Unlike DVDs, processing ISO files can be a bit of a complicated procedure. ISO files are your DVD’s digital replica. It replicates everything stored on your DVD. When you convert ISO to MKV, you can customize the output content by deciding what you want to keep and what to leave. Here, we will quickly guide you through learning the 3 best and free ways to convert DVD ISO to MKV.
ISO image files contain your disk content and are handy for backup. However, owing to their large file size, you may face difficulty while playing them on playback or streaming devices. Most users prefer converting ISO to MKV formats for the latter’s versatility. Plus, most platforms and devices can play the smaller MKV files hassle-free. So, let’s dive into this tutorial to learn the best free and paid ways to convert ISO to MKV. Transform and enjoy your MKV files on different media streaming devices for convenient entertainment.
Way 1: Convert ISO to MKV with DVDFab DVD Ripper
When you are seeking the best tool to transform ISO to MKV with simple workflow, DVDFab DVD Ripper can be your choice. Its GPU hardware acceleration can deliver speedy DVD conversion at lossless quality. Its powerful and advanced decryption technology can remove any copy-protection from DVDs, whether RCs, RCEs, CSS, and so on. Get enhanced configuration and fine-tuned controls for high-precision content extraction.
Pros:
- Quickly removes and rips encrypted DVD content, ISO images, and folders
- Convert DVD to MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, etc., for seamless playback across different devices
- Extract and convert DVD subtitles to SRT format for customization
- Advanced encoding technology to convert 2D DVDs into 3D videos
- Supports high-quality playback on VR headsets, media players, and 3D-capable TVs
- Built-in creative editing tool for greater editing and customization
Cons:
- Works on Windows and Mac computers only
- Limited free trial functionality
Process to Convert ISO to MKV with DVDFab DVD Ripper
Step 1: Install the latest version of DVDFab DVD Ripper and launch the program on your computers. Prepare the folder or ISO file and tap the + icon to import it into the program’s main interface.
Step 2: Select the video content for conversion from the dropdown menu and set the output format as MKV. Then, hover the cursor over Video Editor and Advanced Settings to edit and customize the video’s output parameters until they meet your preferences.
Step 3: Select the storage location for your output MKV video. Finally, click Start at the lower-right corner of the screen to convert ISO to MKV.
Step 4: DVDFab DVD Ripper will automatically process the conversion. The progress bar shows the ongoing ISO ripping status.
Way 2: How to Convert ISO to MKV for Free with MakeMKV
A premium tool may not fit everyone’s budget, and some users may seek a free ISO to MKV converter to get through the conversion of ISO files without spending a penny. MakeMKV is an excellent free solution for converting ISO files to MKV format while preserving the data in 1:1 quality. However, the output file can be large and may require sufficient storage space on any device for seamless playback. Also, ensure your ISO files are not encrypted with advanced copy-protection (other than CSS), otherwise you may need to seek reliable alternatives.
Pros:
- Freely convert ISO to MKV format
- Efficiently deals with basic DVD copy-protection (CSS)
- Cross-platform availability (Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems)
- Supports conversion of Blu-ray sources to MKV
Cons:
- The output format is limited to MKV
- Compared to other re-encoded options, the output MKV file is uncompressed and large
Process to Convert ISO to MKV with MakeMKV
Step 1: Install the newest version of MakeMKV from the official site. Run the program to launch it.
Step 2: Tap File in the upper-right corner and click Open Files. Load your ISO files.
Step 3: The left sidebar shows all the ISO file content, such as videos, titles, audio tracks, and subtitles. Select the titles and tracks you wish to retain in your output video.
Step 4: Hit the yellow button to give the storage location in the Output Folder on the right section.
Step 5: Click Make MKV to start your ISO file conversion.
Way 3: How to Convert DVD ISO to MKV with VLC
VLC is another cross-platform and free ISO to MKV converter that transforms decrypted ISO files into MKV format. This versatile media player can work with CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, and ISO files to convert them into common video formats without hassle. However, you do not get full control over the output as VLC does not let users change the bitrate, resolution, frame rate, or other media parameters.
Pros:
- Free software and easily used by people of all skill levels
- Compatible with different platforms and devices
- Seamlessly convert Blu-ray, CDs, and DVD ISO to MKV or MP4, WebM, FLAC, etc.
- Works with common video formats for conversion and playback
Cons:
- Slow conversion speed and lags often
- Does not support ripping encrypted DVD content
Process to Convert ISO to MKV with VLC
Step 1: Launch the VLC Media Player (by VideoLAN) on your computer. Hover the cursor over Media in the top left corner. Select Open Disc in the dropdown menu to load the ISO file.
Step 2: Click the +Add tab in the File section of the Open Media window. This will help you browse and add the source ISO file. Once you’ve done this, tick Use a subtitle file at the bottom of the window to import the external subtitles with the video.
Step 3: In the Disc section, select the Title, Chapter, Audio track, and Subtitle track.
Step 4: Click the Alt+O keys to bring the Conversion Settings window.
Note: VLC doesn’t preset MKV in the format profile. Click the Create icon to create the MKV profile manually. Set the profile name (encapsulation) to MKV. Similarly, set H264 as the video codec and AAC as the audio codec. Also, enable subtitles. Then, click Create to save your changes.
Step 5: Move to the Convert tab and go to Profile. Choose MKV. Choose your output path to save the MKV video. Once set, click Start and wait a few minutes to convert DVD ISO to MKV.
Conclusion
MKV is an ideal format for playback across different devices compared to ISO. In this article, we saw how you can convert ISO to MKV for playback on various devices. While MakeMKV and VLC are excellent free ISO to MKV converters, they may struggle to rip encrypted ISO files. Try DVDFab DVD Ripper for advanced ripping solutions while preserving the original quality.
