Shrink AVI files

I have a huge DVD collection that I am trying to put on disc. I have been using DVDshrink to make ISO images. I like being able to watch a movie at the click of a button. But this is going to take up way too much space. I have seen movies in AVI format in the neighborhood of 700mb. I have used AVS converter to make AVI files, but they are the same size as the DVD image. Does anyone know how do I get there? My images are region free w/o copyright protections, as I already own the DVDs. Can anybody help me? Thanks in advance.

 

AutoGK.
Has easy file size/quality settings.

 

I like Handbrake.
http://majorgeeks.com/HandBrake_d5801.html

 

Yeah- AutoGK has preset file size parameters: 1CD, 2CD, half DVD, third DVD, etc... easy to use and high quality conversions. BUT... it isn't fast. I posted some links in this thread to some how-to guides for AGK. I hope it helps!
:-D

EDIT- you can also use Dr.DivX which also has custom sizes, but it requires installation of the DivX codec (free, available here) and will not convert entire DVDs unless you select one .VOB file at a time, or do 'em all in batch mode. On a different note, if you have (or buy) a DivX compatible DVD player, you can put up to 6 movies on a regular DVD and watch 'em on your home theater w/o needing the PC. But I suppose you could always hook up the home theatre to the PC LOL

 

Thanks to all. I'll respond again after I try both programs in the next day or two. Thanks again.

 

Thanks, you guys for the leads. I am using AGK. It works fine so far, but it is definitely not fast. On the upside,it does not max out my cpus, so I can do other things while it does its thing.
To dlb, the reason I chose to commit my library to hard disk is so any movie can be seen in any room of the house via home network, and yes, my home theater is already hardwired. I believe that the direction of the future we be that the living room is where all entertaining/gaming/browsing will be done.

Home "Server":
Phenom 9850BE 2.5GHz
8GB Mushkin DDR2@800
NVIDIA GTS8800
(2) 320GB WD HDD
(2) 500GB WD HDD
Win7 x64
:dood
3 satellite computers on network

 

It takes longer because for fixed file sizes AutoGK will do multi (2)-pass encoding.
If you don't care about file sizes and just care about quality then 1-pass is used (use Target Quality setting).

But to get the best quality at smallest size multi-pass is used.


Also, yes.. HTPC+whatever is the way of the future. Hard drives are inexpensive and can hold a ton of movies.
Hehe, you may want to exchange those 500G drives for 1T (green drives). WD green drives are great for storage and runs cool.