There's a "free" version of DVD Fab, that strictly does ripping. I haven't updated mine in about a year (I run it in a VMware image that only does ripping), but I think the current version is still free.

 

(I put free in quotes, because I think it nags you to buy the full version, but still offers complete ripping functionality).

 

I'm using DVDFab free version and it's working fine.  It can be run by command line so I have some scripts I run that do all the work including copying the ISO to my unRAID share.  I've attached my scripts. 

 

ripToISO.zip

Not sure if it's been advised already, but earlier this year the makers of DVDFab decided to separate the advancements of DVDFab Licensed version from the Free version.

 

This means that the Free version is about two releases behind the Licensed version in functionality. Meaning some DVD protection methods are not available in the Free release.

 

I use DVDFab for the more difficult movies, but also for the buildin DVD to Mobile conversion.  I have set this up for PS3, MP4,  with custom settings.  These settings make a file about 1.4~1.6 gig, that works on my PS3's as well as on by Xbox1's.

 

The Size of the files means I keep decent sound (including 5.1 as AAC) and video quality, while reducing the DVD's original 4.3G+ footprint on my Unraid.

 

The Conversion is only available on the licensed version.  And there are more options like bluray to bluray, whole disc or Main movie only..

 

Nice program.

 

Other options are DVDecryptor and DVDShrink.

PhoenixNZ, you can do those same 'conversions' (encodes is the technical term) using Handbrake for free.

PhoenixNZ, you can do those same 'conversions' (encodes is the technical term) using Handbrake for free.

 

Yep, Sure can, but DVDFab also allows straight from ISO image, VIDEO_TS Folder or from a Protected DVD.  Plus, for me only, I've had great success with the encoding, without the hassles of command line instructions, or wasting time and getting a rubbish Output file.

 

For me, I've had heaps of fun (er..not) trying to get the setting just right.  But hey, this is only a recommendation.

 

I've tried Tmpgenc, Sony Vegas, dozens of others.  Just never got the settings right.

 

As for "conversions", used that term as I convert from MKV or AVI or WMV to MP4.

 

My two cents worth. 

Wouldn't transcode be the most accurate term, as you're going from one lossy format to another? I thought encoding is only when you're compressing from source files.

Oh alright, transcode it is.    LOL.

Which dvdfab is recommended, seems there are multiple versions.

Right now I use anydvd as the deprotection/decryption layer and dvdshrink for ISO or autogk for portable video.

 

I'm considering the use of anydvd and the built in rip video to hard drive, then using handbrake on the unRAID server to transcode to a more portable format.

 

I've also used magicdvdripper. It was fast, but it did not do the same cropping quality that autogk did.

DVDFab also allows straight from ISO image, VIDEO_TS Folder or from a Protected DVD.  Plus, for me only, I've had great success with the encoding, without the hassles of command line instructions, or wasting time and getting a rubbish Output file.

Perhaps you haven't used Handbrake recently.  Handbrake lets you encode from DVD, ISO, and Video_TS.  I use DVD Decrypter (before Handbrake) to bypass protected DVDs, but I've heard AnyDVD is great too (though not free).  It also lets you transcode from files (for example, taking a 1080p mkv and transcoding it down to iPhone format).  Most people use Handbrake via the GUI, though the CLI is still available.