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

  • How to Burn Xbox 360 Games: What's Legal and Safer Alternatives
    How to Burn Xbox 360 Games: What's Legal and Safer Alternatives

    Burning Xbox 360 games to DVD requires a legal backup image, DVD+R DL media, and a dual-layer DVD burner, but a burned disc may not run on a standard console. Avoid downloaded ISOs and console mods due to legal and hardware risks. For recorded gameplay videos, use DVDFab DVD Creator to make a standard video DVD.

    By Diana Smith - Jul 1, 2026
  • How to Convert VHS to Digital: 4 Tested Ways to Digitize VHS Tapes
    How to Convert VHS to Digital: 4 Tested Ways to Digitize VHS Tapes

    How to convert VHS to digital depends on whether you still have a working VCR. A capture card is usually the best home option, a standalone converter is simple, DVD-to-digital works if you already record tapes to disc, and a service is the easiest choice without a VCR. Expect real-time capture, modest VHS quality, and plan backups from day one.

    By Diana Smith - Jul 1, 2026
  • DVDFab UHD Ripper Review: Key Features Tested & How to
    DVDFab UHD Ripper Review: Key Features Tested & How to

    DVDFab UHD Ripper is designed for users who want to rip 4K UHD Blu-ray discs, ISO files, or folders into flexible digital formats such as MKV, MP4, and M2TS. It is most useful when you need profile control, HDR10 or Dolby Vision preservation, subtitle and audio selection, compression options, and GPU-accelerated conversion. Before using it, prepare a compatible 4K UHD Blu-ray drive, enough storage space, and a clear output goal such as lossless backup, Plex playback, mobile playback, or SDR display compatibility.

    By Diana Smith - Jul 1, 2026
  • How to Burn Video_TS to DVD on Windows and Mac: 4 Methods That Work
    How to Burn Video_TS to DVD on Windows and Mac: 4 Methods That Work

    A VIDEO_TS folder will not play on a DVD player just by copying it onto a blank disc: authoring and burning are separate steps, and skipping either one is why home-burned discs often fail. This guide covers four ways to handle both steps, from an all-in-one paid application to a free two-tool combination and the burning feature built into Windows. For most people, the choice comes down to paying for ongoing support and menu design, or using a free workflow.

    By Diana Smith - Jul 1, 2026
  • How to Trim a Video in VLC on Windows and Mac
    How to Trim a Video in VLC on Windows and Mac

    VLC can trim a video on both Windows and Mac using its built-in record feature, but the process re-encodes footage and is not built for precise or repeated cuts. This guide walks through the exact steps for each platform, explains the quality trade-offs involved, and notes when a keyframe-based tool such as LosslessCut fits better than VLC.

    By Diana Smith - Jul 1, 2026
  • Top Tested Tools to Burn MKV to Blu-ray on Mac and Windows [2026]
    Top Tested Tools to Burn MKV to Blu-ray on Mac and Windows [2026]

    To burn MKV to a playable Blu-ray disc, you need Blu-ray authoring software that can create a BDMV folder, Blu-ray ISO, or disc structure instead of copying the MKV file as data. DVDFab Blu-ray Creator is the most complete option for Mac and Windows users who need menus, BD25/BD50 output, subtitle and audio control, and direct disc, ISO, or folder output. Tools like tsMuxer, ImgBurn, and BurnAware are better for no-menu workflows or burning prepared Blu-ray structures.

    By Diana Smith - Jul 1, 2026
  • 10 Tested Open Source DVD Burners for Windows 10/11, Mac & Linux
    10 Tested Open Source DVD Burners for Windows 10/11, Mac & Linux

    An open source DVD burner should be chosen by operating system and disc type. DVDStyler works better for playable movie DVDs with menus, cdrtfe and InfraRecorder suit Windows data or ISO burning, Burn is the main Mac option, and K3b is the stronger Linux choice. ImgBurn and CDBurnerXP are useful freeware choices but not open-source tools, while DVDFab DVD Creator is a professional alternative for burning high-quality DVD with modern and personized menus.

    By Diana Smith - Jun 30, 2026
  • Region 0 DVD Meaning: Region-Free or Playable Everywhere?
    Region 0 DVD Meaning: Region-Free or Playable Everywhere?

    Region codes limit DVDs to specific geographic regions, but you can play region 0 DVDs everywhere. In this blog, we'll break down what a region 0 DVD is, how it differs from a region-free DVD, and share how to convert all your DVDs to region 0, so you can enjoy movies purchased from any country easily.

    By Diana Smith - Jun 29, 2026
  • Blu-ray vs DVD: Key Differences and Buying Guide
    Blu-ray vs DVD: Key Differences and Buying Guide

    Blu-ray is the stronger pick for sharper 1080p video, larger capacity, and richer audio, while DVD is cheaper and works better with older players; choose Blu-ray for HDTV/4K home theater or collecting, and choose DVD for budget viewing, old TVs, or legacy hardware. The main differences are capacity, resolution, audio formats, disc/player price, and compatibility.

    By Diana Smith - Jun 29, 2026
  • How to Fix Scratched DVD: Clean and Repair
    How to Fix Scratched DVD: Clean and Repair

    To fix a scratched DVD, first clean it with a microfiber cloth and wipe from the center outward. Use non-gel toothpaste or mild polishing only for shallow surface scratches. Deeper damage may need professional resurfacing or quick digitizing once readable. Disc rot, cracks, and label-side damage cannot be fixed at home.

    By Diana Smith - Jun 26, 2026
  • Cisdem Video Converter Review: Features, Price, Steps and More
    Cisdem Video Converter Review: Features, Price, Steps and More

    This Cisdem Video Converter review finds that Cisdem Video Converter is useful for Windows and Mac users who need broad format support, basic editing, device presets, and occasional DVD/Blu-ray handling in one desktop tool. Its main trade-offs are the restricted free version, moderate speed on large files, and higher system resource use compared with lighter options. You may consider DVDFab Ripper if you need stronger disc ripping, decryption, and conversion performance.

    By Diana Smith - Jun 26, 2026
  • Is DVDFab Safe? Virus Scan, Legal Check, and Payment Safety Guide (2026)
    Is DVDFab Safe? Virus Scan, Legal Check, and Payment Safety Guide (2026)

    DVDFab is a disc-ripping and decryption tool that some antivirus programs flag on download, leaving new users uncertain about its safety. This guide covers the VirusTotal scan result, digital signature verification, and the legal picture under US copyright law. The official installer is clean; whether disc decryption is legal in your country depends on local law.

    By Diana Smith - Jun 24, 2026