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How we test

Different products require different testing approaches.

Products such as DVD to iPod converters are tested by downloading them from their official site and trying them out ourselves.
We use same DVDs to test each converter software. What we care and focus on are the following items: Feature Set, Convert Speed, Convert Quality, Stability, Usability, Install and Value. After we test and compare them, we give every product a rate, and the rates have been listed on the result chart.

Installation:

  • Was the installation quick and efficient?
  • Did a helpful wizard prompt you through the process?
  • Was a computer restart required or could you begin using the program immediately?

Usability:

  • Was the conversion and copy process confusing or straight-forward?
  • How easily were customizations found and used?
  • Was the interface streamlined and intuitive?

Features:

  • Can the software convert in one simple click?
  • Can the software specify the audio language?
  • Can the subtitle language also be specified?
  • Is the software able to use CSS decryption?
  • How many formats are supported for conversion?

Customer Support:

  • Is there an online database of helpful information?
  • Is there phone, email or chat modes of support?
  • How knowledgeable was the support staff?
  • How timely were phone and email responses to inquiries?

 

 
Glossary, Terms

Copyright protection, encrypted DVD, CSS: Most of today's DVD's are encrypted with a Content Scrambling System (CSS) to avoid duplication. Be sure the software you purchase has the ability to override this encryption. While some DVD to iTunes programs have this built in, others will provide a link to download a separate program which the software uses to process the decryption.

DVD to iTunes Converter: This term is used for software that can copy a dvd movie from a dvd to an iPod, Apple TV and iPhone. This is different from software that can copy movies or video from sources other than a dvd (for example, a downloaded video from YouTube). These programs are called video to iTunes converters. Sometimes these two products are sold in a "suite" offering both types of software. These "suites" offer the best all around value.

Compression: When copying a movie onto iTunes, the software will use compression to shrink the size of the movie in order to reduce the space needed on the device. Although this works well, some quality is lost. It's recommended that you omit bonus scenes to reduce the amount of compression needed, the best software can compress the output video into a very small size while maintaining the good quality.

Episodic DVD: Sometimes you may want to copy DVDs onto iTunes containing a season of certain television programs such as 24 hours, Lost or The Sopranos. These DVDs contain episodes, so having DVD Converter Software with Episodic Support capability will allow you to copy individual episodes into separate files rather than one whole output file.

Subtitle configuration: This feature enables the user to select the subtitle language desired (ie. Spanish, English) to put on the output video.

Audio/Sound Track configuration: DVD to iTunes programs enable you to modify the video's audio language (ie. English, Spanish) before ripping.

Batch Mode: "batch Mode" means that user can select the DVD titles/chapters they like via checkbox list. This mode is very easy for batch ripping Music DVD's, MTV DVD's and Episodic DVD's. 

Direct Mode: "Direct Mode" means that user can directly click the DVD Menu to select the movie they want to rip. This mode is very easy for ripping a movie DVD's in one step.

 
 


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