DVD to AVI??

hey all, just curious if there is a free program out there that will convert my dvd's to good quality avi's to store on my computer. I stream my computer to my ps3 so that I can have a listing through tversity for my kids to watch so I don't have to keep swapping dvd's in and out all day. Any help appreciated, and yes I checked the links in multimedia section on main page to no avail. Thanks in advance...

 

AutoGordian Knot (also known as AutoGK or simply AGK)
Catalencoder
Both are free, and both will convert ripped DVDs to DivX/XViD format AVI video files. I haven't used Catalencoder, but I have used AutoGK and it works great. It takes time to get quality conversions, so be patient.
I hope this helps!
:-D

[dlb]

 

My only problem with autoGK is how the heck do you know which .vob or .ifo to use?

I tried catalendcoder as well and it says that I can't copy copyrighted material. These are dvd's I own, not trying to do anything illegal, just trying to make my movie library more convenient, but so far just having a hassle =/ I know once I find the right program it'll be easy, I'm just not sure what the right program is haha.

 

I don't use AutoGK too often so dlb may be able to give more exact info but I believe if you add the first large(1gb) .VOB it will take it from there and encode the whole movie.

 

I haven't tried them (I usually convert from DivX/AVI to DVD, not the other way around) but there are two programs under the majorgeeks multimedia section that should do what you want:

Dr.DivX - http://www.majorgeeks.com/Dr._DivX_d5208.html

Quick Media Converter - http://www.majorgeeks.com/Quick_Media_Converter_d6010.html

 

Look at the duration of the movie clip, and pick the one that matches your movie.

Rip it to your hard drive first with this: http://www.dvdfab.com/free.htm
After you've done so, you will have a copy of the DVD with all copy protection removed. Use this to convert to an avi.

 

First, you need to rip the DVD to your hard drive to remove the protections. DVDfab works great and I've used it many times. Another ripper is DVD43 and it is freeware (I haven't used it). DVDfab was free a while back, and it might still be free; I think the paid version provides extra features. Anyway, rip it to your hard drive and you'll have a folder called "MOVIETITLE" and in it will be the AUDIO_TS folder (if present, it is usually empty) and the VIDEO_TS folder (this is the folder you're concerned with). Launch AutoGK and browse to the MOVIETITLE folder and open the VIDEO_TS folder. Change the view to Details and you'll see that there's several VTS_xxx.VOB files of various sizes. Look for several in the same number series; for example VTS_01_1.VOB and VTS_01_2.VOB and so on. The main movie is what you want to rip, so you'll look for 3 or 4 (maybe 5) VTS_xxx files of the same size followed by one of a smaller size. Listed right before these you'll see a corresponding .IFO file. This is the file you want to open in AutoGK. AutoGK automatically finds the corresponding .VOB files and converts them into a quality AVI of the main movie. I attached a screen shot of a typical DVD structure with the desired VOB set boxed in green, and the desired IFO boxed in red. Usually, the desired IFO will be named VTS_01_0.IFO, but in the screen shot below, it is VTS_03_0.IFO. Most retail DVDs will be VTS_01_0.IFO but not all, that's why you have to use the Details view option when looking at the VIDEO_TS file list. There are many other free DVD rippers, and many good paid rippers too, so look around if DVD43 and/or DVDfab don't suit your needs. DVDfab has a 'Main Movie' option that rips only the main movie and none of the other features on the disc which is real handy. Keep in mind, a full retail DVD will typically take up 7gb-8gb of hard drive space.
If you have more questions, feel free to ask. :-D

Another good free ripper is DVD Decrypter. Development on it has stopped, so it may not decrypt the latest movie protection schemes, but it still works great (it hasn't failed me yet). You can download the last release, version 3.5.4.0 from this link. It is basically the burning program ImgBurn with the DVD Decrypting also (or ImgBurn is the same but without the decrypting).

 

There are many choices. Here is one I found awhile ago. Talk about simple. It gets no easier. The output is decent quality. Simple pick the resolution, codec, file type and hit go. As a plus it does many things besides just videos. Convert ones already on your drive, Batch convert pictures, Audio. Definitely worth a look.
http://www.formatoz.com/

 

what program can i use to convert avi to dvd

 

Since your question is the exact opposite of the topic here, you really should have started your own thread. But, I'm here, so I'll just give you some links:
DVD Flick (freeware; converts AVI and other formats to DVD format, burns to disc)
FAVC (freeware; converts but does not burn; creates DVD compliant file structures to be burned with Nero or AShampoo or other burning software)
AVI2DVD (freeware; does not burn; converts only)
ConvertXtoDVD ($hareware; excellent; easy to use; converts and burns)
WinAVI ($hareware; very FAST!; easy to use; converts and burns)

 

totol video convertor version 3 or up much better

 

There are programs that convert avi to dvd (vob) format and then burn that conversion to a dvd. Not sure if that is what you meant.