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

  • 5 Free DVD Rippers for Windows 10/11: Best Tools & Step-by-Step Guide
    5 Free DVD Rippers for Windows 10/11: Best Tools & Step-by-Step Guide

    The best DVD rippers for Windows 10/11 in 2026 depend on your disc type and output needs. HandBrake is a good free choice for converting unprotected DVDs to MP4, MKV, or WebM, while MakeMKV is better for full quality MKV backups that keep audio tracks, subtitles, metadata, and chapters. VLC can handle simple DVD ripping tests, and DVDFab DVD Ripper may be more useful when you need a guided interface, more output profiles, or support for protected DVDs. These tools help you digitize DVDs for easier backup, playback, and storage on modern devices.

    By Diana Smith - May 14, 2026
  • Convert ISO to AVI Free in 2026: 4 Tools for Windows & Mac
    Convert ISO to AVI Free in 2026: 4 Tools for Windows & Mac

    Converting an ISO to AVI is the process of extracting video data from a disc image to make it compatible with older playback devices. Reliable tools for this task include DVDFab DVD Ripper, VLC, and XMedia Recode. These programs allow you to load the ISO file, select the main video content, and choose AVI as your output format before starting the conversion. This method is particularly useful for playing movies on car infotainment systems or legacy hardware that does not support modern file types.

    By Diana Smith - May 14, 2026
  • How to Rip DVDs for Plex: Guide to Formats, Tools, and Library Setup
    How to Rip DVDs for Plex: Guide to Formats, Tools, and Library Setup

    To rip DVDs for Plex, use DVDFab DVD Ripper for an automated, one-click solution that handles decryption and compression, or a free workflow combining MakeMKV (for lossless ripping) and HandBrake (for compression). First, convert discs to MP4 (H.264) to ensure Direct Play. Then, organize your files using proper naming conventions like Title (Year) and add them to your library. This process ensures smooth playback and accurate metadata matching on Plex.

    By Diana Smith - May 8, 2026
  • How to Burn M4V to DVD on Windows & macOS? [2026 Update]
    How to Burn M4V to DVD on Windows & macOS? [2026 Update]

    Burning M4V to DVD is straightforward for DRM-free files, but most iTunes purchases carry FairPlay protection that blocks standard burners. In this article, I review three tools that actually work: DVDFab DVD Creator for full authoring control, BurnAware Free for quick no-frills discs, and Freemake for batch conversions on Windows.

    By Diana Smith - Apr 30, 2026
  • How to Remove Copy Protection from DVD Easily [2026 Update]
    How to Remove Copy Protection from DVD Easily [2026 Update]

    DVD copy protection can prevent you from creating backup copies or transferring content to other devices. This guide first reviews and compares the best and free DVD decryption software with detailed usage instructions, before delving into the various protection types and methods to successfully overcome them for personal archival purposes.

    By Diana Smith - Apr 30, 2026
  • 6 Best Blu-ray Authoring Software for Windows & Mac (2026 Review)
    6 Best Blu-ray Authoring Software for Windows & Mac (2026 Review)

    For Blu-ray collectors, professional Blu-ray authoring software offers a practical path to true HD playback by burning videos to Blu-ray discs. In this review, we evaluate 6 best free Blu-ray creators in depth, so you can identify the most suitable option and get started with Blu-ray authoring.

    By Diana Smith - Apr 30, 2026
  • Top 7 Best Open Source DVD Rippers You Must Know [2026 Update]
    Top 7 Best Open Source DVD Rippers You Must Know [2026 Update]

    While open-source DVD rippers like HandBrake and VLC are excellent free tools for digitizing home videos, they inherently lack the ability to bypass commercial DVD copy protections. To successfully convert your physical collection for mobile playback, you must either manually install third-party decryption libraries or opt for a powerful freeware alternative like DVDFab, which handles DRM natively without the technical hassle.

    By Diana Smith - Apr 28, 2026
  • How to Convert DVD to Blu-ray with DVDFab DVD to Blu-ray Converter?
    How to Convert DVD to Blu-ray with DVDFab DVD to Blu-ray Converter?

    Convert DVDs to Blu-ray fast with DVDFab: AI upscaling to 1080p, merge multiple discs, customize menus, output BD50/25/9/5, ISO or folder, with GPU acceleration and clear steps.

    By Diana Smith - Apr 27, 2026
  • How to Convert MP4 to ISO: 6 Proven Methods for High Quality Output
    How to Convert MP4 to ISO: 6 Proven Methods for High Quality Output

    Finding a reliable MP4 to ISO converter is essential for preserving digital videos as standard disc images. In my tests using my Windows and MacBook Air, I found that professional tools handle menu creation and NTSC/PAL formatting most effectively. This guide explains how to convert MP4 to ISO using top-rated software, ensuring your final output maintains high-bitrate quality for playback on standalone DVD players.

    By Diana Smith - Apr 23, 2026
  • Can You Play Blu-ray on DVD Player? [2026 Facts and Solutions]
    Can You Play Blu-ray on DVD Player? [2026 Facts and Solutions]

    Wondering if a DVD player can spin a Blu-ray? Quick answer: no. This comprehensive guide explains, in plain terms, why the hardware is incompatible, what happens if you try, and the safest ways to watch your Blu-ray on a DVD player anyway.

    By Diana Smith - Apr 22, 2026
  • Exploring HDR, HDR10, and Dolby Vision in Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs
    Exploring HDR, HDR10, and Dolby Vision in Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs

    This article explains the real differences between HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision in simple terms. It shows when Dolby Vision can look better, when HDR10 is already enough, and how these formats work on TVs, streaming devices, and UHD Blu-ray discs. It also briefly covers how to keep HDR10 or Dolby Vision when backing up 4K UHD discs with DVDFab.

    By Diana Smith - Apr 17, 2026
  • 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Solution: Everything You Need to Know
    4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Solution: Everything You Need to Know

    4K Ultra HD Blu-ray still matters if you want better picture, less compression, and stronger audio than streaming can usually offer. This guide explains the difference between 4K and UHD, what you need to play UHD discs, and when standard Blu-ray is still enough. If you want to back up or convert UHD movies for easier viewing, DVDFab UHD tools can also help.

    By Diana Smith - Apr 17, 2026