Convert Blu-ray to DVD Fast with Xilisoft Blu-ray to DVD Converter

Convert Blu-ray to DVD Fast with Xilisoft Blu-ray to DVD ConverterConverting Blu-ray discs to DVD is a practical way to make high-definition content playable on older DVD players, to create backups, or to free up shelf space. While a Blu-ray’s resolution and bitrate exceed DVD capabilities, an efficient converter preserves as much visual and audio quality as possible while completing the task quickly. This article explains how Xilisoft Blu-ray to DVD Converter approaches the job, offers step-by-step instructions, optimization tips to speed up conversion, and guidance on maintaining quality and compatibility.

What Xilisoft Blu-ray to DVD Converter does well

Xilisoft Blu-ray to DVD Converter is designed specifically to convert Blu-ray discs—both BD-25 and BD-50—into standard DVD formats (DVD-5/DVD-9). Key strengths:

• Supports multiple input sources: encrypted and unencrypted Blu-ray folders and ISO files as well as physical discs.
• Output flexibility: creates DVD folder structures, ISO images, or burns directly to DVD discs.
• Preserves structure: keeps chapters, subtitle tracks, and multiple audio streams where possible.
• Hardware acceleration: can use GPU acceleration (where supported) to shorten encoding time.
• Built-in editor and compressor: crop, trim, merge titles, and adjust bitrate/codec settings to balance speed and quality.

Before you start: system and media checklist

• A computer with a Blu-ray drive (for reading discs) and a DVD burner (if you plan to burn discs).
• Sufficient free disk space: a Blu-ray rip can be tens of GBs; allow space for temporary files and the resulting DVD image.
• Blank DVDs (DVD-R/DVD+R or dual-layer DVD+R DL for larger output) if burning.
• Updated GPU drivers to ensure hardware acceleration works.
• Legal right to copy the disc—only convert discs you own or have explicit permission to copy.

Step-by-step conversion (fast and reliable)

1. Install and open Xilisoft Blu-ray to DVD Converter.
2. Insert the Blu-ray disc or load a Blu-ray folder/ISO via the “Load” function.
3. Select the main movie title (or specific titles) to convert. The software usually detects the largest title as the main feature.
4. Choose output format:
   • DVD-5 for single-layer discs,
   • DVD-9 for dual-layer discs,
   • Or select “DVD Folder” / “ISO” if you plan to burn later.
5. Configure output settings for speed:
   • Enable hardware acceleration (e.g., NVIDIA NVENC, AMD VCE, or Intel Quick Sync) if available.
   • Use a preset for “Normal” or “Fast” rather than “Best” to reduce processing time.
   • Select H.264 or MPEG-2 depending on target compatibility—MPEG-2 is native for DVDs and may need less post-processing, but H.264 can give better quality-per-size (note: not all standalone DVD players support H.264 playback).
   • Lower the target bitrate slightly to fit DVD capacity; allow 4.2–4.5 GB for DVD-5 and 7.9–8.5 GB for DVD-9.
6. Adjust audio and subtitles:
   • Keep only required audio tracks (e.g., stereo and primary surround) to save space.
   • Remove unnecessary subtitle streams.
7. Optionally trim or crop scenes you don’t need to save time and space.
8. Start conversion. Monitor CPU/GPU usage—if CPU is maxed and you want faster results, enable GPU acceleration or close other apps.
9. After conversion completes, preview the DVD folder/ISO. If satisfied, burn to disc using the built-in burner or a dedicated disc-burning app.

Tips to speed up conversion without killing quality

• Enable hardware acceleration—this often gives the largest speed gain.
• Use dual-layer DVDs (DVD-9) to avoid aggressive bitrate reduction and re-encoding artifacts.
• Convert only the main title(s) rather than the entire disc.
• Reduce audio channels (e.g., convert 5.1 to stereo if you won’t use surround).
• Use presets optimized for DVD output rather than custom maximum-quality settings.
• Close background processes and set power options to “High performance.”
• If your machine is weak, consider creating an ISO and doing the final burn on a faster computer.

Managing quality loss: what to expect

A Blu-ray’s native resolution (1080p or higher) is downscaled to DVD resolution (720×480 NTSC or 720×576 PAL). Expect:

• Loss of fine detail due to downscaling.
• Possible compression artifacts if bitrate is too low.
• Slight changes to color grading or contrast depending on encoder handling.

You can mitigate these by using good encoders, keeping reasonable target bitrates, and avoiding unnecessary recompression of audio tracks.

Troubleshooting common problems

• No disc detected: ensure the Blu-ray drive is compatible and the disc isn’t copy-protected beyond what the software supports.
• Burn failures: use fresh discs, check burner firmware, and try slower burn speeds.
• Choppy playback on DVD player: test on multiple players; some players struggle with discs authored with nonstandard formats—use standard MPEG-2 and proper DVD authoring options.
• Subtitles not showing: embed subtitles into video (hardcode) or ensure the player supports the subtitle stream type.

Alternatives and when to choose them

If you need lossless archival, keep Blu-ray ISOs or use MKV copies instead of converting. If your goal is simple playback on modern devices, consider ripping to an MP4/MKV with reduced resolution—the resulting files can be played on TVs and media players without needing physical DVDs.

Comparison (quick):

Converting Blu-ray to DVD with Xilisoft is a straightforward process when you prioritize the right settings: enable hardware acceleration, choose the appropriate output format, trim unnecessary tracks, and balance bitrate for your target disc size. With those steps you’ll get a fast conversion while preserving the best possible quality for DVD playback.