Diana Smith

DVDFab Editor

Diana Smith is a prolific content creator at DVDFab and specializes in DVD/Blu-ray ripping and backup. With years of experience in software reviews and tech tutorials, her insights have been quoted on many leading tech sites. She holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, where her research focused on optical signal processing and data encryption. She is a true enthusiast of nostalgic media. Her desk is a testament to this hobby, always neatly stacked with disc drives and DVD collections.
Joined in 2013
Article Contributed: 116

Expertise

Software review | Tech guide | Optical signal processing

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University

Latest Posts

  • HandBrake vs VLC: Features, Speed, and Codec Support Compared (2026)
    HandBrake vs VLC: Features, Speed, and Codec Support Compared (2026)

    HandBrake and VLC are both free and capable of video conversion, but their design goals diverge enough to make the choice non-obvious. This comparison covers six key differences including codec support, GPU acceleration performance, and known limitations of each tool. For most workflows, HandBrake fits quality-focused re-encoding jobs and batch processing; VLC fits quick format changes and remuxing. A comparison table and FAQ are included for reference.

    By Diana Smith - May 27, 2026
  • How to Burn DVD with Subtitles: Add SRT, ASS, and Selectable Captions
    How to Burn DVD with Subtitles: Add SRT, ASS, and Selectable Captions

    This guide explains how to turn videos and external subtitle files into a playable DVD-Video project instead of a simple data disc. It covers the difference between hard subtitles and selectable subtitle tracks, shows how to add and edit SRT or ASS subtitles in DVDFab DVD Creator, and explains key settings such as subtitle delay, character encoding, DVD-5 or DVD-9 output, and ISO or folder testing before burning.

    By Diana Smith - May 26, 2026
  • 6 Best Blu-ray Copy Software for Windows & Mac [2026 Tested & Ranked]
    6 Best Blu-ray Copy Software for Windows & Mac [2026 Tested & Ranked]

    Blu-ray copy software is designed to clone content to blank discs or save movies as ISO files, folders, or digital formats on a local server. Top Blu-ray copy software includes DVDFab Blu-ray Copy for professional grade decryption and five versatile copy modes. Other notable tools are Leawo Blu-ray Copy for stable 3D preservation and Blue-Cloner for simple one-click operations. For those who prioritize digital media servers like Plex, MakeMKV and DVDFab Blu-ray Ripper offer efficient lossless remuxing and high quality file conversion.

    By Diana Smith - May 26, 2026
  • Best Free ISO Burner Software for Windows and Mac (2026): 8 Tools Tested
    Best Free ISO Burner Software for Windows and Mac (2026): 8 Tools Tested

    This guide brings together the best free ISO burners for Windows and Mac, covering simple tools for quick ISO burning as well as feature-rich options. Based on hands-on comparisons, DVDFab DVD Copy stands out as the most capable overall choice, while Free ISO Burner and ImgBurn remain reliable free alternatives for straightforward burning tasks.

    By Diana Smith - May 25, 2026
  • How to Rip Blu-ray to MKV on Windows & Mac: 4 Best Converters Tested
    How to Rip Blu-ray to MKV on Windows & Mac: 4 Best Converters Tested

    Ripping Blu-ray to MKV is one of the most effective ways to keep full disc quality, preserve multiple tracks, and make your movies easier to play on different devices. I tested four Blu-ray to MKV converters under identical hardware conditions. DVDFab completed a 33 GB disc in 13 minutes with GPU acceleration; HandBrake needed over 5 hours on CPU for the same source.

    By Diana Smith - May 25, 2026
  • Top 12 DVD to MP4 Converter Software for Win & Mac [2026 Tested]
    Top 12 DVD to MP4 Converter Software for Win & Mac [2026 Tested]

    To convert a DVD to MP4, you'll need "ripping" software to read the physical disc's data and re-encode it into a digital file. While free tools like HandBrake or VLC Media Player are excellent for homemade discs, professional software like DVDFab DVD Ripper is often required for complex movie file structures. To begin, simply insert the DVD, open your selected software, choose the MP4 (H.264/AAC) output profile, and click "Start".

    By Diana Smith - May 22, 2026
  • What is HandBrake Web Optimized and Anamorphic: Details and Guide
    What is HandBrake Web Optimized and Anamorphic: Details and Guide

    HandBrake has two settings that are easy to confuse: Web Optimized and Anamorphic. Web Optimized is for MP4/M4V fast start, so it is worth enabling when the video will be played from a website, CDN, cloud link, or browser. Anamorphic is for display shape, especially with DVD sources that may look stretched or squeezed after conversion. Use Web Optimized for online MP4 playback; adjust Anamorphic only when the output aspect ratio needs to stay correct.

    By Diana Smith - May 21, 2026
  • DVDFab UHD Copy Review (2026): Features, Steps and Tips
    DVDFab UHD Copy Review (2026): Features, Steps and Tips

    In 2026 DVDFab UHD Copy review, we found this software remains the gold standard for home theater enthusiasts looking to back up their physical 4K Blu-ray collections. It balances exceptional decryption power with lossless retention of premium formats like HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. While it requires a compatible UHD-friendly drive, its impressive GPU-accelerated speed makes it a reliable investment for serious media collectors.

    By Diana Smith - May 21, 2026
  • Windows DVD Maker Review: Features, Download Safety, and Alternatives
    Windows DVD Maker Review: Features, Download Safety, and Alternatives

    Windows DVD Maker is a legacy DVD authoring tool once included with Windows Vista and Windows 7. It is not available in Windows 10 or Windows 11, and Microsoft does not offer an official download. To burn videos to playable DVDs on modern PCs, use alternatives such as DVDFab DVD Creator, DVDStyler, or CDBurnerXP.

    By Diana Smith - May 20, 2026
  • How to Rip Audio from DVD with 5 Best Free DVD Audio Extractors [2026]
    How to Rip Audio from DVD with 5 Best Free DVD Audio Extractors [2026]

    To rip audio from a DVD, you can use a free tool like VLC or DVD Audio Extractor to read a disc and export audio as MP3, FLAC, WAV, AC3, DTS, or PCM. For faster results, higher output quality, and support for protected DVDs, I recommend using a dedicated DVD ripper like DVDFab, which can extract the disc’s audio stream directly without requiring a separate video-to-audio conversion.

    By Diana Smith - May 20, 2026
  • Movavi Video Converter Review: Features, Cons, and Alternative
    Movavi Video Converter Review: Features, Cons, and Alternative

    This review offers a clear look at Movavi Video Converter, covering its core features, supported formats, and real-world performance. It also highlights where the software works well and where it falls short. By comparing it with a capable alternative like DVDFab, the article helps you identify which tool fits your video conversion and media management needs.

    By Diana Smith - May 20, 2026
  • Leawo Blu-ray Creator Review: Features, Test, and Alternatives
    Leawo Blu-ray Creator Review: Features, Test, and Alternatives

    Leawo Blu-ray Creator supports standard Blu-ray and DVD burning across Windows and Mac, with 180+ input formats and 40+ menu templates. This review covers the hands-on test results, documented limitations, and alternatives at different prices. The core trade-off is menu flexibility and moderate pricing versus variable output quality. If audio sync accuracy matters for your project, the free trial is worth running on your content before subscribing.

    By Diana Smith - May 19, 2026