Thouroghly confused on encoding

[antknee869]

Hi. I have read up a bunch on encoding a DVD to something like Divx, but I am more confused than when I started. I have DVD Fab Platinum and Xilisoft DVD Ripper.
What I want is to rip the DVD to a smaller size, with 5.1 sound. 5.1 is the key.
Is it possible to rip to something like Divx and keep 5.1 sound? Is there another format I can rip to and keep 5.1 sound?
I am ripping my DVDs to my computer hard drive in order to stream to my TV. The player can support a wide variety of formats so I am open to just about anything and I don't care what software I use to encode it. I would like it to be easy though, if possible.
Thanks!

[jagabo]

Yes, Divx with 5.1 audio is possible. Divx Converter, TDA, AutoGK, etc.

[antknee869]

Thanks. Are there any other formats that allow 5.1 audio?

[Krispy Kritter]

Divx, Xvid, h.264, etc. Start with the basics and experiment once you know what you are doing.

Use AutoGK and convert to avi using Divx/Xvid.

[antknee869]

AutoGK looks nice. Will this also decrypt the DVD (one that I own)? If not, is there one that does this in one step?
Thansk

[redwudz]

AutoGK won't decrypt, but you can do that easily with the freeware DVDFab HD decrypter with most any DVD. Because encryption methods change all the time, a separate decryption program is a better choice. DVDFab HD Decrypter is updated often.