Suggestions for DVD ripping for home theater purposes

[AndrewR]

I just picked up the D-Link MediaLounge (the one that supports HDMI) so I'm scrapping my HTPC which has been sitting upstairs for several weeks now anyway. One thing I've been planning on doing is ripping my DVDs to hard disk and then playing them that way instead of constantly loading discs, but I'm not sure the best way to do that.

Does anyone have any recommendations on ripping the DVDs to (I think) Divx? I'm fairly certain that's the format that the MediaLounge requires, but I don't know what program to use. Any optimal settings would be appreciated, too. Just looking for a point in the right direction.

I'll probably have a look at the AVSForums tomorrow, but I figured I'd start at AT first. Thanks in advance!

 

[Shawn]

Why would you want to compress them?

 

[tatteredpotato]

I use DVD Decryptor to get the VOB files off the Disc. Then I used meGUI to encode in h.264 (for my 360). For Xvid or DivX I'd recommend AutoGK.

 

[jtvang125]

Doesn't the unit support some kind of image file (.iso,.img or vob)? With hard drives so cheap these days I'd just rip them into any of those image files and leave them uncompress for best quality. Since you have a hdtv wouldn't want to strive for the best quality?

 

[AndrewR]

I think the unit only supports compressed formats, but I'll check (I know it supports DivX, will check on the others). As it is, I only have about 600GB of space on my drives, and I have to put 400 CDs and 175 DVDs on there. I know I can get another 500GB for about $99, but I am bleeding cash lately and need to conserve as much money as I can (sale of used parts from HTPC is paying for the MediaLounge). I can try the compressed method now, see if it works acceptably, or wait a bit and go the uncompressed way when I can invest in more drive space.

Thanks for the program refs, OC.