CE Extractor Alternatives — Faster Tools for Ripping DVDsIf CE Extractor has become slow, outdated, or incompatible with your setup, there are several faster, more modern tools for ripping DVDs that offer better performance, broader format support, and easier workflows. This article compares the top alternatives, explains what to look for when choosing a ripper, and gives step‑by‑step recommendations for fast, high‑quality DVD ripping.
Why consider an alternative to CE Extractor?
CE Extractor is a Windows tool that extracts closed captions and subtitles (and can handle some ripping tasks), but it’s not primarily optimized for speed or modern video workflows. Newer tools use multi‑core CPUs and GPU acceleration, support modern containers and codecs, and integrate decryption, chapter handling, and batch processing — all of which can dramatically reduce ripping time while improving output flexibility and compatibility.
Key features to prioritize for speed and convenience
- Hardware acceleration (GPU and multi-core CPU use) — speeds up encoding significantly.
- Integrated disc decryption — avoids needing separate tools.
- Batch processing and presets — automate repetitive tasks.
- Direct stream copy / remuxing — fastest option when no re-encoding is required.
- Wide format & device support — H.264/H.265, MKV, MP4, and presets for phones, tablets, and TVs.
- Active development and community support — helps with updates and new disc protections.
Top faster alternatives
Below are practical alternatives, with strengths and use cases.
-
MakeMKV
- Strengths: Extremely fast when remuxing (no re-encode), preserves all tracks (video, audio, subtitles), simple interface.
- Best for: Quickly creating high‑quality MKV copies of discs with minimal effort.
-
HandBrake + libdvdcss (or MakeMKV for decryption)
- Strengths: Powerful encoding options, hardware acceleration (Intel QSV, NVIDIA NVENC, AMD VCE/VCN), extensive presets.
- Best for: Re-encoding DVDs to compact MP4/MKV files with optimized settings for devices.
-
DVDFab (Ripper module)
- Strengths: GPU acceleration, strong decrypting capabilities, many presets and format options, fast batch mode.
- Best for: Users who want an all‑in‑one commercial solution with fast performance and customer support.
-
ffmpeg (advanced users)
- Strengths: Extremely flexible, can copy streams without re-encoding, supports hardware acceleration via flags, scriptable for batch jobs.
- Best for: Users comfortable with command line who want maximum control and automation.
-
StaxRip
- Strengths: Frontend that integrates many encoders (HandBrake, x265, ffmpeg), supports hardware acceleration, good for batch processing.
- Best for: Windows users who want a customizable GUI wrapping powerful encoders.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Speed (remux) | Speed (re-encode, GPU) | Ease of Use | Decryption | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MakeMKV | Very fast | N/A (remux only) | Very easy | Yes | Fast MKV backups |
| HandBrake | Fast (with passthrough) | Fast (with NVENC/QSV) | Moderate | Limited (needs libdvdcss/MakeMKV) | Re-encode to MP4/MKV |
| DVDFab | Fast | Fast | Easy | Yes | Commercial, all-in-one |
| ffmpeg | Very fast | Fast (with hwaccel) | Hard | Depends (needs libs) | Command-line power |
| StaxRip | Fast | Fast | Moderate | Depends | Customizable GUI workflows |
How to rip DVDs fast — recommended workflows
- For an exact, quickest backup: use MakeMKV to remux the main title to MKV (no re-encode). This preserves quality and is often minutes-long.
- For smaller files or device targets: use MakeMKV to decrypt → HandBrake (or ffmpeg with NVENC) to re-encode using hardware acceleration and a good preset (e.g., 1080p60 → H.264/H.265, constant quality ~ RF 18–22 for x264/x265 or equivalent for hardware encoders).
- For batch automated jobs: script ffmpeg or use StaxRip’s job queue with presets and a GPU encoder.
- If disc has heavy protection and MakeMKV fails: try DVDFab or other commercial rippers that update decryption frequently.
Example: Fast remux with MakeMKV (no re-encode)
- Insert DVD, open MakeMKV.
- Scan disc, select the main title and desired audio/subtitle tracks.
- Click “Make MKV” and choose destination — the process is a direct remux, fast and lossless.
Example: Re-encode quickly with HandBrake + NVENC
- Use MakeMKV to create an MKV (or use HandBrake to open disc if readable).
- Open HandBrake, load source.
- Choose a preset (e.g., “Fast 1080p30”).
- Under Video, select Video Encoder = H.264 (NVENC) or H.265 (NVENC).
- Set quality via Constant Quality (RF ~20 for H.264, RF ~22 for H.265 NVENC), enable 2‑pass only if necessary.
- Start encode — hardware acceleration will reduce time substantially.
Legal and ethical note
Ripping discs you own for personal backup is treated differently by laws depending on jurisdiction. Circumventing copy protection may be illegal in some regions. Ensure you comply with local laws and the disc’s license before ripping.
Final recommendations
- For the fastest, simplest lossless copies: MakeMKV.
- For fast re-encoding with good quality: HandBrake with GPU acceleration (or ffmpeg NVENC/QSV).
- For a fully supported commercial option: DVDFab.
- For power users who want scripting and control: ffmpeg or StaxRip.
If you want, I can provide step‑by‑step commands for ffmpeg/HandBrake tailored to your OS, GPU, and desired output size/quality.
Leave a Reply