i am wondering if there is a way to convert the files from my dvds after i have them on my hard drive to a mpeg format. if so what are some basic steps and programs to use. thanks
There's a freeware program called VOB2MPG v2.3 http://www.svcd2dvd.com/downloads.aspx which will do exactly what you want. Select the folder with the VOBs and VOB2MPG will output a single mpeg within a few minutes.
Thanks for the info i installed the program and it works great. Is there a way to compress the file after it is converted to mpeg so it doesnt take up so much hard drive space?
You can convert it to DivX or Xvid to save a lot of space. Download Mpeg Mediator SE http://www.divxland.org/software.php (near the bottom of the page) and make sure you have the DivX or Xvid codec on your PC. Open MM and select your mpeg (File>Open Media File) and Add, and then OK. Choose your codec (Output>Configure Plugins) and your audio codec (usually mp3) and set your output file (Output>Set Output File). Then go to File>Add/Save to Joblist and then Start>Start Conversion. As this is a joblist you can repeat the process to add as many mpegs as you like to be converted (BEFORE hitting Start>Start conversion). Ther are other settings to experiment with- you can change the size and shape of the picture, and crop the top, bottom or sides too (all with preview). The conversion is very quick and with excellent quality.
