Which Codec?

[Tomuk]

Hi, Im new to this, i just ripped a dvd 2 vcd but wanna have a go at ripping to AVI, ive heard it maintains better quality to space ratio, hope so!

Just out of interest, codec this, codec that! all i would like to know is if i want to keep codecs and encoders to the minimum, whats the best stuff to use? which codec will be right? as one will be fine but effect another!

I have Adobe Premier also, Tmpgenc, smart ripper, DVD2AVi, Nimo Codec, some AVI layer for XP??? got loads, VCD's look crap! i did a good quality dvd2avi conversion using Flask but it was a massive file (even with low bite rate)

Also Divx4 Low, High or 5???????

I have tried everything i can, read loads of stuff, downloaded loads of dodgy stuff! i just wanna get a good quality rip on 1 or 2 80min CD's and i dont think VCD is all that (or mayby its just me) and everytime i try to do an SVCD it comes out realy tall!!!! and Media Player displayed a little white bot up top! but i wanna have a go at AVI as i think it will suit me better, any recomendations?

[Batman]

Read the guides at doom9.org and UncasMS's.

In my opinion, you have three viable options:

2-pass divx 5.02 pro (NOT 5.03--it's buggy to say the least)+GKNOT or DVX

SBC w/Nandub (tough)

or 2-pass XVID

[Enchanter]

I like XviD very much, though DivX 5.02 is simpler to use (which is especially important for people new to this).