DVD rip to x264 using MKV while keeping maximum picture quality

[ryanfever]

Hello.

This has probably been discussed before, but I couldn't find anything that was exactly about the following issue.

I want to rip TV series from original Video-DVDs. I want to have multiple audio lines in (original) AC3 and also the subtitles included in the file. I decided to use the x264 codec and MKV as a container. Now, my question is: How can I rip with the best possible picture quality while keeping the original displayed aspect ratio (usually 1.78:1) and resolution with just the actually needed file size?

I used AutoMKV and everything works good. Except I didn't find a way to keep maximum quality with a file size not more than needed. If I use the option Don't care about size for output size, the file ends up way bigger than needed. For example. it was a little over 3.5 GB for a 50 minute episode. That doesn't make sense as there are four of those episodes on a DVD-9.

You can also suggest another method of reaching this aim.

[guns1inger]

Filesize = Running time X Bitrate. You have to find a compromise between bitrate (and therefore filesize) and a level of quality that is acceptable to you. I don't use AutoMKV, so I cannot tell you which settings to change, but generally it will be an encoder setting that is changed from CQ or Quality based encoding to 2-pass encoding with a bitrate.

To determine what bitrate you want, use a bitrate calculator. Feed it the running time and the filesize you want achieve, as well as the audio bitrate (this will have to be a combined bitrate for all audio tracks)

[ryanfever]

If I analyse the bitrate of the source video and set this bitrate for the output video, isn't it CBR then? That would be bad.

Can you suggest another tool?

[guns1inger]

If you do a 2-pass it will be variable with an average based on your chosen bitrate. Wanting to keep multiple audio tracks and subtitles limits your choice of apps.

[ryanfever]

Thanks for that.

Do you have an idea what all these profiles in AutoMKV mean?

[guns1inger]

Exactly what their name says - different presets for different levels of quality or source. I suspect you have to choose one, then go to the Advanced Settings and/or Advanced Profiles Settings tabs to alter and adjust for your particular needs.