libdvdcss

libdvdcss is a library, originally created by VideoLAN, that allows users to access DVDs like block devices and avoid having to decrypt their contents. It can help with playing and ripping content from these discs.

This particular version of the library has been compiled into DLL files for Windows users. It can be added to your Handbrake installation folder, thus enabling you to convert DVD video content to MP4 files.

To get started, simply download the latest version of the compiled library and unpack the archive. Two versions are available, one for 32-bit and one for 64-bit machines. Take the appropriate one and move it to your Handbrake installation directory.

Most commercial DVDs are protected using CSS (Content Scrambling System). The keys used to access these keys can be purchased by software developers, but they are also very weak from a cryptographic standpoint. With the right decryption tool, a complete list of these keys can be obtained.

libdvdcss is distributed with one of these lists, and it uses several methods to attempt to access a DVD’s contents, including decrypting the stream directly if the sample keys should fail. Needless to say, this software should be used responsibly – only for backing up DVDs for personal use in countries where this practice is legal.