How Does DVD Copy Software Work?

DVD copy software performs a variety of functions, including DVD copying (also known as ripping, cloning or duplicating), DVD converting and DVD burning. The best DVD copy software can work with a wide range of formats including those utilized by online video sharing sites and those compatible with portable devices like iPods, Zunes and PSPs. DVD burning software functions are also usually PAL and NTSC compatible and can burn to a variety of disk types including single and dual layer disks, so the burned disk can play on PC DVD players and standard DVD players.

As mentioned, DVD copy software fulfills a wide range of DVD software needs, from DVD ripping to DVD burning. Here is a brief overview of DVD copy programs’ major functions:

DVD Copying
DVD copy software (Mac DVD Copy software is a separate category) is often also referred to as DVD ripping software. Essentially a DVD ripper copies a DVD to your hard drive for viewing, storing, converting or burning. The best DVD rippers make perfect 1:1 copies without quality loss. Most DVD rippers also support advanced functions like selective copying, compression and DVD decryption.

DVD Converting
DVDs can be converted into a number of formats that perform various functions and work with several types of technology. With the growing popularity of portable devices like video iPod, PSP and Zune, DVD converting software is in higher demand. The most common DVD conversion formats include DVD to AVI, DVD to MPEG, DVD to PSP, DVD to WMV and DVD to 3GP. The best DVD converting software can convert DVDs into numerous formats, including DVD to DVD.

DVD Burning
DVD copy software contains DVD burning tools. The DVD burning elements of DVD copy software can take multimedia files such as home movies, slide shows, data files, video files and other video entertainment and burn them to a DVD. The best DVD software can burn to a variety of disk types including DVD+/-RW, DVD+/-R DL, DVD+/-R and even CDs.

On this site, you'll find articles, recent news stories and comprehensive reviews—all designed to help you make an informed decision on which DVD Copy Software is right for you. At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don't Have To.™

What to Look For in DVD Copy Software

DVD copy software should perform all major DVD software functions including DVD copying (also known as DVD ripping), DVD format conversion and DVD burning. The best DVD copy software works with popular video formats including those used by popular video cameras, online video sharing sites and portable devices. Advanced DVD copy software can also rip other types of DVDs including data DVDs, DVD games, photo disks and slide shows, home movies and professional films.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate DVD copy software:

Feature Set
The best DVD copy programs offer a wide variety of features, including:

•Compresses large video files
•Decodes CSS encryption
•Retains or omits bonus footage
•Restores defective or scratched DVDs
•Creates and/or copies photo slideshows
•Supports multiple disc formats

Ease of Use
All DVD copy software should be easy to use, even for beginners.

Ease of Installation and SetupThe best DVD copy software is easy to install and set up.

Quality of Copy
Top DVD copy programs create superb 1:1 copies without any quality loss, including full surround sound, menus and languages.

Software Stability
DVD copy software should work without error and ought to complete each copying task without glitches. The program should also work well with other programs, such as DVD players and popular DVD burners.

Read about the DVD Copy Software our reviewers found the best at performing all DVD software tasks flawlessly: DVD Cloner 7