Merging several DVDs into one?

[Dougmeister]

I have a small DVD collection (legit) and was wondering what the best way would be to make a compilation disc.

For example, I have the Star Wars DVD set. I have used DVD Shrink in the past, but it makes a 1:1 copy. Is it possible to "shrink" the DVDs (I'm not one that has to have the BEST quality) and put 2, maybe 3, movies onto 1 DVD?

I have a dual-layer burner. I don't mind DivX quality so I should be able to fit all 6 onto a single-layer DVD, correct?

So how do I do it? What program will rip DVDs to a DivX file? Then will the DVD software have to re-encode it? That seems backwards. I guess ripping to DVD-compliant MPEG-2 would be more efficient. Not sure how big they will be.

[steveryan]

Just to clarify - do you want 2-3 DVD's on a single layer DVD or do you want to convert your DVD's to Divx and then put them on a single layer DVD?

[Dougmeister]

I want to fit as many of my DVDs onto a single DVD as possible.

I also want it to be playable in a non-DivX DVD player.

Thanks for asking for clarification.

[Baldrick]

I would reencode to a low resolution dvd 352x480 or 352x240 for 5-7 hours/dvd.

Do you want to keep the menus? or just keep the main movie?

[vico1]

In the past, I've used TMPGEnc Pro frameserved by Avisynth to 352x480/240 rez,
then used TMPGEnc DVD Author for homemade menus and authoring.
Worked well for me.

Great way to put a lot of vids on one DVD for playing on a Portable too...
keeps the kids quiet on those long vacation trips...

[Dougmeister]

I would reencode to a low resolution dvd 352x480 or 352x240 for 5-7 hours/dvd.

Do you want to keep the menus? or just keep the main movie?

Just the main movie; no menus.

I would though, obviously, like to make my own menus.

Great way to put a lot of vids on one DVD for playing on a Portable too...
keeps the kids quiet on those long vacation trips...

YES! Exactly what I'm trying to accomplish.

[Dougmeister]

In the past, I've used TMPGEnc Pro frameserved by Avisynth to 352x480/240 rez,
:

Can I just use VirtualDub or VirtualDubMod to do it w/out frameserving? I've never done that and it confuses me.

[manono]

Can I just use VirtualDub or VirtualDubMod to do it w/out frameserving? I've never done that and it confuses me.

No, if making DVDs, then VDub(Mod) doesn't encode for MPEG-2. You'll have to frameserve. If you're literally doing this for laptop playback, then why not use VDub(Mod) for one of the things it was designed to do, make AVIs?

And if you're not experienced at doing that either, then maybe AutoGK is the way to go.

[Dougmeister]

Will look into AutoGK.

And not for laptop playback; for stand-alone DVD playback or portable DVD playback (in a vehicle).

[Dougmeister]

It would take more time, but couldn't I rip to AVI using VDubMod then have my DVD application (Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5) re-encode?

[vico1]

Dougmeister...I know there is a learning curve with Avisynth, but the dividends
you receive FAR, FAR outweigh it.
Anyone here that uses this amazing app, will back me up on that.
Frameserving is an integral part of video encoding for many users here.

I urge you to look into it...you won't be sorry, I'll guarantee it!

[psx_pirate]

You could just rip each dvd (movie only in file mode) then load them into TDA (add each dvd using the source wizaed) ... create a menu then output to a new folder .... if using TDA version 1.5/6 you will then need to shrink the outputted dvd files using dvdshrink (or similar) ... if using TDA version 2.xx you can set it to shrink it for you and the outputted dvd files will be ready to burn without the need for using dvdshrink. .... this method is probably the easiest and quickest method but starwars movies are quite long and so putting 3 of them on one dvd is not gonna produce great quality using this method

[Dougmeister]

OK, vico1, you win

Do you have any good tutorial/reference/newbie help pages? I will Google it later this afternoon.

[vico1]

Do you have any good tutorial/reference/newbie help pages? I will Google it later this afternoon.

You can start with some we have here.
Look under---->Guides for this tool:
https://www.videohelp.com/tools?tool=Avisynth

In addition, Doom9 has an Avisynth section: (though may get a little deep in there)
http://forum.doom9.org/forumdisplay.php?f=33