

DVD Fab is basically just for removing the encryption. Which by the way is illegal, even if you own the disc. That's one reason I would not purchase it, no need for them to have my name when they are forced to hand over their customer list, much like DVDXCopy was years ago.

Yeah, cause that happens all the time .

[heiney9]

DVD shrink is still the best at reducing the size, but neither program has been updated in over three years, This makes them pretty much useless for decrypting newer DVD's. That's the benefit of DVD Fab.

Actually I've used both DVD shrink and DVD Fab and I prefer DVD Fab. But I admit the version of DVD Shrink I have is a couple years old so maybe the newer versions are better.

YMMV

H9

[WilliamM2]

Actually I've used both DVD shrink and DVD Fab and I prefer DVD Fab. But I admit the version of DVD Shrink I have is a couple years old so maybe the newer versions are better.

YMMV

H9

To use the shrink feature of DVD Fab you do need to purchase the platinum version though. DVD Shrink does the same for free.

[bobman1235]

DVD shrink is still the best at reducing the size, but neither program has been updated in over three years, This makes them pretty much useless for decrypting newer DVD's. That's the benefit of DVD Fab.

I find that DVD43, which is a little tray icon program that defeats the protection on DVDs as soon as you insert them, works for those DVDs that Shrink normally wouldn't be able to handle.

[heiney9]

To use the shrink feature of DVD Fab you do need to purchase the platinum version though. DVD Shrink does the same for free.

Ah, guess I never paid that much attention. Then for those who want to do it on the cheap DVD Shrink is the way to go.

[Sami]

DVD Shrink is also good when you want to get only selected chapters of the movie, not the whole movie...

Why would you? Hmmm, xxx... ;)

[heiney9]

DVD Shrink is also good when you want to get only selected chapters of the movie, not the whole movie...

Why would you? Hmmm, xxx... ;)

DVD Fab allows that too and actually, IMO, it's a little easier to use.