Nooberish HTPC question

[prism]

I've decided to just run an HDMI cable from my current PC to my TV instead of making a whole new system. However, this is my first time doing anything HTPC-related, so I have a few questions for you knowledgeable peeps....

1. I've dinked around with a few media programs (don't know what to call them), and so far I like xbmc the most, more than WMC7. Do I use solely this program to play back audio and video, or is it a front-end for different playback programs?

2. What's a good ripping program to back up my DVDs? I currently just use my TV speakers, but would like to keep the audio fidelity of movies/shows as high as possible for the future when I bite the bullet and build my own HT.

3. How much space does, let's say, 2 hours worth of DVD-quality video take up on a HDD?

I'm sure I'll think of more questions, but these will be awesome to help me get started. Thanks!

 

[poofyhairguy]

1. Yes XBMC is for full playback. If you are using the Windows version use the SVN builds to get DXVA support. I use XBMC for EVERYTHING.

2. Tons of good programs, I chose AnyDVD HD because it lets me rip Blu Rays too. Seriously, if you get into HTPC you will quickly find that DVDs are very primitive. Blu Ray all the way!

3. One pure DVD rip will be anywhere from 3 gigs to 8 gigs. Doesn't matter run time, matters how it was encoded and that is different from disk to disk.

 

[prism]

Alright, so I changed my mind and am streaming my media to my PS3 . I downloaded TVersity and have figured out how to work it on my PS3. I downloaded the trial for AnyDVD HD; do I simply use the DVD Ripper (not Image Ripper) to put the file in a specified folder, then it will work like a regular DVD with menu functionality through TVersity on my PS3, or are there additional steps to take?