I was hoping to start encoding my ripped DVDs on my HDD. My goal is to store these movies as high quality compressed files (either MP4/H.264, Divx, XVid, etc..) and hopefully maintain 5.1 surround sound. I was wondering what software everyone is using, there seem to be many different programs out there. I have tried several, and have had mixed results as far as quality, speed, etc... I have an Xbox360 and PS3, so ultimately I want to put my DVD collection on my computer to stream to these devices. I currently use DVDFab to rip my DVDs to .vob on my HDD (I have tried DVDFab to convert to AVI/MP4, but have been less then impressed with the quality). Maybe it is not necessarily what software you use as it is adjusting the settings? I just bought a high end computer several weeks ago that runs Vista.

Also, is there software out there to convert Blu Ray/HD DVD movies to a compressed file, I currently use AnyDVD HD to rip to my HDD, but would like to compress to AVI/MP4 so I am not using up 25GB+ of space to store each movie, maybe it is not possible?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

I use CloneDVD Mobile to rip DVD's directly into video files (it allows a lot of different formats.) I personally use the Divx format from CloneDVD mobile, so I can stream to my PS3 using TVersity.

To encode video files into DVD, I Use ConvertX2DVD. I have yet to see a video file I've thrown at ConvertX2DVD not be able to be encoded and burned (Note: I also have the Combined Community Codec Pack installed, which allows for more support for video codecs.)

Currently neither Clonedvd nor Clonedvd mobile support Blu-ray, and no official announcement has been made that Blu-ray support is coming for either program.

Just as a follow up, anyone else have any recommendations. I used CloneDVD Mobile, but found the video to come out somewhat choppy. I am torn between trying to learn some of the free software out there (meGUI, AutoGK, etc...) or paying for a do it yourself software (i.e. Nero, ImToo, etc...). Unfortunately between work and the family I don't have the time I used to (i have read several guides for AutoGK, meGUI, x264 Encoder Settings, etc... and with all the different options and codes it can get a little intimidating since I don't have a lot of time to dedicate to), so I would prefer software that was straight forward and DIY. I have used enough trial versions of different software and have not been impressed, so it is hard for me to pull the trigger and spend money. I read a guide here for Nero Recode to go from DVD to MPEG-4 AVC that spoke favorably about Nero Recode(http://www.afterdawn.com/guides/archive/converting_dvd_to_avc_with_nero_recode_3.cfm), does anyone think it is worth spending the money on this (I had downloaded a trial version, but right after had to travel for work, and when I got back the trial had expired, so I never got a chance to test run)? Once again, I have all my movies ripped to my HDD using DVDFab. I was originally looking to create AVI (divx/xvid), but from reading through all the threads here it would appear I should go the route of h.264 (MKV/MPEG-4 AVC). I have a PS3/XBox360/SageTV that I want to stream my movies to (tv sizes from 42' to 60'). I am more concerned about the high quality of the file I create then the size. I have used trial versions of ImToo, CloneDVD Mobile, Avs4you,Xvid4PSP,Movavi,Cucusoft, etc...). Too many options!!!!!!

1.) dvdfabhd decrypter to rip.
2.) dvdshrink to shrink and backup to ISO.
3.) fairuse wizard to compress to xvid or divx

This is all I use, I get a flawless finished product everytime. Fairuse wizard is the only xvid converter that has never produce an audio/sync problem for me. It can also batch convert your ISO's. I usually do 3 or 4 at a time, it will turn your computer off when it's done.

Jony218 - thanks for the post. I already use DVDFab, I will try DVDShrink / fairuse Wizard and let you know if I have any problems

AutoGK produces great results for me.

1 - DVDFab to Rip
2 - DVD-RB w/ CCE to compress to DVD-5
3 - Nero Recode to Convert to AVC .mp4 for my PS3
4 - Xvid4PSP to convert to AVC .mp4 for my PSP
5 - If I choose to convert to Divx/Xvid, I use Fairuse Wizard to convert to Xvid

I actually use Recode and Xvid4PSP interchangably for my PS3 and PSP. Xvid4PSP is a great piece of software that has many uses far beyond video conversion for just the PSP. And it is great for beginners as well as those with more experience.

edit: Link to my favorite all-in-one video converter -
http://www.winnydows.com/news.php