Keep the quality high when converting to AVI

While DVDs are high quality and you can rip them to your PC, they do have drawbacks, such as large file sizes(4-9 Gigabytes per movie) and obscure file-naming. By ripping a DVD to an AVI or MPEG file, you benefit from small and portable file sizes, your own file naming, and free conversion software. Also, the files can be used for video editing.

[edit] Steps

For converse conversion like our subject indicated: Editing Rip a DVD to an AVI or MPG File Using DVDx
Download DVDx archive file to your computer (DVDx_2_10_setup.zip), open it and double-click on "DVDx Setup". Complete the installation of DVDx.
- - Ensure you have XviD (and/or DivX) drivers by installing AutoGK or downloading codecs separately.
    - Download the latest XviD free from xvid.org.
    - Download the latest DivX free from divx.com.
Now run the DVDx software. The program window will appear.

You should insert the DVD you wish to rip into the DVD drive. Alternatively, if your DVD is saved as files on your computer, you can rip from there.

On the DVDx window, there are three menus available, File, Settings, and Tools.

DVDx Screenshot

A file window opens, and you can browse to your DVD.

Alternatively, to open DVD files which have been previously saved to your hard drive, click "Open IFO" to select your hard disk files as source.

In the folder selection box, select the file VTS_01_0.IFO in the DVD target directory on the hard drive.

Your movie is now loaded as source.

The Input Settings dialog automatically opens.

The Input Settings Dialog
Notice that the Input Settings dialog will show, in the Program Chain Index section at top left, the length of the movie to be processed. Check a suitable audio track is shown in the Audio section.
- Other settings can be left at default.
- Note: If during conversion you get an error "DVD drive could not be locked", you should install ASPI drivers (from Adaptec), and then select the "Use ASPI" option. Otherwise this will not be necessary.
- Now click OK.
Navigate to the Output Settings dialog box (shown below) through the Settings menu. Here you can choose output options such as movie format (AVI or MPG), and set the screen size (resolution) and audio quality.

The Output Settings Dialog
Change several settings in the Output Settings dialog box:
- Choose an output format (AVI is suitable for playback in Media Player).
- Now choose an audio compression method. Lame MP3 is capable of excellent sound at small filesize (AVI only). If Lame is not available, choose the MPEG video compression, or download Lame MP3 drivers.
- Choose the XviD video codec in the dropdown menu. Click 'Enable Video', but leave 'Enable 2nd' unchecked. You can choose an alternative video codec (such as DivX or Mpeg4) if you prefer.
- Across in section Export Settings, choose a screen size (resolution) for encoding.
  - For widescreen monitors (size ratio 16:9) choose 720x576. Any multiple of 16 is acceptable.
  - For normal monitors choose (size ratio 4:3) choose 720x544. Any multiple of 16 is acceptable.
- Next to the Max Frame number, click the button named Whole.
- Other settings can be left at default.
- Click the Apply button.
Finally, under the File menu, click the menu item called Destination.This button is also found next to the red Record button at the bottom right.
- Browse to a suitable destination folder, and type a filename into the box. Click on Save, then OK.
- You are now ready to convert a DVD to an AVI.
Click the red Record button at bottom right.
Wait for encoding to complete and then enjoy your movie.

[edit] Video

[edit] Tips

You may wish to delete any DVD files you have on your hard drive, following conversion, to save disk space. Make sure your outputted AVI or MPEG files are of suitable quality before deleting the source.
This works on any DVDs, copy-protected or not, but you should respect the copyright law in your country.
If an unauthorized drive error appears, close the program. Right click on your DVDx icon on your desktop and click Run as administrator.

[edit] Warnings

Understand copyright laws in your country before ripping any copyrighted DVDs.
Understand that in the US the laws can be unclear and might seem conflicting, you might be able to rip a copy of copyrighted material for your own use under the concept of Fair Use. However, circumventing DRM (digital rights management) may be illegal in and of itself, regardless of ownership of the IP (intellectual property) or intent after disabling the DRM method. Read Wikipedia on the DMCA for more information.
This works on any DVDs, copy-protected or not, but you should respect the copyright law in your country.