Batch encoding multiple .VOB's on multiple computers

[sparkomega]

Ok guys, I have been encoding for years, but I am affraid that my methods are dated and I am looking for a more advanced and less time consuming way to do that I need to do. I am even willing to pay someone for information leading me to a streamlined and efficient way to do what I want to do.

First about my setup...

I have two file servers that have Raid 5 setups with roughly 7 Terabytes of storage capacity total, then I have 12 encoding PC's that are all networked using Gigabit Ethernet. Each encoding PC also has roughly 200 Gigs of hard drive space on each unit.

Next, about what I have and what I would like to do with it.

There are multiple needs, but for now I will focus on the first. I have hundreds of DVD's that have been ripped out to .VOB files. Some of these files are single scenes and some are one scene in multiple .VOB files. So I understand the process will be a little different depending on the DVD.

I need to take these VOBs and convert them to a format of highest quality in order to archive in a "near raw" quality, (but much smaller file size) to more easily transcode to other formats at a later date. In this process I would like to be able to Automatically crop any black edges, de-interlace, and possibly minor video retouching, like color and anti-artifacting, although the touchup is less important. In the past I have been using a 2-pass Divx format.

I would like to do all this in as few steps as possible, For example, being able to point to a main root folder with sub-folders that hold the .VOB's and use standard settings to convert each one exactly the same, all while keeping both the directory structure as well as the video file names intact, but in a different root folder.

These files will eventually be encoded to other various formats but I am mainly looking to streamline this first process.

If you have any questions please let me know, I'd value any ideas you guys have.

Thanks!

Kevin

[sparkomega]

No one huh?

Should I move this to a different category?

[spyhawk]

Are you storing the whole DVD or rip out a particular scene in the DVD, which means reauthoring?

Try DVD Rebuilder Pro. It can do batch encoding, be sure to have both work and destination paths distinct for each project/DVD so they're not overridden when it starts the next DVD.

Since you have multiple PCs, you can install DVDRB up to 5 PCs according to the terms and agreement, and set up batch encoding. This will surely save you time.

You can do filters via Avisynth in the Filter Editor or manually in the AVS file for each segment if you wish for each project as well.

DVDRB can encode to various formats of your choice: DVD and/or Mobile output.

[sparkomega]

Yes, Each scene of the dvd will be split to its own file...

Thanks so much for the response spyhawk, I'll be checking this stuff out and will get back.

Thanks!