DivX/Xvid/Whatever to DVD

[FallenAngelII]

I finally need to encode a non-DVD source into DVD. Despite years of encoding, this is the first time I need to encode into DVD since I've never felt the need to re-encode stuff just to see it on my TV.

However, now that I have to, I have no idea what program(s) to use. What are the most popular and/or most recommended programs for encoding stuff to DVD?

What I'm looking for:
* A program that will let me customize a lot of stuff like interlaced/progressive, screen size, etc.
* A program that will give me the maximum quality for the bitrate I choose. I don't care if it takes along time to encode, as long as it's not resource heavy (as I don't want to be unable to use my computer for, like, 3 days).
* Must not take up a lot of resources (or at least have a lower priority setting).

[neomaine]

No idea what your source is...but I've used TMPGenc 2.5 for years. 720x480 4500+ vbr mpeg2 video w/ 192 mp2 audio ended up being my size/quality sweet spot.

[neomaine]

double post...

[freebird73717]

HCenc in conjunction with avisynth.

[guns1inger]

if your system specs are correct, then any good encoder is going to kill it and make it pretty much unusable for the duration.