Diana Smith

Latest Posts

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  DVD9 to DVD5: Fix the Insert DVD-9 Prompt

  Learn how to convert DVD9 to DVD5 in DVDFab, fix the Insert DVD-9 prompt, manage compression and retained content, and choose ISO, DVD folder, or disc output.

  By Diana Smith - Jul 23, 2026
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  How to Enable HandBrake GPU Acceleration: Encoders, Setup, and Fixes

  HandBrake supports GPU acceleration through NVIDIA NVENC, AMD VCE/VCN, and Intel Quick Sync. To enable it, load a video, open the Video tab, and select a compatible hardware encoder before starting or queueing the job. GPU encoding is faster and reduces CPU usage, but it may produce slightly larger files or lower quality than slower CPU encoding. Supported systems can also use hardware decoding to speed up input processing.

  By Diana Smith - Jul 22, 2026
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  HandBrake Review 2026: Is It Free and Worth Using?

  HandBrake is a free, open-source video transcoder valued for strong batch processing, good output quality, offline privacy, device presets, and hardware acceleration. Its main drawbacks are a steep learning curve, limited output containers (MP4, MKV, and WebM), and high CPU usage during encoding.

  By Diana Smith - Jul 21, 2026
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  AnyDVD Is Discontinued: Tested Upgrade Paths in 2026

  AnyDVD HD was a widely used Windows driver designed to automatically decrypt DVD and Blu-ray copy protections in the background, allowing other applications to access the disc's data freely. However, following the shutdown of its developer RedFox in 2024, the software is now discontinued and no longer receives updates for newer encryption schemes. Consequently, users seeking continued functionality have migrated to updated alternatives like DVDFab, which maintains active development to support the latest 4K UHD standards and decrypt new discs that the outdated AnyDVD software can no longer read.

  By Diana Smith - Jul 20, 2026
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  DVD Shrink Review and Its Best Alternatives on Windows and Mac

  DVD Shrink 3.2.0.15 remains available from the currently reachable dvdshrink.org download page, but development ended in 2005 and the DVD Shrink software is not actively maintained. It can still compress DVDs into ISO or VIDEO_TS backups, although Windows 10 and Windows 11 compatibility varies and newer workflows often need a maintained tool like DVDFab.

  By Diana Smith - Jul 20, 2026
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  7 Best & Free DVD Menu Creators in 2026: How to Make a DVD Menu on Windows & Mac

  I tested 7 top DVD menu creators for Windows, Mac, and Linux to find the best tool for turning video files into professional discs. DVDFab DVD Creator is my top pick for its advanced customization features, effectively filling the gap left by discontinued software like Adobe Encore. This guide provides a full comparison of these tools and a tutorial on how to make a custom DVD menu.

  By Diana Smith - Jul 16, 2026
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  How to Burn 4K Blu-ray Discs in 2026: Best Discs, Burners & Reliable Playback

  Burning 4K Blu-rays takes more than just burning a video file; it requires proper authoring and compatible hardware. After testing several workflows, I found that software like DVDFab UHD Creator and 4K Blu-ray burners such as Pioneer BDR-XS07UHD work best together to preserve HDR and playback quality. This guide walks you through how to author, burn, and play 4K movies on your home theater setup.

  By Diana Smith - Jul 16, 2026
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  How to Copy Blu-ray Discs to Hard Drive, PC, and DVD [2026, Tested]

  This guide gives readers a clear plan to copy Blu-ray discs: what to prepare and quick picks; full-disc backups or main-movie rips to hard drive (DVDFab, BD-Cloner, MakeMKV); ISO images on PC (BurnAware); and Blu-ray-to-DVD down-conversion with practical steps. It also catalogs common failure modes and fixes, plus legal/FAQ essentials. In testing, DVDFab Blu-ray Copy stood out for broad disc compatibility and faster, GPU-assisted jobs, making it my top pick for 1:1 backups.

  By Diana Smith - Jul 15, 2026
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  5 Best Android DVD Player Apps in 2026 (Plus ISO & External-Drive Fixes)

  While most smartphones and tablets don't have a built-in DVD drive to play physical discs, you can still enjoy your DVD collection with a few simple workarounds. In this guide, we'll explore how to convert DVDs into digital files that can be transferred to your phone and recommend the best Android apps that can play them.

  By Diana Smith - Jul 15, 2026
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  12 Best HandBrake Alternatives in 2026 for DVD Ripping and Video Conversion

  Whether the HandBrake alternative you need depends on one thing: are you ripping copy-protected discs, or just converting files you already have? This comparison covers twelve tools split across both jobs, from paid rippers like DVDFab DVD Ripper that strip disc protection to free command-line converters like FFmpeg. And a feature table compares pricing, formats, and platform support across every option.

  By Diana Smith - Jul 9, 2026
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  MakeMKV vs HandBrake: Which to Use for DVD and Blu-ray Ripping? [2026]

  MakeMKV and HandBrake solve different parts of the DVD and Blu-ray backup process. MakeMKV is better for creating MKV files from supported DVD and Blu-ray sources while keeping the original video, audio, subtitles, and chapters. HandBrake is better for compressing and converting existing videos to MP4, MKV, or WebM. Many users use both: MakeMKV first, then HandBrake.

  By Diana Smith - Jul 9, 2026
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  MakeMKV Beta Key July 2026: Current Key & Purchase Status

  MakeMKV‘s current beta key is valid until the end of July 2026, so free beta access is available again. However, permanent key purchases remain unavailable on the official purchase page, and users reported new makemkv.com access problems on June 16, including slow loading and DNS-related errors. This page explains the current key status, purchase limits, safer workarounds, and when a MakeMKV alternative like DVDFab may be needed.

  By Diana Smith - Jul 9, 2026