Best file format to play on Windows HTPC

[waynezo]

I want to store individual songs from concert DVD's on a HTPC. I would like to reduce the size of the vob with out losing any quality. There are so many encoders and formats I can't figure out which is best. I have tried handbrake. I like nero 9, but I don't want to buy it if there is freeware that will do the same. Divx is more affordable.
Any advice or opinions will be appreciated.

[Baldrick]

Please post dvd to conversion in our dvd ripping forum. Moving you.

avi with xvid video and ac3 audio or mp4/mkv with h264 video and ac3 audio would be my options. You can get a bit better video quality if you use h264 video(at similar bitrate as xvid). The audio will just be copied so you wont lose any quality at all.

[jagabo]

Xvid4PSP, MeGUI

[yoda313]

I would consider WMV if you are using Windows Media Center. You do say Windows htpc but don't mention a front end software.

WMV is will be your best bet for windows media center.

If you are using another application than the other suggestions will work as well - mind you other stuff does work in windows media center it just "prefers" wmv.

Edit - that is for vista and earlier versions of windows media center - it is my understanding that windows 7 media center is supposed to offer native h264 support. I don't have windows 7 so I can't comment on specifics on that.

[Bwizzy]

Media Center will play almost any format if you use ffdshw and Haali as plug ins.