High Quality DVD rips?

[ slayer ] · **15th May 2008, 02:45 PM**

I have started converting my DVDs into avi files (xvid and ac3) using autogk. The quality is pretty good.

However, I've started watching mkv rips of TV shows and the quality is amazing. So naturally I started looking at how to rip my DVDs into such a format that allows far superior quality.

Researching on the net and in here I think it is the use of the x264 video codec in a container like mkv or mp4 which is what I would want. I also want to maintain the original AC3 sound.

So my question is, for playback in media centre do I want to use mkv or mp4? I've read mixed reactions for the compatibility of both - particularly that media centre won't like mp4's with AC3. I can play mkv's fine now, but don't think they are with AC3 sound.

I have/use ffdshow and lazyman mkv codecs.

I found a few programs, but wanted some suggestions and opinions on what to use. I've found automkv and also handbrake, but both have mixed reviews from users.

Any feedback would be great as I am a bit disappointed with avi rips now I've been watching mkv ones...

glenncol · **15th May 2008, 02:51 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by [ slayer ]

I have started converting my DVDs into avi files (xvid and ac3) using autogk. The quality is pretty good.

However, I've started watching mkv rips of TV shows and the quality is amazing. So naturally I started looking at how to rip my DVDs into such a format that allows far superior quality.

Researching on the net and in here I think it is the use of the x264 video codec in a container like mkv or mp4 which is what I would want. I also want to maintain the original AC3 sound.

So my question is, for playback in media centre do I want to use mkv or mp4? I've read mixed reactions for the compatibility of both - particularly that media centre won't like mp4's with AC3. I can play mkv's fine now, but don't think they are with AC3 sound.

I have/use ffdshow and lazyman mkv codecs.

I found a few programs, but wanted some suggestions and opinions on what to use. I've found automkv and also handbrake, but both have mixed reviews from users.

Any feedback would be great as I am a bit disappointed with avi rips now I've been watching mkv ones...

Dude,

Dont know if you have any space issues, but the way i rip my DVD's is via DVD shrink , leaving as a single VOB files totally uncompressed.

Works out to between 4Gb and 6GB per movie and quality is not an issue at all

[ slayer ] · **15th May 2008, 02:57 PM**

yeah i had been doing that, but want my movies around 2GB each. i do have a server so space isn't that bad as more space is just another HDD away, but i think 4-6GB each is a bit bigger than i really want.

dgaust · **15th May 2008, 03:04 PM**

automkv

vlad · **15th May 2008, 04:30 PM**

mkv's of TV shows were created from 720p or 1080i TV broadcast.
DVD is 480p.

dgaust · **15th May 2008, 05:59 PM**

or 576i

nickwil · **15th May 2008, 06:03 PM**

The choice is easy. H264 (AVC). I use Nero digital and it does a fantasic job. I have ripped all my DVD's to 1 to 1 1/2Gig with no noticable loss of quality displayed on a 50 inch Pioneer. When using the right audio setting they can be played back though the Xbox360 when used as an extender.

Wayne-L · **15th May 2008, 06:10 PM**

I'll second Nero Digital! Easy as to use and the quality is great, speed of conversion isn't bad either.

AdrianW · **15th May 2008, 09:58 PM**

I've been using MeGUI - it can create excellent quality videos.

There's a good tutorial here: MeGUI H.264 Conversion Guide

nikko1974 · **16th May 2008, 11:20 AM**

A boxing forum I'm a member of recommends that its members use MediaCoder to transcode video files for uploading.

I've not used myself but watched a tute on it and its a very versatile piece of software that I have read delivers superior results and flexibility to AutoGK.

Media Coder site