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

  • Best DVD Recorders in 2026: 3 Models, Uses, and Buying Checks
    Best DVD Recorders in 2026: 3 Models, Uses, and Buying Checks

    A DVD recorder is a standalone unit that captures a compatible TV, VCR, camcorder, or external video signal to a writable DVD; some models also store recordings on an HDD. New units are uncommon in North America, so most buyers will be comparing used or refurbished models. The Magnavox MDR535H/F7 suits North American HDD/DVD recording, the Panasonic DMR-EX97EB is built around UK Freeview, and the Toshiba DR430 records external analog or DV sources. Existing digital files need DVD authoring software like DVDFab instead.

    By Diana Smith - Aug 4, 2026
  • Convert DVD to Blu-ray in 4 Steps with DVDFab
    Convert DVD to Blu-ray in 4 Steps with DVDFab

    Choose the correct DVD-to-Blu-ray output before starting: a physical disc for set-top playback, an ISO or folder for storage and later burning, or a separate MP4/MKV process for portable files. The article covers hardware requirements, realistic quality limits, four DVDFab authoring steps, and a capacity-aware method for combining several DVDs.

    By Diana Smith - Aug 4, 2026
  • Top 10 Best CD Burning Software on Windows and Mac [Detailed Review]
    Top 10 Best CD Burning Software on Windows and Mac [Detailed Review]

    CD burning software is designed to help you preserve music, photos, and data on physical media. Power2Go 13 is the most complete paid option in this list, while CDBurnerXP remains a free Windows choice for basic disc projects. Express Burn supports both Windows and Mac, but its free version is limited to non-commercial CD burning. For video files that need to become a playable DVD Video disc with menus, DVDFab DVD Creator covers that separate authoring task.

    By Diana Smith - Aug 3, 2026
  • Does Wii Play Blu-ray? No—What Works on Wii and Wii U
    Does Wii Play Blu-ray? No—What Works on Wii and Wii U

    No. Neither the Nintendo Wii nor Wii U can play Blu-ray movie discs. An original Wii can play Motion JPEG AVI or MOV files up to 848×480 through Photo Channel from an SD card, but Wii U has no equivalent official feature. For direct HD playback, use a Blu-ray player; convert the movie only if you specifically want to watch it on an original Wii.

    By Diana Smith - Aug 3, 2026
  • Can Wii Play DVDs? 2 Ways That Work in 2026
    Can Wii Play DVDs? 2 Ways That Work in 2026

    A stock Wii does not play DVD-Video discs, but two limited alternatives remain. This guide compares an SD-card file for compatible Photo Channel models with Homebrew disc playback on early Wii drives, including Wii Mini exclusions, format settings, and troubleshooting.

    By Diana Smith - Aug 3, 2026
  • UHD Drive Firmware Downgrade: Supported Models and Safer Steps
    UHD Drive Firmware Downgrade: Supported Models and Safer Steps

    Finding a UHD friendly drive and flashing it without bricking the hardware comes down to identity checks, not luck. This guide covers what makes a drive friendly, when a firmware downgrade makes sense, a supported model-and-firmware matrix (BU40N vs BU50N included), a safer DVDFab UHD Drive Tool workflow, and troubleshooting plus post-flash verification for authorized personal 4K backups.

    By Diana Smith - Aug 3, 2026
  • VCR to DVD: 3 Ways to Transfer Tapes Without Losing Quality
    VCR to DVD: 3 Ways to Transfer Tapes Without Losing Quality

    To convert vcr to dvd, use a USB video capture device (such as Diamond Video Capture VC500, Roxio, or Elgato) to connect your VCR to a computer. Then, use the included software to record the video and burn it to a DVD. You can also use professional software like DVDFab DVD Creator to burn the digitized video to a standard DVD.

    By Diana Smith - Aug 3, 2026
  • DVD Case Dimensions in mm and Inches: A Collector's Sizing and Print Guide
    DVD Case Dimensions in mm and Inches: A Collector's Sizing and Print Guide

    A standard DVD case measures 190 mm x 135 mm x 14 mm (7.48" x 5.31" x 0.55"). This sizing guide covers standard, slim, and multi-disc DVD cases in millimeters and inches, along with cover wraps, sleeves, inserts, and 300 DPI canvases. It also explains print bleed, actual-size output, cross-format case differences, shelf planning, and an optional digital alternative.

    By Diana Smith - Jul 30, 2026
  • CinEx HD Review 2026: Current Status, Limits, and Alternatives
    CinEx HD Review 2026: Current Status, Limits, and Alternatives

    CinEx HD Utility is now more useful as a legacy reference than as a current software recommendation. This review explains its uncertain download status and database dependence, then compares documented DVD, Blu-ray, and UHD options for authorized personal disc backups.

    By Diana Smith - Jul 29, 2026
  • Cisdem DVD Burner Review 2026: Tests and 3 Alternatives
    Cisdem DVD Burner Review 2026: Tests and 3 Alternatives

    Cisdem DVD Burner creates playable DVD-Video discs, VIDEO_TS folders, and ISO files from common video formats on Windows and Mac. Its trial burns only the first five minutes, while current single-device licenses cost $39.99 per year or $59.99 as a one-time purchase. It includes editing, chapters, subtitles, menu design, and previewing, but 4K sources are converted to standard DVD resolution.

    By Diana Smith - Jul 29, 2026
  • WinX DVD Author Review and Test 2026: Free, Safe, and Still Working?
    WinX DVD Author Review and Test 2026: Free, Safe, and Still Working?

    WinX DVD Author remains a usable free choice for basic DVD-Video projects on Windows 10 and 11, provided the writable drive, blank media, source file, and player are compatible. This review explains its real outputs, a compatibility-first tutorial, common failure checks, and when DVDFab DVD Creator offers more useful format, editing, menu, Mac, and batch support.

    By Diana Smith - Jul 29, 2026
  • How to Rip a DVD to iTunes or the Apple TV App: 3 Tested Methods
    How to Rip a DVD to iTunes or the Apple TV App: 3 Tested Methods

    To rip a DVD to iTunes or the Apple TV app, first convert the disc to an MP4 or M4V file with H.264 video and AAC audio. DVDFab DVD Ripper suits protected commercial discs, while HandBrake and VLC cover readable, unprotected sources. Import the finished file into the Apple TV app, then use Apple Devices on Windows or Finder on Mac to sync it to an iPhone or iPad.

    By Diana Smith - Jul 28, 2026