Ripping means to copy data from an optical disc, for example a DVD, to your hard drive. This process is done by downloading ripping software known as a DVD “ripper.” The ripper extracts both audio and video data from the DVD. Once you “rip” the DVD contents from the DVD, you can play the video in a media player. You usually have to convert the DVD video into another video format to save space on your hard disk. You can rip a DVD online with DVD ripping software. Writer Bio