Ripping is a process by means of which part of a file is extracted from a DVD, that involves the original source and not just Divx files often mistakenly associated with the procedure.

Choosing a good software program for doing such task is necessary to obtain the desired results, which usually are much better than using analogue methods that were commonly practiced before the introduction of digital means and computerized routines.

DVD ripping is often useful to improve the quality of video footage. Talking about quality, if you have tried to rip a video using your DVD player you would probably find any of these two stages: a DVD protected file, or a message encouraging you to stop doing so to avoid a low quality, low definition file.

With protected files there is too little to do if you do not the proper software or key to unlock/unprotect a video file. With warning messages, you have the option to ignore the advice and go ahead ripping your DVD because you may always find a DVD Ripper program providing you with editing tools to enhance whatever results you are obtaining from the ripping process.

Although, most DVD Ripper software is developed for Windows Operating Systems, these types of programs are supported by other platforms, such as Linux, and are writing in different interpreter programming languages, including Perl.

Some DVD Ripper programs may require an ASPI layer which is a software interface that often comes as part of your computer's Adaptec's SCSI drivers, but it can also be downloaded online. This layer is used internally to accurately extract parts of a DVD video file with no major hassles.

There are several ways to rip a DVD: Main Movie IFO Ripping The IFO is the index containing the DVD information and used to define its chapters, so you can rip one title at a time.

Multiple Title Ripping This mode allows you to rip chapters in the IFO individually or the entire DVD in File Mode.

With a DVD Ripper, you can also make smaller rips in a stream processing or a complex multiple angle process, as an example ripping footage in two different languages at a time.

Some DVD Ripper software includes the following applications: Nero, one of the first and more popular DVD ripper programs available. DVD Decrypter, rip DVD files and burns burn ISO images to CD or DVD. Magic DVD Ripper; rip DVD to a blank DVD or your computer's hard drive. Flash DVD Ripper; rip and converts DVD files into different video formats. Xilisoft DVD Ripper; rip at fast speed DVDs to DivX, AVIAn, and VCD. Super DVD Ripper, rip; copy, covert and backup DVD files to DVDs, SVCD or hard drives. DVD: Rip; a fully featured Gtk+ GUI ripper for Linux with, including several open source tools.