What format to rip my DVDs to my computer?

[SirMoby]

MP4, MKV or WMV. I don't know which to use. I've finally freed up a PC that I want to use for my videos/music. I want to copy all of my DVDs and store them so I don't have to deal with a bunch of DVDs that seem to get scattered as I'm the only family member that puts them back in place.

I just don't know what format is best or even what software is best. I've been using AnyDVD and CloneDVD for years but they don't RIP to a playable format.

What are the pros of cons of ripping to MP4, MKV or WMV?

Any recommendations on software to do this?

Ripping is time consuming so I want to do it once and not have to redo it again in a few years. Thought?

Thanks for being patient with such a newbie questions.

[redwudz]

I've been using Handbrake and converting my DVDs to MKV at a Q setting of 20 and leaving the audio as is. (Usually AC3 5.1) On my PC, this takes about 15 - 20 minutes. As long as AnyDVD is running in the background you can convert directly from the disc.

The downside is you loose menus and extras, but if you still have the original DVD, who cares.

A average DVD comes out at about 1 - 2 GB and the quality is quite good, IMO.

Alternatively you could use the Xvid format, but I prefer MKV with AC3 audio.

Others may have their own favorite methods.

And welcome to our forums.

[rumplestiltskin]

Mt personal favorite is also Handbrake but I output to H264 in an MP4 container. Audio at 160kb. Playback on my AppleTV or WDTV media player or iPad or (at 128kb audio) my Color Nook.

While I do have a 5.1 audio system in the great room, we prefer to watch our movies in bed where the TV's stereo speakers are quite sufficient.

As I use a Mac, when subtitles are involved I usually end up with MKVTools or Submerge (depending on the source).

[dragonkeeper]

I also use handbrake with a CR of 18 and pass through audio. I also use subrip to rip the subtitles and usually add the subtitle tracks as well.

[SirMoby]

Thanks for all the quick replies. I'm testing HandBrake now and it looks great.

However, I just tested an MKV file using another application and WindowMedia can't seem to read it. I guess I should just stick with MP4?

[aedipuss]

try using vlc as your media player.