What format to rip?

[extrememc]

I am sure this has been asked a zillion times but here it is again. I about to purchase a HP MSS LX-195 which I want to put my dvds on and stream across my network using a Dlink DIR-655 gigabyte router to a Western Digital TV Live. I currently use DVD Fab Platuim to rip dvds. I rip them as ISO so I can mount and re-rip to any format. I would like to be able to rip the dvds to one format that is playable both on dvd and stream over a network and possilbly to my Iphone over the internet. What program and format would be great for this. I have converted ISO to MKV file which are small and stream well. But it not a widely used format.

[yoda313]

If you want dvd it will have to be mpeg2. That is what you can reauthor to dvd with. HOwever that might not the most friendly stream format. Certainly at the very least it is not very compact if you want to save space.

If you have the dvds and isos stored seperately why do you need to reconvert them from your single ripped source? You should go back to the original dvd for future conversions anyway for best quality.

Check your manual and see if your devices support iso. You may be able to stream that way. It depends on your equipment. However I don't think you get to keep menus and things like that (at least its limited functionallity on the wdtv media player - the first version is the one I have).

You can do divx, xvid, mkv, mp4, or even wmv for the wdtv. I think it supports aac and whatever the video format itunes/ipod uses (is it mp4 now?) - of course the wdtv doesn't do encrypted files - though don't know about the wdtv live - with an internet connection maybe they'll be able to incorporate encryption technology?

[lowellriggsiam]

The newer seagate home theater + has ethernet support and plays DVDISOs menu and all. Because I don't want to run another ethernet cable and it's wireless support currently requires a proprietary wireless adapter (not included) I have never used it for it's media streaming.

[extrememc]

I can stream ISO's from my desktop via ext hard drive just fine. I rip ISO so I can rip other formats for other devices. If I could just make one format for all my device that is compact and be able to burn that file to dvd just in case the original get scratched real bad. Most of my ISO's are kids movie and you know how rough kids are with DVD's.