Definition

DVD ripping is the process of copying the audio and video information off a DVD and onto a hard drive.

Hardware Requirements

To rip a DVD, you must have a copy of the DVD, a DVD-ROM and enough hard drive space to hold the copied files. DVDs can be single or dual layered. You need up to 4.5 gigabytes (GB) of free space to hold a ripped single layer DVD and up to 9 GB to hold a ripped dual layer DVD.

Software Requirements

The process of ripping a DVD requires, at the very least, DVD ripping software. This software facilitates the copying of the audio and video files on a DVD onto a hard drive. Some software might also help overcome encryption techniques.

Compression

Many people choose to compress DVD rips as part of their ripping process. This involves software that rips the original files off of the DVD, then combines and compresses them into one smaller file to save hard drive space. Common compression algorithms are XViD and DiVX.

Legality

It is legal to create DVD rips of DVDs that you own physical copies of to function as backups in case your original disc gets damaged. It is illegal to create extra copies of DVDs.

Source:

Doom9

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