Convert your DVD to Audio Easily

Many times, when you want to convert DVD to audio, the software involved is rarely accessible to visually impaired users. In 2003, Computer Application Studio created a program called DVD Audio Extractor, and they continue to release updates on a regular basis.

An easy way to think of this program is a little like a CD ripper, but in this case, instead of ripping CDs, it will rip your DVDs into audio.

The software is $38.50 and comes with a 30-day trial. After you buy it, you will get lifetime updates to the software. You also get unlimited email support should you need it.

Accessibility

Every screen in this program works great with NVDA and Jaws. The buttons on each screen also have keyboard commands. As you proceed with setting up your DVD ripping settings, you have help that explains each step of the process. The help system is also accessible to screen reading software. At the end of this article, I’ll provide hotkeys for your use. Mouse users have plenty of screenshots and tool tips along the way to help you figure out what the buttons and icons do. Next, I’ll list the features of the software from the website. Note that this article is written from a windows perspective, though the software itself will run on multiple platforms.

DVD Audio Extractor Features

Cross-platform support

DVD Audio Extractor runs on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux (Ubuntu and Fedora). Users can choose the version they want and get identical functionality.

user Friendly Interface

DVD Audio Extractor was designed to be easy to use. The program comes with a step by step wizard-like interface and all the functions can be used by simple mouse clicks, or keyboard shortcuts.

DVD Audio Extractor also comes with a fully functional command line interface, which can be run at console or called from shell scripts.

Ultra-fast extracting speed

With its fully optimized processing engine, DVD Audio Extractor can convert selected audio tracks within 10% of normal playback time. (Note: processing time differs for different audio format settings)

Support all DVD audio formats

DVD Audio Extractor can decode all the audio formats available on all DVD-Audio and DVD-Video discs: MLP (Meridian Lossless Packing), LPCM (Linear pulse code modulation), DTS (Digital Theater Systems), Dolby Digital (AC-3), and MPEG2.

Support multiple output formats

DVD Audio Extractor is able to encode to several formats: OGG (Mono, Stereo or 5.1 Surround), MP3 (Mono, Stereo or Joint Stereo), Uncompressed PCM Wave (unlimited channel, 8 bits, 16 bits or 24 bits, with an option to save each channel to separate file), AIFF (only on OS X) and FLAC. You can also DEMUX audio streams from the DVD stream and save them as separate files.

The software also comes with a CD Image creating feature. This allows you to convert DVDs to Audio CDs in one step.

Tags and metadata support

You can enter disc metadata like artist, album, year and genre. That information, along with the chapter names you entered, will be saved into result files as tag info.

Disc metadata can also be uploaded to / downloaded from the server database. All the uploaded metadata is shared between all the users, so that people don’t need to enter metadata for the same disc again.

Audio and video playback/preview

The audio and video play/preview feature allows you to listen to the selected chapters before you extract them, so that you can be sure those chapters are really what you wanted. You can also use DVD Audio Extractor as a standalone Audio and Video Player for DVD discs.

Resample to arbitrary sample rate

The resample library in DVD Audio Extractor allows you to save audios to any sample rate with high quality.

Batch processing

Select all chapters you want to rip, and DVD Audio Extractor will automatically rip and encode them one by one.

DVD Audio Extractor also allows you to rip from all the selected titles at once.

Detailed HTML help file

The detailed descriptions in the help file explains everything you need to know to use DVD Audio Extractor.

Downloading and Buying DVD Audio Extractor

You can use the following link and Download DVD Audio Extractor. You will also use that same link to download updates. The software will check for updates every 30 days, but there is sadly not an auto-update feature. If you haven’t bought the software, you’ll have a 30-day trial. After the trial is up, you’ll need to buy it to keep using it. If you would like to read frequently asked questions (FAQs), read FAQs here. If you’re not a screen reader user and would like to check out screenshots, use the link just provided.

Ripping Your DVD

If you are using a screen reader, to rip your DVD, just Tab or Shift+Tab through each screen. You can either rip directly from a DVD disk or copy the DVD disk to your hard drive and use DVD Audio Extractor to rip it from your hard drive.

Next you’ll choose your audio format and quality. Finally, you’ll choose if you want volume leveling and how much processing power your computer will use to convert the DVD. Note that in most cases, the preset settings work fine.

DVD Audio Extractor Hotkeys

These hotkeys are taken directly from the program help file for your convenience.

Table 5.1. Shortcut keys for all pages

Table 5.2. Shortcut keys special for page 1

Table 5.3. Shortcut keys special for page 3

Table 5.4. Shortcut keys special for page 4

Let ‘Er Rip!

Now start converting those DVDs to pristine audio. As far as DVD ripping software goes, I don’t think you will find anything better out there. I’ve been using this software for years and it has gotten better year after year. I use it for my DVD ripping needs, and I think you should, too.

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