Step-by-Step Guide to Convert DVD to MP4 with VLC & Its Best Alternative
Convert DVD using VLC to MP4 and you can watch your favorite movies or videos on any devices without a DVD player. One of the best choices for this is VLC Media Player, as it is free and widely used. There are drawbacks to VLC, like slow speeds and issues with encrypted DVDs. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to do that with VLC, what issues to watch out for, and why you should look to Univd, a faster and easier alternative.
Part 1: Can VLC Convert DVDs to MP4?
VLC Media Player is a free open-source media player that can open most video and audio formats. Apart from the media playback functionality, vlc convert DVD to mp4 feature to allow users to rip files from DVD to a stream able digital format like MP4. Yet, the DVD conversion settings are manual so it is not quite user-friendly for a new user.
Pros
- Free and open-source
- Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Works with several file types
- No extra software required
Cons
- Slow conversion speed
- Complex environments for newbies
- Unable to effectively handle encrypted DVDs
Supported Formats & Settings in VLC
It can play MP4, AVI, MKV, and several other file types. To convert DVD using vlc to mp4 with high quality, it is necessary to choose the codec (H.264). VLC also lets users set the bitrate, frame rate and resolution manually.
Part 2: How to Convert DVD to MP4 Using VLC (Step-by-Step)
Here are the steps to convert DVD using vlc to mp4:
Step 1: Open VLC Media Player on your Windows 10 computer. Click the Media tab and select Open Disc from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, choose Convert/Save, then go to the Disc tab in the pop-up window.

Step 2: Under Disc Selection, tick No disc menus and select the DVD location under Disc Drive.

Step 3: Hover over the dropdown menu to the right of the Play button and choose Convert from the menu.

Step 4: In the Convert window, select MP4 as output format under Profile. Then, set the destination folder and file name under Destination File.

Step 5: Click Start to begin converting the DVD to MP4.

Common Issues with VLC DVD Conversion
No Audio After Conversion
One of the most common problems VLC users face when ripping DVDs to MP4 is outputing with missing sound. This is typically resolved by ensuring the correct "Audio Track" option is checked in VLC prior to starting the conversion, and the appropriate audio codec is applied in the profile settings.
Slow Processing Speed
You could convert DVD using VLC btu its speed is very slow. You can adjust output resolution and bitrate to enhance performance, other applications running in the background should be closed, users can also try better alternative like Univd which is faster and with fewer resources for conversions.
DVD Encryption Errors
VLC doesn't work well, when it comes to converting encrypted DVDs. To get around this, users can download libdvdcss on Windows or Mac to help VLC read protected DVDs. Such types of software could work to a certain extent, but if you really want to go ahead, the best option is to have a dedicated DVD ripper such as Univd, which can support encrypted DVDs without using plugins, and offer a seamless transition for the whole conversion process.
Part 3: Best VLC Alternative – HitPaw Univd for Fast & High-Quality DVD Conversion
HitPaw Univd (HitPaw Video Converter) is yet another professional DVD ripper that specializes in speed and quality when converting DVD to MP4. It removes limitations associated with VLC by providing advanced tools like GPU acceleration for speedier processing, and built-in support for encrypted DVDs. By providing an intuitive interface and optimized settings, Univd enables smooth, hassle-free conversions for all users, while delivering excellent video and audio quality.
Features of HitPaw Univd
- 120X Faster Conversion: Utilizes GPU acceleration for lightning-fast DVD-to-MP4 conversion.
- Lossless Quality: Preserves original video and audio quality during conversion.
- Wide Format Support: Converts DVDs to 1000+ video and audio formats.
- User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive design for easy DVD ripping.
- Encrypted DVD Support: Bypasses encryption to rip protected DVDs hassle-free.
How to Convert DVD to MP4 with HitPaw Univd
Step 1: Drag and drop your DVD files into the Convert function or go to Add Files > Add DVD to load the disc or folder. Wait for the program to analyze the files.

Step 2: After importing, double-click the video thumbnail to preview chapters. Edit the title by clicking the file name and modify media metadata using the pen or info icon.

Step 3: Click the inverted triangle icon next to each file or select "Convert all to" for a unified format. HitPaw Univd supports 1000+ video and audio formats for conversion.

Step 4: HitPaw Univd uses GPU acceleration and lossless conversion for high-speed processing. You can enable or disable these features on the interface as needed.

Step 5: Click the “Convert” or “Convert All” button to begin the DVD-to-MP4 conversion process.

Step 6: Once the conversion is complete, go to the Converted tab and click Open Folder to locate the files or add them to the editor for further use.
Part 4: Other VLC Alternatives for DVD Conversion
YOU could convert DVD using VLC to MP4 but it has limitations like slow speed and encryption issues. Here are some alternative DVD rippers that offer faster, more reliable, and higher-quality conversions.
HandBrake
HandBrake is a free and open-source DVD ripper that supports multiple formats and advanced customization options. The tool offers features such as video compression and format conversion, but users need to tweak settings for the best result. Its complexity encourages power users, while built-in decryption is missing and a more simple solution to convert DVDs to MP4 is needed.

WinX DVD Ripper
WinX DVD Ripper does an excellent job of ripping both standard and encrypted DVDs with speedy conversions and high-quality output. The free version is limited in several aspects, like slow processing and watermarked output process, though it does support different formats and devices. To access its full potential, users need to buy the premium version for full DVD-ripping feature.

AnyMP4 DVD Converter
AnyMP4 DVD Converter is a user-Friendly DVD to MP4 Translator with Speed and Quality It has a variety of formats supported, which is useful for various devices. But as a free DVD ripper, it has some limitations, such as slow conversion speed, fewer editing features, a watermark on output videos, etc., so you need to upgrade to the premium version for a smooth DVD ripping experience.

Part 5: FAQs About Converting DVD Using VLC
Q1. Why does VLC not convert my DVD properly?
A1. VLC may fail to convert DVDs due to encryption, incorrect settings, or software limitations. Using a dedicated ripper like Univd can resolve these issues.
Q2. How can I fix audio issues in VLC DVD conversion?
A2. Ensure the correct audio track is selected before conversion and choose an appropriate codec (such as AAC or MP3) in the VLC settings.
Q3. What is the best alternative to VLC for DVD conversion?
A3. Univd is the best alternative because it supports encrypted DVDs, offers faster conversion speeds, and provides high-quality output.
Conclusion
Convert DVD using VLC to MP4, but you may have to deal with some downloads speed limitations, encryption, or even audio synchronization issues. If you are looking for a faster and more reliable solution, then you can try HitPaw Univd instead. It can handle encrypted DVDs, performs high-quality conversions, and is user friendly. For intuitive, one-click DVD extraction, Univd is the right choice.
Share this article:
Select the product rating:
Daniel Walker
Editor-in-Chief
My passion lies in bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and everyday creativity. With years of hands-on experience, I create content that not only informs but inspires our audience to embrace digital tools confidently.
View all ArticlesLeave a Comment
Create your review for HitPaw articles