DVD Ripping Speed Tips

I have browsed the forums and collected and compiled all of the best tips and information regarding DVD Ripping speeds.

Tip #1: Enable DMA
DMA transfer is an option in modern drives which is an improved transfer method over PIO. With this enabled on both your hard drive and DVD-ROM drive, DVD ripping speeds can be significantly improved.

Steps to enable DMA (Windows XP)
Right click on 'My Computer' on your desktop and select Properties. Click the Hardware tab and launch the Device Manager. Press the + sign to expand the trees of both 'DVD/CD-ROM Drives' and 'IDE Controllers'. Double click your DVD-ROM drive, click the Advanced Settings tab and change the transfer mode to DMA if available. Repeat this step for the IDE channel which your hard drive is on.

Note for Intel motherboard users: If you have an Intel chipset, then you may not see the Advanced Settings tab. If this is the case, I recommend that you download the Intel Application Accelerator from Intel as that will automatically enables DMA on devices which support it.

Note 2: If the Advanced Settings tab isn't visible then you may need to activate DMA on your devices through your system BIOS during startup.

Tip #2: Update Firmware
Some DVD-ROM manufacturers purposely limit the DVD ripping speed of ther drives to try and prevent customers from making copies of retail DVDs. Normally, the limitation can be bypassed by flashing your DVD-ROM drive with an updated or hacked firmware (which also may allow you to make your DVD-ROM drive region-free).

Warning: Flashing your device's firmware can result in permenant damage of your DVD-ROM drive. DO NOT undertake this step if you are uncomfortable with the risk! You have been warned!

Tip #3: Re-install IDE Controller
Some people on this forum have reported that re-installing their primary IDE controller gave them a boost in ripping speed. I haven't tested this method, so I cannot provide you with many details.

Steps to re-install Primary IDE Controller (Windows XP)
Right click on 'My Computer' on your desktop and select Properties. Click the Hardware tab and launch the Device Manager. Press the + sign to expand the tree of 'IDE Controllers'. Right click your Primary IDE Controller and select Uninstall. Now re-boot your computer, and Windows should automatically re-install your IDE Controller.

Note: If anybody has any more information or results regarding this Tip, then please get in touch with me as I'm interested to hear about it!

Tip #4: Install Latest ASPI Layers
This is a fairly gray area as some people have mentioned that they see a performance increase in ripping speed when ASPI layers are installed, whilst others have said the opposite. I suggest you experiment with both and use whatever works best for you because the ASPI layers are easy to install/un-install.

Where to get the ASPI layers
You'll always be able to find the latest version of the ASPI layers for your operating system, right here in the Tools section.

Tip #5: Try another DVD ripper
This tip may seem a little bizarre, but give it a shot!
If you are using Smart Ripper, try using DVD Decrypter instead, or vice versa. You never know, you may experience better results with another ripper.

Tip #6: Disabling Plextor 708As Noise Reduction Function
Submitted by unloaded
This only applies to Plextor 708A's but it makes a big difference, copied from manual:

Switching Between SpeedRead and Silent Operation
When you are playing a DVD-Video disc that has CSS (copy protection
via the Content Scrambling System), the PX-708A normally plays at a
slow speed (silent operation) to reduce drive noise. You can speed up
DVD playback by using the eject button to enable SpeedRead.
To manually enable SpeedRead and speed up DVD playback:
1. Ensure the PX-708A disc tray is closed and empty.
2. Press and hold the PX-708A's eject button for at least 3 seconds. The
LED indicator blinks green three times to indicate SpeedRead will
be active for DVD-Video discs with CSS copy protection.
3. Release the eject button. The disc tray opens.
4. Insert a DVD-Video disc that is equipped with CSS copy protection.
5. Begin playing the disc

Update: Those who wish to have more control over this setting (amongst an array of others) can purchase PlexTools, a software package released by Plextor allowing enhancements to specific functions.

Tip #7: If all else fails..
If none of these tips seem to work out for you and you're losing hair due to frustration, then you may want to look into the market for another DVD-ROM drive.
I recommend a LiteOn DVD-ROM drive as they've gotten great feedback from other members over here and retail at a mere $60 AUD.