Mac DVD Ripper Pro

Mac DVD Ripper Pro — User Manual

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Installation

System Requirements

MDRP Version	Minimum macOS	Notes
v14.x	macOS 11 (Big Sur)	Current version
v13.x	macOS 11 (Big Sur)
v12.x	macOS 10.13 (High Sierra)	Supports Intel and Apple Silicon
v11.x and earlier	Varies	See old versions page

Downloading

1. Download the latest version from the website. The direct download link follows the pattern: https://www.macdvdripperpro.com/MDRP_v<VERSION>.zip (e.g., MDRP_v1410.zip).
2. No web page loads — the download starts right away. Check your Downloads folder.
3. Double-click the .zip file to unarchive it.
4. Drag MDRP.app to your /Applications folder (or run it from anywhere).
5. Launch MDRP.app.

Troubleshooting download issues:

• If the downloaded file doesn't have a .zip extension, the download may be incomplete. Try a different browser.
• If WinZip pops up when downloading, uninstall WinZip — the built-in macOS unarchiver is sufficient.

Old Versions

If you need an older version (e.g., for an older macOS), visit: https://www.macdvdripperpro.com/old_versions.html

This page is also accessible from the Help menu within MDRP, or from the FAQ.

Free Trial

MDRP offers a free trial with 5 DVD rips. The trial is the same download as the full version — it unlocks when you enter a serial number. No payment information is collected for the trial. You will NOT be charged automatically.

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Registration

Entering a Serial Number

1. Launch MDRP.
2. If it asks you to buy an upgrade, click 'Continue' to skip.
3. Select 'Registration...' from the MDRP menu (or click the shopping cart icon before inserting a DVD).
4. Copy and paste the serial number. Do NOT try to type it manually.
5. Ensure there are no extra spaces at the beginning, end, or anywhere in the middle.

Serial numbers are in the format: MDRP<version>-<hex>-<hash1>-<hash2>. The version prefix must match the app version (e.g., MDRP14-... codes work with v14.x).

Unregistering / Changing Serial Number

Use the 'Unregister' menu item in the MDRP menu to clear the current serial. Relaunch the app, then register with the new code.

Licensing Details

• One-time purchase — not a subscription.
• Usable on up to 3 computers you own, simultaneously.
• Each major version (v12, v13, v14) requires its own serial. Minor updates within a major version (e.g., v14.0 to v14.1) are free.
• You can keep using the version you paid for indefinitely.

Recovering a Lost Serial

Contact support at [email protected] with the email address used during purchase. They can look up your order and resend the serial number.

Common Registration Errors

Error	Cause	Solution
"Invalid"	Wrong version / extra spaces / missing dash	Verify version matches the serial prefix. Re-paste without extra whitespace.
"Future version"	Serial is for a newer major version	Download the version that matches the serial prefix.
Code from macxdvd.com	Different product entirely	Mac DVD Ripper Pro (macdvdripperpro.com) is NOT the same as MacX DVD Ripper Pro (macxdvd.com).

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Updating and Upgrading

Minor Updates (Free)

Use 'Check for updates...' from the MDRP menu. All updates within the same major version (e.g., v14.0 to v14.1) are free.

Major Version Upgrades (Paid)

Major version upgrades (e.g., v12 to v14) require purchasing an upgrade.

• Upgrade price: $24.95 USD (50% off the full price of $49.95)
• You can skip versions — e.g., go directly from v9 to v14.
• There is a grace period: purchases of the previous version made near the release date of the new version include a free upgrade.

Reverting to an Older Version

Download older versions from: https://www.macdvdripperpro.com/old_versions.html

You can have multiple versions installed side-by-side, but only run one at a time.

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Getting Started

1. Disable DVD Player auto-launch: Go to System Preferences > CDs & DVDs and change the action for video DVDs to "Ignore" (this section only appears while a drive is connected).
2. Insert a DVD.
3. If DVD Player launches automatically, quit it before starting MDRP.
4. Launch MDRP.
5. The DVD should be detected automatically. If not, use the 'Select source...' menu item.
6. Read the Quick Start guide from the Help menu for a visual walkthrough.

Important: DVD Player Conflict

MDRP must not run at the same time as DVD Player.app. Only one application can use the DVDPlayback framework at a time. If you see a "DVD service cannot be used" error:

1. Quit MDRP.
2. Quit DVD Player.app.
3. Relaunch MDRP.

System Permissions

After installing or updating macOS, you may need to grant MDRP permissions:

1. Go to System Preferences > Privacy & Security > Files and Folders.
2. Ensure MDRP has read/write access to your destination folder.

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Ripping Modes Explained

MDRP has several ripping modes, each producing different output:

Mode	Output	Use Case
Rip and Convert	.mp4 / .m4v / .mkv	Default and recommended. Produces video files suitable for all media players.
Re-encode	.mp4 / .m4v / .mkv	Same as Rip and Convert, but for general video files instead of discs. Use this when your source is a normal video file.
Main movie only	.dvdmedia (VIDEO_TS structure)	Lossless copy of the main movie. Rewrites timestamps (most resilient mode). Playable in VLC and DVD Player.app.
Full disc image	.iso	Lossless copy of the entire DVD including menus, bonuses, and subtitles. Best for archival.
All videos and bonuses	VIDEO_TS/AUDIO_TS folders	Full DVD structure with all content.

The ripping mode is selected in the main window, not in Preferences. The Preferences "Convert" section (where you choose mp4/mkv/m4v, quality, etc.) applies to both the 'Rip and Convert' and 'Re-encode' modes.

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Tutorials

Rip a DVD to a Video File (MP4/M4V)

This is the most common operation. It converts a DVD into a standard video file.

1. Insert the DVD and launch MDRP.
2. Ensure the ripping mode is set to 'Rip and Convert' in the main window (this is the default).
3. Select the correct title: Click the 'Select With Player' button. The built-in DVD player will open. Navigate through the menus until the movie is actually playing (not just on the menu screen). While the movie is playing, click 'Select Current'.
4. Choose audio: The audio track is shown in the main window. Verify it's the correct language.
5. Choose subtitles (optional): Select a subtitle track from the subtitle popup. By default, subtitles are "None."
6. Set the destination: Click the 'Destination' button to choose where the file is saved.
7. Rename the output (optional): Click the path to the right of the Destination button to edit the filename.
8. Click 'Rip' to start.

The output will be a .m4v file by default (changeable to .mp4 or .mkv in Preferences > Convert section).

Create a Full Disc Image for Archival

Use this mode to preserve the entire DVD, including all menus, bonus features, and multiple subtitle tracks.

1. Insert the DVD and launch MDRP.
2. Switch the ripping mode to 'Full disc image'.
3. Set the destination folder.
4. Click 'Rip'.
5. The output is a .iso file. Play it in VLC using File > Open Disc Image, or double-click to mount it.

Rip a TV Series DVD (Multiple Episodes)

TV series DVDs typically have one title per episode.

1. Insert the DVD and launch MDRP.
2. Set the ripping mode to 'Rip and Convert'.
3. Use the 'Select With Player' button to identify which title number corresponds to which episode.
4. Set up the first episode for ripping.
5. Click 'Add 2nd action' and set up the next episode.
6. Repeat for all episodes.
7. Click 'Rip' to start the batch.

Shortcut: Use the 'Clear and convert all titles' menu item from the Edit menu to queue a 'Rip and Convert' action for every title on the disc.

Use AI Subtitles (Speech-to-Text)

MDRP v13+ can generate subtitles from audio tracks using local AI (no internet required).

1. In Preferences, ensure soft-subtitles is selected (not burned-in). AI subtitles do not work with burned-in mode.
2. In the main window, find the subtitle popup (which shows 'None' by default).
3. You will see audio tracks listed with (AI) next to them. Select the desired audio track.
4. Optionally, select a post-processing option from the second popup (e.g., "Fix typos and errors").
5. Click 'Rip' to start.
6. Important: After ripping, the subtitle track is off by default in most media players. You must enable it manually in your player's subtitle settings.

Notes:

• The first time you use this feature, MDRP downloads a ~4.5 GB AI model file. This is stored in ~/Library/Application Support/MDRP/.
• Speech-to-text processing is memory-intensive. On 8 GB RAM machines, close other apps and avoid post-processing for best results.
• On Intel Macs, speech-to-text is significantly slower than on Apple Silicon.
• Relaunch MDRP between rips if you experience memory-related slowdowns.

Translate Subtitles to Another Language

MDRP can translate subtitles using local AI.

1. Select a subtitle track to include (either from the DVD or AI-generated).
2. In the post-processing popup (next to the subtitle popup), select 'Translate to [Language]'.
3. Important: Only soft-subtitles can be translated. If you're using burned-in subtitles, switch to soft in Preferences.
4. If Subtitles is set to "None", the translation option has no effect.
5. The translation model supports 23 languages as listed in the app.

Best practice: If the DVD has subtitles in the source language, use those as the source rather than translating from AI-generated speech-to-text.

Keep Surround Sound Audio

By default, MDRP downmixes all audio to stereo for maximum compatibility.

1. Open Preferences (MDRP menu > Preferences, or Command-Comma).
2. Enable the 'Keep AC3' checkbox.
3. Close Preferences and re-rip.

This preserves both a stereo downmix (AAC) and the original surround track (AC3) for each selected audio track.

Upscale DVD to HD

DVD resolution is 480p. MDRP can upscale to 720p or 1080p.

1. In the main window, click the 'Image Settings' button.
2. Find the Upscale setting and select your desired resolution (720p, 1080p).
3. Choose an upscaling model. Options include Normal, Super Resolution, RRDN, SRResNet.
4. Use the A/B comparator to compare different settings visually.
5. Click Apply.

Rip and Burn a DVD Copy

1. Rip the DVD using 'Full disc image and burn a copy' mode to get a .iso file.
2. When prompted for a blank disc, click the small triangle button to change the burning speed.
3. Use the slowest speed available for best results.

Transfer Ripped Movies to iPhone

1. Rip the DVD using 'Rip and Convert' to get a .m4v or .mp4 file.
2. Open the Apple TV app on your Mac.
3. From the menu bar, select TV > Settings, then click the Files tab.
4. Click 'Home Videos' and select 'Add File'.
5. Navigate to and select your ripped video file.
6. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a cable.
7. In the Apple TV app, locate the imported video under Library > Home Videos.
8. Select the video and click the download/sync icon.
9. On your iPhone, open the TV app — the video appears under Library > Home Videos.

Restore a VHS Recording

MDRP can improve the quality of digitized VHS recordings.

1. First, digitize your VHS tape using a capture device such as Elgato Video Capture.
2. Drag the resulting video file onto MDRP (or use 'Select source...' from the menu).
3. Click 'Image Settings'.
4. Adjust parameters: brightness, contrast, saturation, denoise, deblock, sharpen.
5. Use the A/B comparator to check your settings against the original.
6. Click Apply, then click 'Rip'.

Settings are highly dependent on the specific recording. Use the free trial to experiment before buying.

Post-Process Blu-ray Rips

MDRP does not rip Blu-ray discs directly, but it can post-process Blu-ray rips from other tools.

1. Use MakeMKV (makemkv.com) to rip the Blu-ray to a .mkv file.
2. Drag the .mkv file onto MDRP (or use 'Select source...').
3. MDRP can then add AI subtitles, translate subtitles, upscale, or convert to a different format.

Extract Subtitles to SRT

1. Use the 'Extract subtitles...' menu item from the MDRP menu.
2. This produces a .srt file from the selected subtitle track.

Extract Audio from a DVD

MDRP does not currently have a dedicated audio-only extraction mode. Use this workaround:

1. Rip the DVD using 'Rip and Convert' to get a .mp4 or .m4v file.
2. Open the resulting file in QuickTime Player.
3. Use File > Export As > Audio Only to extract the audio.

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Common Problems and Solutions

"Can't open /dev/rdisk: Operation not permitted"

Cause: MDRP does not have filesystem permissions.

Solution: Go to System Preferences > Privacy & Security > Files and Folders and grant MDRP the necessary permissions. See the FAQ for screenshots.

"DVD service cannot be used for more than one process"

Cause: DVD Player.app is running at the same time as MDRP.

Solution:

1. Quit MDRP.
2. Quit DVD Player.app.
3. Disable DVD Player auto-launch in System Preferences > CDs & DVDs.
4. Relaunch MDRP.

If DVD Player isn't open but you still see this error, another app may be using the DVDPlayback framework. Try:

defaults write com.mdrp.MDRP mSkipCheck -bool YES

Then relaunch MDRP.

Serial Number Not Accepted

Symptom	Cause	Solution
"Invalid"	Wrong app version for serial	Download the version matching your serial prefix (e.g., MDRP14 needs v14.x)
"Future version"	Serial is for an unreleased version	Download the beta version or contact support for a current-version serial
Extra spaces	Whitespace before, after, or within the serial	Re-copy the serial carefully, ensuring no extra spaces
Missing dash	A dash is missing in the serial	Re-copy the serial carefully, ensuring all dashes are kept
Wrong product	Serial from macxdvd.com	That is a different product. Contact macxdvd.com instead.

Serial numbers follow the format MDRP<version>-<hex>-<hash1>-<hash2>. The version prefix must match your installed app version — for example, a serial starting with MDRP14- only works with v14.x. If the prefix doesn't match, download the version that corresponds to your serial.

Getting VIDEO_TS/AUDIO_TS Instead of an MP4 File

Cause: The ripping mode is set to "Main movie only" or "All videos and bonuses" instead of "Rip and Convert."

Solution: Switch to 'Rip and Convert' in the main window (not in Preferences). The Preferences "Convert" section only applies when "Rip and Convert" mode is selected.

AI Subtitles Not Appearing in Ripped File

1. Verify you selected a subtitle track (not "None") before ripping.
2. After ripping, enable the subtitle track in your media player — subtitles are off by default.
3. Ensure you are using soft-subtitles in Preferences (not burned-in).

AI Subtitles Crash or Out of Memory

• On 8 GB RAM machines: disable subtitle post-processing (translation, "fix typos") as it loads additional AI models.
• Close all other applications before ripping.
• Relaunch MDRP between rips to free leaked memory from earlier sessions.
• Avoid creating subtitles for multiple languages simultaneously — each language loads a separate model.

Very Slow Ripping

Possible causes:

• Super-resolution upscaling is enabled (check Image Settings).
• The disc is scratched (MDRP retries bad sectors, which is slow but eventually continues).
• SSD is nearly full (less than 10% free space causes severe slowdowns).
• Another app is accessing the DVD drive simultaneously.
• On Intel Macs, AI features are significantly slower than on Apple Silicon.

Solution: Disable super-resolution if not needed. Let scratched discs run overnight. Free up disk space.

Cleaning a Dirty or Scratched DVD

1. Rinse the disc under lukewarm running water to remove loose dust.
2. Apply a small drop of mild dish soap to the shiny (data) side.
3. Gently wipe with your fingertips in straight lines from the center hole to the outer edge. Never wipe in circles — circular scratches follow the data tracks and cause more damage.
4. Rinse thoroughly under running water until all soap is gone.
5. Dry with a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth, again wiping from center to edge.

Do not use paper towels, tissues, or abrasive cleaners — they can scratch the disc surface.

DVD Not Recognized

1. Verify the disc plays correctly in DVD Player.app using the same drive.
2. Check that it's a video DVD (not a Blu-ray or data disc).
3. Ensure the drive region matches the disc region.
4. Try a different drive or USB cable.

Disc Ejecting During Rip

Cause: macOS does not allow discs to remain mounted while the screen is locked.

Solution: Keep the screen unlocked during ripping (adjust Energy Saver / Lock Screen settings).

Translation Not Working

1. Verify a subtitle track is selected (if "None," translation has nothing to work with).
2. Ensure you are using soft-subtitles (burned-in cannot be translated).
3. Check that the post-processing popup shows the desired language.

"Lots of Errors / Scratched or Dirty DVD" Warning

1. First, play the DVD in DVD Player.app with the same drive. If it doesn't play there, the disc is not supported.
2. Try cleaning the disc: use water and soap, wiping from center to edge (never in circles), then dry with a soft cloth.
3. Try a different DVD drive or USB cable.
4. Let MDRP run — it will salvage as much data as possible, even from scratched discs.

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Known Limitations

Not Supported

• Blu-ray ripping — Use MakeMKV for ripping, then MDRP for post-processing.
• DVD creation from video files — MDRP is one-way (disc to file). Use Roxio Toast for creating DVDs from video files.
• DRM-protected files — Videos with DRM (Apple TV purchases, streaming downloads) cannot be read.
• Region mismatch — The DVD must be the same region as the drive. Buy a cheap external USB drive to set a different region.
• Windows or Linux — macOS only.
• Audio-only extraction — Under consideration for v15. Use the QuickTime workaround above.
• Title joining/merging — Each title produces one file. Use iMovie or ffmpeg to join.
• Phone / live chat support — Email only at [email protected].

Hardware Limitations

• 8 GB RAM: AI features (subtitles, upscaling) may be very slow or crash. Consider disabling post-processing.
• Intel Macs: Super-resolution upscaling is impractical (saturates GPU). Use normal upscale instead.

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Tips and Best Practices

Before Buying

• Always use the free trial first. Test with your specific hardware, macOS version, and DVDs.
• Check the system requirements against your macOS version.

For Best Quality

• Use the 'Very high quality' preset in Preferences if storage space is not a concern.
• For archival, use 'Full disc image' — it preserves the most data and allows re-processing later.
• Super Resolution (normal) on Apple Silicon gives the best upscaling quality.

For Problematic DVDs

• If analysis takes forever or a rip fails, try 'Full disc image' first. Then rip from the mounted image.
• If 'Rip and Convert' fails, try 'Main movie only' (most resilient mode), then convert from the result.
• Let MDRP run overnight for scratched discs — it will work through bad sectors.
• Try a different DVD drive or USB cable. Hardware issues are a common root cause.

Subtitle Best Practices

• Use soft-subtitles for maximum flexibility (toggleable, translatable).
• Translate from existing subtitle tracks rather than from AI speech-to-text for best quality.
• Remember subtitles are off by default in media players — enable them manually.

Performance Tips

• Relaunch MDRP between rips to clear memory.
• Close other apps when using AI features.
• On Intel Macs, avoid super-resolution mode.
• Keep at least 10% of SSD free for best ripping performance.

Licensing Tips

• Keep your purchase confirmation email — it's your proof of purchase for serial recovery.
• The same serial works on up to 3 computers you own.
• If you lose your serial, email support with the address used during purchase.

Troubleshooting Workflow

1. Relaunch MDRP (fresh launch clears the log).
2. Reproduce the issue with a single operation.
3. Use Help > 'Copy log to Desktop...' before quitting.
4. Email the log file to [email protected].

For crash reports: when the crash dialog appears, click on 'Show report...', and copy/paste the content into your email to support.

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If you have further questions or need any assistance, you may contact us.