4U DVD Ripper Review: Features, Performance, and Tips

Best settings — Preserve quality while reducing file size (4U DVD Ripper)

Container & codec

• Format: MP4 (H.264) — best balance of compatibility and compression.
• Alternative: MKV (H.265/HEVC) if target players support it — ~20–40% smaller for similar quality.

Video settings

• Encoder: H.264 (or H.265 if using MKV and compatible devices).
• Resolution: Match source DVD (usually 720×480 NTSC or 720×576 PAL). Upscaling loses nothing but increases size; downscale only if you need much smaller files (e.g., 640×360 for phones).
• Frame rate: Same as source (29.⁄₂₅). Do not change unless required.
• Bitrate / Quality: Prefer constant quality mode (if available) or set CRF:
  • H.264: CRF 18–22 (18 = near-transparent, 20 = visually lossless, 22 = good tradeoff).
  • H.265: CRF 20–24 (H.265 needs slightly higher CRF for similar quality).
  • If only bitrate option available: 1200–2000 kbps for main movie (adjust by source complexity).
• Profile / Level: High profile / auto level for H.264; keep default for H.265.

Audio settings

• Codec: AAC (for MP4) or AC3/FLAC for multi-channel fidelity.
• Channels: Keep same as source (usually stereo or AC3 5.1). Downmix to stereo only if target devices don’t support surround.
• Sample rate: 48 kHz (or keep source).
• Bitrate: 128–192 kbps for stereo AAC; 192–384 kbps (or keep original AC3) for 5.1.

Subtitles & extras

• Subtitles: Keep as separate soft subtitle tracks (not burned) if you need them. Burning increases re-encode complexity.
• Chapters & menus: Omit menus to save space; keep chapters if you want navigation.

Filters & processing

• Deinterlace: Enable only if source shows interlaced artifacts and target is progressive. Use high-quality deinterlace if needed.
• Denoise/sharpen: Avoid heavy filters — they can reduce quality or increase bitrate. Use mild denoise only for noisy VHS/DVD rips.
• Keep original aspect ratio: Do not stretch; use pillar/letterboxing as needed.

Practical presets (quick picks)

• High quality, moderate size: MP4 / H.264 / CRF 20 / Preset: Medium-Fast / AAC 192 kbps / Keep source resolution & framerate.
• Max size reduction (smaller files): MKV / H.265 / CRF 22–24 / Preset: Medium-Fast / AAC 128 kbps / Downscale to 640×360 if acceptable.
• Compatibility-first (older devices): MP4 / H.264 / Bitrate 1500–2000 kbps / AAC 192 kbps / Keep resolution.

Workflow tips

1. Rip a short 1–2 minute test clip and check on target device.
2. Compare visually at CRF steps (e.g., 18, 20, 22) to pick lowest acceptable CRF.
3. If filesize still high, reduce audio bitrate or downscale resolution before lowering video quality.
4. Save custom profile for repeat use.

If you want, I can generate exact profile values for 4U DVD Ripper’s settings dialog (video bitrate/CRF fields, encoder preset, audio fields) for your target device — tell me: prefer maximum compatibility (phones/TVs) or smallest size.