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How to Convert Video or DVD Files to MP4 Format in VLC Media Player

Key takeaways:

  • VLC Media Player is a free, open-source software that can convert various video and audio formats, including DVDs, to MP4.
  • Converting files to MP4 format ensures better compatibility with most devices and media players.
  • VLC offers a simple, step-by-step process for converting files, making it accessible for users of all skill levels.
  • When converting DVDs, it’s essential to disable disc menus to ensure the entire content is converted.

VLC Media Player is a versatile, free, and open-source multimedia player that supports a wide range of audio and video formats. One of its lesser-known features is the ability to convert video files and DVDs to the widely compatible MP4 format. Converting your files to MP4 ensures that they can be played on most devices and media players without compatibility issues.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of converting video files and DVDs to MP4 using VLC Media Player on both Windows and macOS.

Converting Video Files to MP4

To convert a video file to MP4 using VLC Media Player, follow these steps:

  1. Open VLC Media Player on your computer.
  2. Click on the “Media” menu at the top and select “Convert/Save.”
  3. In the “Open Media” dialog box, click on the “Add” button to browse and select the video file you want to convert.
  4. Once the file is added, click on the “Convert/Save” button at the bottom of the dialog box.
  5. In the “Convert” dialog box, choose the destination folder for your converted file by clicking on the “Browse” button.
  6. Next to the “Profile” dropdown menu, select “Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4)” to convert your file to MP4 format.
  7. Click on the “Start” button to begin the conversion process.

VLC Media Player will now convert your video file to MP4 format. The conversion time depends on the size and length of your video file.

Converting DVDs to MP4

Converting a DVD to MP4 using VLC Media Player is similar to converting a video file, with a few additional steps:

  1. Insert the DVD you want to convert into your computer’s DVD drive.
  2. Open VLC Media Player.
  3. Click on the “Media” menu and select “Convert/Save.”
  4. In the “Open Media” dialog box, click on the “Disc” tab.
  5. Select the “DVD” option and ensure that the correct disc drive is selected.
  6. Important: Check the “No disc menus” option to convert the entire content of the DVD.
  7. Click on the “Convert/Save” button.
  8. In the “Convert” dialog box, choose the destination folder and filename for your converted file.
  9. Select “Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4)” from the “Profile” dropdown menu.
  10. Click on the “Start” button to begin the conversion process.

VLC Media Player will now rip the DVD and convert it to an MP4 file. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the DVD content.

Tips for Better Conversion Results

To ensure the best possible conversion results, consider the following tips:

  • Make sure you have enough free space on your hard drive to store the converted file.
  • Close other applications and programs running in the background to speed up the conversion process and prevent potential issues.
  • If you encounter issues with converting a DVD, try using a third-party DVD decryption tool to remove any copy protection before attempting the conversion with VLC Media Player.

By following these simple steps, you can easily convert your video files and DVDs to the widely compatible MP4 format using VLC Media Player. This free and open-source tool offers a convenient solution for converting your media files without the need for paid software.

FAQ

Can VLC Media Player convert any video format to MP4?

VLC Media Player supports a wide range of video formats, and it can convert most of them to MP4. However, there may be some rare or proprietary formats that VLC cannot handle. In such cases, you may need to use a different conversion tool.

Is it legal to convert DVDs to MP4 using VLC Media Player?

The legality of converting DVDs to MP4 depends on the copyright laws in your country and the intended use of the converted file. In many cases, creating a backup copy of a DVD you own for personal use is considered fair use. However, distributing or selling converted files without permission from the copyright holder is generally illegal.

Does converting a video file to MP4 reduce its quality?

Converting a video file to MP4 using VLC Media Player should not significantly reduce its quality, as long as you choose the appropriate settings. However, if you convert a file multiple times or use low-quality settings, you may experience some loss in quality.

How long does it take to convert a video or DVD to MP4 using VLC Media Player?

The conversion time depends on several factors, such as the size and length of the video or DVD, the processing power of your computer, and the selected conversion settings. Generally, converting a short video file should only take a few minutes, while converting a full-length DVD may take several hours.

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