People love free things. And in the world of IT, there is a free alternative for almost everything; Linux is a free OS, Open office for documents, Audacity for DAWs. The list has no end.
It is only natural, then, that this trend would apply to DVD and Blu-ray rippers too.
Today, we’ll be talking about Handbrake. Handbrake is open source software (OSS) that can rip DVDs and Blu-rays into different formats. It might not offer the great variety that paid alternatives do, but it is customizable (if you are tech-savvy) and free.
However, there is a price one has to pay, albeit not monetary: Handbrake can get frustratingly slow.
In this article, we will explain the reasons why and try to find ways to speed it up.
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Why is Handbrake slow
1. Google Chrome makes handbrake slower
When you enable VideoToolBox on Handbrake- a low-level framework that helps you access hardware encoders and decoders, and Google Chrome is on, you get slower encoding/decoding. This happens because Google Chrome restricts access to VideoToolBox even to a series of apps, including Handbrake.
Solution: Switch to a different browser. It has been noticed that Opera, for example, doesn’t affect Handbrake adversely.
2. Your computer doesn’t meet Handbrake’s minimum requirements
These are handbrake’s hardware minimum requirements:
For Windows and Linux:
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Athlon X2
- Free Memory: 256MB for SD | 1GB for HD | 2GB for 4K
For Mac:
- 64-bit Intel Mac (2010 models and newer)
- Free Memory: 256MB for SD | 1GB for HD | 2GB for 4K
If your computer doesn’t meet them, it will either not be able to run HandBrake at all or run it very slowly.
Solution: Upgrade your computer or get an alternative.
3. You are using the wrong video codec
Handbrake is capable of converting DVD to H.265, MP4, or MKV. Usually, H.265 having the highest quality of the three can be pretty slow to encode, especially on low-end computers.
Solution: Use either the MP4 or H.264 formats instead.
4. You have chosen a slow encoding method
Handbrake supports two kinds of encoding on the two ends of the quality-speed spectrum. One-pass offers faster, lower-quality encoding while two-pass sacrifices speed for better video and audio.
Unfortunately, Handbrake doesn’t have the middle-ground option some professional DVD rippers, like Tipard DVD Ripper, do.
5. Handbrake’s quality settings are slowing it down
Handbrake has a parameter called Constant Rate Factor (CRF). It offers a range of options from 0 to 51 with lower values producing larger but higher-quality files. In some cases, the value you set the CRF to does nothing other than make Handbrake run slower.
Solution: Set the CRF value to a mid-range number as you start getting diminishing returns after 10.
6. The DVD you are trying to rip is damaged or copy-protected
Handbrake cannot rip copy-protected DVDs and will run really slow, if at all, with old or damaged ones.
Solution: Try to use clean, new discs and install libdvdcss on your computer. This is a library that will allow Handbrake to rip CSS-protected DVDs.
Here is a guide on how to install libdvdcss on your computer.
Handbrake alternative: Tibard Blu-ray Converter
If handbrake’s limitations make it less appealing, you may want to consider switching to an alternative.
We recommend Tipard Blu-ray Converter.
With Tipard Blu-ray Converter you get an inexpensive app for all your DVD and Blu-ray-related needs. To be more precise:
- You no longer need to worry about the output quality as Tipard has a lossless feature that allows it to convert DVDs and Blu-rays with no loss of quality.
- You get to choose between 500+formats.
- Speed will no longer be an issue, as Tipard’s technologies make it 30 times faster than any of its competitors.
- There are a plethora of extra things Tipard can do that you get along with the main product: A video editor, a 3D Maker, Video Enhancer and Compressor, a GIF Maker, and a Metadata Editor.
- Copy protection mechanisms are no obstacle for Tipard. It can bypass and decode any DRM on the market.
- It is easier to use than any other app. Handbrake, like all open source apps, can get quite complicated. With Tipard you will never need to look at a user manual online. Everything is at the tips of your fingers.
How to use Tipard Blu-ray Converter to convert DVD and Blu-ray
Step 1: Download Tipard Blu-ray converter
- Go to the webpage and click on the download button.
- Run the installer and launch the app after you are done.
Step 2: Load your Blu-ray/DVD
- After placing the disc in your computer, go to the Ripper tab and click on “Load Blu-ray”-“Load Blu-ray Disc“.What is more, ISOs and folders are no problem for Tipard. Go to “Load DVD” – “Load from Folder” or “Load ISO” for each case.
- Instead of that, you may click on the plus symbol.
In seconds you’ll see the files appear on Tipard.
Step 3: Set things up before you rip
- Click on the “Full Title List” button to be directed to the clip selection menu.
- Set the audio and subtitles you want.
- Customize all clips through the edit tool.
- Go to “Video” and select any format. The “Same as Source” option will yield you an exact copy of the original movie.
Step 4: Finish up
- Click on “Rip All” for Tipard to start.
In a few minutes, you will have a video file ready to enjoy on any device you want.
Conclusion
Handbrake is an open-source DVD ripper and as such has several limitations and cannot handle the high-speeds of its professional competitors. While there are ways to speed it up a little, there are also great, budget-friendly professional alternatives like Tipard DVD Ripper.