Help getting started with DVD ripping

[Ayabara]

I'm planning on ripping my entire DVD collection to put it on my HTPC, and I was hoping you guys could help me get started.

What I want to do is:
- rip my dvd
- encode it to a good video format (divx/xvid) with surround audio if available

So far I have managed to rip a dvd with DVD Decrypter, but I do not know what my next step should be.

What software should I use? I have Gordian Knot installed, and I've seen an app called Robot4rip mentioned. Am I on the right track, or are there other, simpler, better appz out there?

A few concrete questions:
1. which videoformat would you recommend?
2. do I store the audio in AC3 like it is on the dvd, or do I compress this?
3. how do I get the movie subtitled? do I "imprint" the subs in the video file, or should I make a subtitle file that my player can read?

Do you know of any good guides that can get me started?

Appreciate all help and comments!

[jimmalenko]

I like AutoGK, xvid and AC3. It also caters for subtitles.