Looking for a DVD to MPEG converter

[LilKim]

Specifically to convert a DVD file set (*.vob, *.ifo, etc.) on my hard disk to a single MPEG file. Only need to use it once so would like freeware. Have tried a few but they all want $20 to $35 to convert more than 5 minutes of video and I don't feel like shelling that out for a one-off. Thanks.

[ghostsofgiants]

1. doom9.net should have all the info you need

http://www.doom9.net

[LilKim]

4. Thanks, am plowing through it

Do you have a specific recommendation?

[ghostsofgiants]

5. I've never converted to MPEG before

What exactly do you need it for?

[LilKim]

6. As I said, I have a DVD

The set of files (*.vob, *.ifo, etc.) that I downloaded. It's about 2 gigs and I'd like to convert it to a single and much smaller MPEG.

[ghostsofgiants]

9. You could try encoding it to XVID (avi)

Seems kinda tricky at first, but once youget the hang of it it's pretty easy. Just check out the guide on doom9.

[SoCalifer]

2. DVDx is a good freeware

Here's a link where you can download it:

http://www.labdv.com/dvdx/


Here's a link of an example I made from my Fear & Loathing DVD:

http://members.cox.net/counter_culture/FL.mpg



Hope that helps :)

[LilKim]

3. Thanks but it looks like they require registration and $13

[sir_captain]

7. Why mpg?

If an .avi is ok, go to dvdshrink.org -- it's free and the best

[LilKim]

8. Well it's doing something

Got about another four hours to run so I'll find out in the morning just exactly what it did do. No indication anywhere that it's outputting an AVI nor could I find that as an option, only that it's encoding a 'backup.' Of what format I will find out when it finishes. Thanks for the tip, though. I hope it does the trick.

[ghostsofgiants]

10. DVD Shrink will give you an ISO (dvd image) not an AVI

Good program though, it's what I use for backing up dvds.

[sir_captain]

11. Oh, yeah, you're right

my bad.

[LilKim]

12. Yep, now I know too

Just outputted the same set of files and didn't shrink them all that much either.

Can anyone help me out here, please. Still looking for a freeware app (because it's just for a one-off use) that will take a set of DVD image files (*.BUP, *.IFO, *.VOB) that total about 2 gig in size and output a single MPEG (or AVI) file that's hopefully of a much smaller size. It's OK if the image quality goes down some with the compression because it's just an instructional video. It's more important for me to try and conserve a little disk space at this point. Thanks!

Edit: Oh, and again it has to be able to work with just files as the DVD source rather than an actual DVD disk since this was something I downloaded (I have no actual DVD disk for it).

[sir_captain]

13. Got it now

Get the GordianKnot package from doom9.org and follow the directions on doom9

that'll take care of you

sorry about the faulty advice the first time

[LilKim]

14. OK, now installed but it seems to

just take me back where I was. The closest app in the pack that does what I want seems to be DVDdecrypter but it seems to only work with an actual DVD disk as the source rather than just the files (which I got by downloading).

[sir_captain]

15. No, no

you have to actually run the gordian knot program. It's a front end for all the other programs, and is designed to turn dvds into divx or xvid encoded avis.

Check out this guide here...it explains how to do it: http://www.doom9.org/index.html?/gknot-main3.htm

it's actually pretty easy


hope that helps

[Cooley Hurd]

16. DVD Shrink & Nero Burning Rom are the best for "backing up" DVD's

AARRGH, matey! :D

[Lannes]

17. A good reference site

http://www.videohelp.com/