MacX DVD Ripper Pro
Website: http://www.macxdvd.com/mac-dvd-ripper-pro/
Trial: Free to try except there are time limitation and watermarks on the videos.
Cost: $49.95 though they often have special offers.
UPDATED REVIEW
I’ve been using this program a while now and have been through a few upgrades and wanted to update this review to reflect the changes.
I like this software as it’s easy to use and its interface suits users with basic computer competency though it also allows for more specific options for advanced users.
The updated version now selects the right video title, which makes it easier for basic users to rip the right title.
All the main formats you could possibly need are provided as options: DVD to MP4, H.264, MOV, FLV, MPEG, M4V, AVI, QT(QuickTime) all with high quality video and audio. The DVD Backup feature allows you to copy a DVD to a single video file with original video quality and 5.1-channels AC3/DTS Dolby audio.
The updated version at the time of writing is 3.4.1 that rips any encrypted DVD to iPhone (including 4S, iPad & iPad2, iPod and iMovie. MacX rips all types of encrypted DVD and copy-protected DVD (removes DVD CSS, region code, RCE, Sony ArccOS, UOPs, Disney, etc).
It now also rips to a slew of popular formats: Rip DVD to MP4, QT, FLV, H.264, MOV, AVI, MP3, MPEG, M4V formats which are compatible with Mac OS popular applications like QuickTime and iTunes, iPhone/iPhone 4S, iPad, iPod, iPod Touch, Apple TV, Android, HTC, Samsung, XOOM, Galaxy Tab, PSP, etc. So you can watch the DVD movie on QuickTime player and portable player devices.
MacX DVD Ripper Pro runs on Mac OS X Tiger/Leopard/Snow Leopard/Lion.
When I first reviewed this software it took me 33 minutes to rip a one hour fifty-five minute DVD to AVI. The quality was excellent. On the standard default settings the file size was 1.4 GB
With the latest 3.4.1 edition it took just 24 minutes to rip a two hour and five minute DVD to AVI the file size was 1.8 GB on the standard default setting.
Features worth highlighting include:
- Extract background music from the video file by importing the DVD file, and select “to Music” button. You will be able to extract the background music as MP3 music file.
- Select your own Preview Snapshot.
- Set the start and finish time to trim the video if desired.
- Advanced users can have better control over how the software outputs video and audio
- The help PDF which answers all the obvious questions as well as allowing you to learn more about the advanced options by explaining what some of the ‘jargon’ terminology means.
- There are also well labelled screenshots that I always think adds to the user manuals helpfulness.
- Digiarty Software, the company behind MacX DVD Ripper offers a 50% discount off all their products for approved charitable organisations, provided they have sufficient proof. This kind of generosity always impresses me about a company’s decency.
- The program comes with free lifetime upgrade service for registered users.
The verdict
While there are many DVD ripping programs available, this program offers all the usual features. The interface is easy to navigate for novice or advanced users. $49.95USD is a fair price for this software considering it includes free lifetime upgrades, a rare incentive in most software packages.
MacX DVD Ripper Pro is also often on sale and sometimes free for the full version especially around the holiday periods including events like Halloween and Thanks Giving. You can’t have lifetime updates for the free versions but its still fair to have a full working version for zero cost.
I also like that it is updated to reflect the changes in portable device medias and added features and improved reliability and speed.
The final thing I like about MacX DVD Ripper Pro is since purchasing a few years ago I have always had excellent technical support from their company even across the holidays.
Additional Info:
There is also now a free version of this software with limited features but you can still back up or rip your DVD including protected copies to MOV, MP4, MPEG, FLV and iTunes. Visit MacX DVD Ripper Mac Free Edition
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Files converted can’t be watched in VLC or Quicktime. That alone is enough to forget this product. Further, the aspect ration cannot be changed from 4:3. So, this product has a long, long way to go.
Registered user of this program, and just got an upgrade notice for version 3.0, requiring a payment of $6.95. What happened to the “free upgrades for life” policy?
thanks for the review. this is a great app. better when it is free. will probably buy the full version. right now, during xmas 2011, it is like 34.95.
spread the word.
Snoops: I tested this on my version and it works with Quicktime. I converted a movie I have to AVI. I had no problem ripping to 16:9 widescreen. I suggest you contact their help department if you are still having issues. Not sure about VLC though.
Phil: Sorry for the very late reply, only just noticed your comment. The company still offer free upgrades for life for copies that have been purchased (the free offers don’t come with this). Contact their support department to find out why you are being charged.
Robertito: They regularly have a free copy of the full version as giveaways especially around the holiday periods including Halloween. The free version although limited in its output options still works fine and can be found at http://www.macxdvd.com/dvd-ripper-mac-free/