Magic DVD Ripper, convert to original MPEG2 - poor quality?

[SimpleSImon]

Am I misunderstanding something, or am I doing something wrong here...

Using Magic DVD 4.1, set to convert to "Original MPEG2" with "infinite" splits. This results in a file that is 3.8gigs. The quality is very much less than the original DVD.

The VOB files from the DVD total 4.3gigs.

Obviously, this really isn't the "orignal MPEG2" stored on the disc.

Is it possible to rip the main movie to a single file, containing the same data found on the DVD, except without the DVD encryption? Can the surround audio track be retained with this file?

I could use ISO's, but the other users just don't get "mounting" a file. I also can't leave a folder full of IFO's and VOB's as the users again don't understand why all the files.

[sam]

It's a codec issue. When our program rip your DVD to original MPEG2, it will get the same as the original VOB file. There isn't any converting. So the quality is the same as the original DVD. I suggest you first play the mpg file using your DVD player software like PowerDVD or WinDVD and you'll find what's its real quality.
I think you used Windows Media Player to play the mpg file so that you got the result. Windows Media Player can't decode MPEG2 video and AC3 audio, it need use external codec to do that. When you play it with WMP, you can choose File -> Properties from WMP's menu to see which codec it uses. I suggest you uninstall the video codec.
However, Magic DVD Ripper version 4.1 has added a option "Generate single VOB file when coping main movie". If you checked this option in the Backup page of the settings window, you'll get a single VOB file when coping main movie.
BTW, please note there is a 4GB file size limitation of FAT32 file system. NTFS has not this limitation.

[SimpleSImon]

I've tried a few DVD players and a DVD decoders. The video definately looks different when playing the MPG file. Very block/blotchy in dark areas for example in the MPG, but very clear playing the same scene from DVD.

If I could capture a frame from each I could show the difference.

I'm doing another "Original MPEG2" rip right now, which should use the same DVD decoder as what I was using play the DVD when comparing to the MPG file.

How can I get the original MPEG 2 file, without any DVD encryption, so I end up with the same quality as the DVD WITHOUT needing to have a DVD decoder to play the file later? This is what I'm after... Can't make it any easier for my other users to play movies once I can do this.

The reason I want the encryption removed? Two reasons, less CPU overhead and I'm ripping on one PC, and want to play on another PC, without needing to install extra decoder software.

[ZZ-Diego]

Hi SimpleSImon,

i´ve tried it with Bruce Allmighty (REG2) and MagicDVDRipper 4.1.Video played on PowerDVD looks fine to me.Make sure you´ve selected "origninal mpeg-2" in the output box.It should take around 20min.Everythings much longer than that points out to be a video conversion to different specs.

else:
It might possibly be a protection issue as well...can you send ifos?

greetings
Diego

[paglamon]

How can I get the original MPEG 2 file, without any DVD encryption, so I end up with the same quality as the DVD

Rip ur DVD to hard disc using DVD Decrypter.Rename ur vob files to .mpg files and u have ur MPEG2 files.
BTW MDR is a fantastic programme.I don't know why it is causing problem for u.Ofcourse, SAM is the best person to answer this.

[SimpleSImon]

Second rip with Magic DVD ripper came out the same as before. A rip with DVD Decrypter, played as a VOB or an MPG also results in the same blockiness.

So, I can assume that my when playing directly from my DVD drive my DVD software plays using one decoder, and when playing files from my hard drive it's using a different decoder - even if the files are the same type?

I tried copying the VOB from the DVD to the hard drive directly and it won't play at all, so there is definately a different decoder running when I play from files on my hard drive.

Now, how can I force MPG files to play with the higher quality decoders?

Since this is a playback issue, I think I'm going to start a thread in one of the playback forums. Feel free to move this thread as well.

[SimpleSImon]

MPEG2 playback NOT the same as direct from DVD

I've used Magic DVD Ripper and DVD Decrypter to rip the VOB file from a DVD.

When I play the ripped video, it is definately of a lower quality - blockiness, poor graduations, etc. The files should be identical to the decoded data stream that plays from the DVD directly.

From what I can gather, my DVD software decodes the data from the DVD differently than when playing the VOB (or MPG) file from my hard drive - even though the data is the same.

How can I tell my computer to use the same decoder for files on my hard drive?

[photo_angel2004]

A bit confused on your question here once you rip the dvd to your hard drive, why do you need a "decoder" and what are you referring to as your "decoder"?

[anonymez]

@simplesimon: try media player classic, has an internal mpeg2 filter, will determine whether it's a problem on your end (likely) or magic dvd ripper

@PA: a decoder is what decodes (plays) data that has been encoded (as mpeg2 in this case), usually a codec on your system, eg powerdvd (cyberlink decoder) or windvd (intervideo)

[Cylon]

If it's a true 1:1 copy, then I'd assume (as is stated above) it's a player/codec issue.
I don't want to insult your intelligence, but you ARE ripping the files onto a 9 GB DVD for true 1:1 copy? If you're using "ordinary" 4.7 GB DVD's, you'd naturally get a quality reduction (how much so depending on how long the movie titles are, and how many extra/bonus features you decide to include).
And, of course, if you're ripping directly onto the harddrive, none of the above matters.
But like I said - probably stating the obvious here.

I use CloneDVD2 to rip, and Nero ShowTime to play the .VOB's.

I think I have three different codec packs installed: K-lite, ffdshow and XP Codec Pack. God knows if one is overriding the other, but everything seems to be working fine, including whatever 1:1 .VOB rip I'm playing.

By the way (to everyone): any experienced advantages with one over the other: mkv vs. avi XviD ?

[anonymez]

xvid is a codec, mkv & avi are containers.

avi is crap, the only reason it's still alive is popularity (like mp3, instead of aac) & compatibility (hardware support), mostly due to numerous hacks, eg bframes, vbr audio, chapters, etc.

mkv on the other hand is arguably the best format out there for pc playback, supports pretty much everything, very little overhead, but no hardware playback and likely never will be.

mp4 is best suited, some standalones & portable devices play it already and more will in the future; only downside imho is no ac3.

[SimpleSImon]

@Cylon: I'm trying to rip the main movie from DVD's to a single file on my hard drive. I have no intention to ever burn them back to discs.

@Anonymez: Media Player Classic definately helped out. The MPEG2 files created by Magic DVD Ripper do seem the same as what is on the DVD.

Now I just need to figure out what I *DON'T* need installed after doing all this monkeying around.

[sam]

Which player softwares have you tried?
Do you have WinDVD or PowerDVD? If yes, I suggest you first try to play your mpg or VOB file with it.

[blutach]

Since this is a playback issue, I think I'm going to start a thread in one of the playback forums. Feel free to move this thread as well.

Threads merged - Please observe rule 11 about crossposting.

Regards

[yzf888]

I prefer freeware. Two free yet professional DVD rippers:
* FreeStar Free DVD Ripper (easiest DVD ripper that I ever try.)
* HandBrake (very good open source in my opinion)