Ripping a DVD to H.264 + AAC within 700 MB

[moiz]

I'm a newbie and have never ripped a DVD myself. But, I know how to rip a DVD in AVI (XviD + MP3) using DVD Decrypter and AutoGK, since my friend does so.

Now, I wanna rip a DVD to H.264 + AAC within 700 MB.

Let me put it straight! I don't care whether the whole process would be easy/simple or difficult/complex, fast or slow as long as I can get the highest/best possible audio + video quality out of a DVD withing 700 MB.

Which sofware(s) should I use? I won't mind using paid software(s) for the sake of better quality.
Do I need to pre-install the codecs or encoders before starting the ripping process? If yes, then which codecs or encoders?

Please help!

[Baldrick]

Xvid4psp, Fairuse Wizard, Staxrip, Megui. They are all based on the x264 encoder. Xvid4psp and Fairuse Wizard are probably easiest to use.

[RabidDog]

You don't need to install anything before ripping.

[moiz]

OK, thank you!

[kschang]

They have the Mac favorite Handbrake now available for Windows as well.

[moiz]

RabidDog,

I had to install .NET Framework. Do I need to install anything else as well?

[moiz]

Xvid4psp, Fairuse Wizard, Staxrip, Megui. They are all based on the x264 encoder. Xvid4psp and Fairuse Wizard are probably easiest to use.

Do I need to rip the DVD from DVD Decrypter or DVDFab or DVD Shrink before opening them in any of the above?

[Baldrick]

Yep, you must rip first. Or run AnyDVD.

[moiz]

What about non-encrypted promotional DVDs of different NGOs or political parties? Do I need to decrypt a DVD which has not even been encrypted?

Can't I encode it into H.264 + AAC directly from the disc?

[poisondeathray]

If it's not copy protected, you shouldn't need anydvd

It should be ok directly from DVD, but I/O, seeks, and read/writes are much slower than using the HD. This potentially may cause a bottleneck or problems.